7 replies to this topic

[Jonny8040]

Hey guys,
I need some ideas of how to add a watering system for my nests. I want to hide it all I can in that I don’t want to be able to see the watering chamber if possible. Kind of a hidden idea. Can I add a tube that goes to a small piece of rag for water retention? Any ideas are appreciated. It’s grout and I’m going to add vermiculite to make it better at absorbing water Lord Willing on the next batch of nests. I’m trying to make it where it doesn’t dry out so bad, so ideas on a water chamber is what I’m looking for. Go for it and tell me your ideas.

In Jesus,
Jonny

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[ANTdrew]

You could either copy THA water towers or do this: https://www.formicul...nced-hydration/

Crystals’ design would be less visible if that is what you’re after.

[Jonny8040]

You could either copy THA water towers or do this: https://www.formicul...nced-hydration/
Crystals’ design would be less visible if that is what you’re after.

I’ve always wondered, with the THA water towers, do you need to still moisturize the nest or does that kinda do it for you??

[ANTdrew]

Evaporation from the water tower keeps humidity levels high. Ants still need access to drinking water, though.
What species are you building for? That will influence how humid it needs to be. Many species can survive with just drinking water (Crematogaster, some Camponotus, etc.).

[Jonny8040]

Evaporation from the water tower keeps humidity levels high. Ants still need access to drinking water, though.
What species are you building for? That will influence how humid it needs to be. Many species can survive with just drinking water (Crematogaster, some Camponotus, etc.).

Well, I’m Wanting to make a good “all around” nest. I have Tetramorium queens, Formica, aphaenogaster, etc. I’ve found a lot of queen this year haha. I’m wanting to make some founding nests and some regular nest for when they get bigger. So I’m reality, the nest doesn’t have to be moist as long as the humidity is high??

[ANTdrew]

No, it doesn’t have to be literally wet as long as ants have access to drinking water. Insects are incredibly economical with their water use.
I say just stick to good ol’ fashioned test tubes for founding queens. It’s very, very hard to improve on that set up. Focus your DIY efforts for later nests.

[Jonny8040]

No, it doesn’t have to be literally wet as long as ants have access to drinking water. Insects are incredibly economical with their water use.
I say just stick to good ol’ fashioned test tubes for founding queens. It’s very, very hard to improve on that set up. Focus your DIY efforts for later nests.

Wow. I didn’t know that. I thought you had to hostage the actual nest and not just humidify! Thank you so much!

[Serafine]

If you have ants that are fairly dry-resistant (like Camponotus) you can go the easy way and just at a piece of tubing to attach a water tube. The presence of the tube is enough to increase humidity in the nest (especially if it's a small nest) and if they need it really moist they can just carry the brood into the tube. It's also easy to replace and a tube usually lasts for anything between 6-10 months which makes watering the nest pretty much a non-issue.