7 replies to this topic

[Jimmydave937911]

Hi guys,

Would the attached sand be ok for a small layer in a formicarium?

Thanks

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[Jimmydave937911]

Have also seen this which is much cheaper?

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[Manitobant]

In my experience most ants don't like to nest in sand. Unless you have something like pogonomyrmex or myrmecocystus i wouldn't recommend it.

[ANTdrew]

I say just gather some sand from a stream bank or something. Bake it a bit and rinse it.

[Jimmydave937911]

Good shout Drew, however by the look of it my Lasius Niger won’t like the sand? Was just thinking of putting a small layer on the bottom as my chambers are about 20mm deep, just thought they could move some around as they see fit?

[Manitobant]

Good shout Drew, however by the look of it my Lasius Niger won’t like the sand? Was just thinking of putting a small layer on the bottom as my chambers are about 20mm deep, just thought they could move some around as they see fit?

oh that should be fine then. I thought you were making a dirt nest.

[Barristan]

Buy play sand I exclusively use that for my ant colonies. It is cheap and it has a wider range of grain sizes.

 

Too fine sand is not good for ants, since they have a hard time transporting back insects etc...

If you want to further improve the grip you can mix the sand with loam powder (I use 1:5 ration, loam powder/sand)

[Jimmydave937911]

Not going to lie I got a bit impatient and ordered the bird sand as it was ‘cheap’ (excuse the pun). However now it’s arrived it really is quite fine. I'm guessing with the moisture in the formicarium should be ok though as it would clump together a bit? Just guessing really??