8 replies to this topic

[MinigunL5]

I found this old aquarium heater and was wondering if it work for ants? I'm not sure if water conducts heat differently, or if it could have different results outside water. It is a 15-watt flat aquarium heater meant for 4 gallon(15.1416 liter) aquariums. The dimensions are 5.715cm by 16.51cm by 0.4064cm. 

 

Heres pictures for more info: https://imgur.com/a/lQSpwgu

 

If you think it would work could you also tell me how I should position it for test tubes? I have no clue XD

 

All help is appreciated!

[ANTdrew]

My advice for heating test tubes is to place them in a plastic container of some sort ( a larger tupperware could work). Ventilate the lid of the box. Place your heat mat under one side of the container as far away from the water portion of the test tube as possible. This will make a basic incubator.

Edited by ANTdrew, June 10 2020 - 3:29 AM.

[MinigunL5]

My advice for heating test tubes is to place them in a plastic container of some sort ( a larger tupperware could work). Ventilate the lid of the box. Place your heat mat under one side of the container as far away from the water portion of the test tube as possible. This will make a basic incubator.

Could I put several ant queens in one container?

[ANTdrew]

You could put as many tubes as will fit in the container. Here is what I use with great success:

 

I put a shoebox over the whole thing to keep it darker and to trap a bit more of the heat.

[MinigunL5]

 

You could put as many tubes as will fit in the container. Here is what I use with great success:

 

 

I put a shoebox over the whole thing to keep it darker and to trap a bit more of the heat.

 

Could I use a shoe box?

[steam_funk]

I wouldn't be ideal probably, aquarium heaters to my understanding usually keep heating until a sensor detects the correct temperature. Because its made to work in water it might not create the temperature you want in air. I would buy a cheap heat-pad, but try it if you want.

[MinigunL5]

I wouldn't be ideal probably, aquarium heaters to my understanding usually keep heating until a sensor detects the correct temperature. Because its made to work in water it might not create the temperature you want in air. I would buy a cheap heat-pad, but try it if you want.

Yeah, the manual says that it can get over 170  outside water...
 

[mannac]

Aquarium heaters require water to cool off and will burn out in air, possibly starting a fire.

[steam_funk]

Aquarium heaters require water to cool off and will burn out in air, possibly starting a fire.

Yeah I would just buy some heat tape or a heat pad. I have had fish tank heaters for my fish tank break even when partially submerged.