7 replies to this topic

[RacRmt]

Hi guys,
I was wondering what everyone's experience was with tubs and tubes setups.

I plan on starting several new colonies this summer (mainly lasius, tetramorium and some Formica species) but don't want to spend a small fortune on formicariums. I don't have tons of spare time so I'm not really looking to make any either.

I'm thinking of raising a substantial number of these colonies long term with tubs and tube style setups. I would obviously add new test tubes as the colonies grow or water is depleted.

Anyways some questions:

- has anyone raised successful colonies long term Using this method?
-if yes, any tips or tricks you guys have found helpful?
- pros and cons vs formicarium setups?


Thanks!

[AntsMaryland]

I have raised many colonies long term with this method (e.g, Tetramorium, Aphaenogaster, Tapinoma sessile).

 

The only real warning I have, is that it can be a bit of a pain replacing and adding so many new test tubes as the colonies grow for explosive species like Tetramorium. Also, you won't be able to view the colonies in the same way you can in a formicarium bc the circular attribute of test tubes distort the view. But if you're fine with all that, no real problem.

[ANTdrew]

In my experience, this is the best way to raise Tetramorium. I’ve also raised a huge Crematogaster colony in tubs and tubes. They may not be the sexiest set-ups, but they are most definitely viable long term.

[RacRmt]

Thanks! Good to hear you've had success. I figure I’ll just move the colonies to a bigger tub if it gets to that stage. Did you ever have probems reapplying the escape barriers?

Yea I thought the visibility probably wouldn't be great. But I'll still be using traditional formicariums for a few colonies.

[AntsMaryland]

Thanks! Good to hear you've had success. I figure I’ll just move the colonies to a bigger tub if it gets to that stage. Did you ever have probems reapplying the escape barriers?

Yea I thought the visibility probably wouldn't be great. But I'll still be using traditional formicariums for a few colonies.

Nah. It's easy. I plug up all the tubes with cotton, take them out. Use a cotton ball to sweep any remaining ants in the outworld into a temporary container. Then wash the outworld and reapply the barrier, and put them all back in. 

[RacRmt]

In my experience, this is the best way to raise Tetramorium. I’ve also raised a huge Crematogaster colony in tubs and tubes. They may not be the sexiest set-ups, but they are most definitely viable long term.

 

Awesome, that's good to hear! 

 

Any species that don't do so well in your opinion? 

 

Thanks! Good to hear you've had success. I figure I’ll just move the colonies to a bigger tub if it gets to that stage. Did you ever have probems reapplying the escape barriers?

Yea I thought the visibility probably wouldn't be great. But I'll still be using traditional formicariums for a few colonies.

Nah. It's easy. I plug up all the tubes with cotton, take them out. Use a cotton ball to sweep any remaining ants in the outworld into a temporary container. Then wash the outworld and reapply the barrier, and put them all back in. 

 

 

Thanks, this will be a useful tip! 

[AntsMaryland]

 

In my experience, this is the best way to raise Tetramorium. I’ve also raised a huge Crematogaster colony in tubs and tubes. They may not be the sexiest set-ups, but they are most definitely viable long term.

 

Awesome, that's good to hear! 

 

Any species that don't do so well in your opinion? 

 

Any SUPER small species like Solenopsis molesta, as every time I've tried with a test tube, they appear to dig into the cotton eventually and flood it all.

Edited by AntsMaryland, June 16 2020 - 7:29 PM.

[ANTdrew]

I usually only have to reapply Fluon after hibernation (unless it’s ants like Crematogaster, but that’s a whooole different story.)