8 replies to this topic

[Okeedoke22]

Do you think it’s worth getting a mini hearth for Camponotus pennsylvanicus colony. Queen and about 13 workers. I really like how the mini hearth looks compared to plastic maze types.

Any opinion on mini hearth would be great. Especially if you think I should go with a bigger formicarium.

Thank in advance.

[DDD101DDD]

I have a mini hearth with a five worker Camponoutus Pennsylvannicus colony in it, and it seems to work well, but the ants have begun to fill the areas not in use with trash, which can be a problem.

[AntLad]

Should be great. The mini hearth is, according to Tarheel ants, intended for small colonies of large ants, (specifically in the case of large ant species, of course it can be a permanent home for smaller species.)

As long as trash doesn't collect up in the hearth, I'd buy it in your case.

https://www.youtube....h?v=9ydRvgzo7LU

[ConcordAntman]

A mini hearth should work for you. I waited until I had 15-20 workers and moved my 3 C. pennsylvanicus colonies from test tubes to Phalanx formicaria because I didn’t want to have to upsize again as the colonies grew. It worked out fine but like DDD101DDD pointed out, they’ve used some of the unused chambers for trash. I’d also recommend getting a nestmate. The water tower is great for keeping the nest humid but it’s a bit hard to see the water level. In addition to a drinking source, the nestmate serves as a visible guide to the water level. For “housecleaning”, I picked up an aspirator from THA. I use it as a vacuum. It might be a bit harder to avoid escapees or to inadvertently vacuum up a worker in a mini hearth since the nest is smaller. Good luck!

[Acutus]

I have 3 Minis and a Mini XL love them! My C. castaneus colony is thriving in them and I attribute that directly to Mini Hearth. The trash thing can be a problem but I have found the ants eventually clean it up if you keep the Out WOrld clean.

 

 

[DDD101DDD]

The trash thing can be a problem but I have found the ants eventually clean it up if you keep the Out WOrld clean.

 

What would you define as clean, I have a bottle cap in my outworld.

[Okeedoke22]

Thank you all.  I bought the colony and its in a plastic maze type container.  I don't like it at all.  Plus its flimsy and I can't attach a test tube to it.  If I had the colony in a test tube I wouldn't rush to move them at all.  Kind of gives me an excuse to buy it. 

 

Love all the pictures. I know its stupid but the mini hearth XL looks weird since the outworld is smaller and doesn't match. 

 

Also now I have to get a C. Castaneus colony. Finding any Camponotus has been futile so most likely have to buy. 

[DDD101DDD]

Thank you all.  I bought the colony and its in a plastic maze type container.  I don't like it at all.  Plus its flimsy and I can't attach a test tube to it.  If I had the colony in a test tube I wouldn't rush to move them at all.  Kind of gives me an excuse to buy it. 

 

Love all the pictures. I know its stupid but the mini hearth XL looks weird since the outworld is smaller and doesn't match. 

 

Also now I have to get a C. Castaneus colony. Finding any Camponotus has been futile so most likely have to buy. 

The Mini hearth should work with any Camponoutus species, not just Castaneus.

[Okeedoke22]

 

Thank you all.  I bought the colony and its in a plastic maze type container.  I don't like it at all.  Plus its flimsy and I can't attach a test tube to it.  If I had the colony in a test tube I wouldn't rush to move them at all.  Kind of gives me an excuse to buy it. 

 

Love all the pictures. I know its stupid but the mini hearth XL looks weird since the outworld is smaller and doesn't match. 

 

Also now I have to get a C. Castaneus colony. Finding any Camponotus has been futile so most likely have to buy. 

The Mini hearth should work with any Camponoutus species, not just Castaneus.

 

For sure.  Going to buy 2 then figure out what 2 put in the second.