5 replies to this topic

[Captainskywars]

Recently I noticed my messor barbarus colony who are still in test tube out of no where struck by mold for the 5th time and I've had to change the test tube yet again everytime they get about 20 workers mold comes and they all die out and I'm wondering what can I do about it I feed them honey and meal worm head btw

[Ants_Dakota]

I would move them or connect them to a small outworld. that way they can eat food without getting their cotton moldy.

i would recommend antscanada's portal, as it is cheap, and connects good with any test tube. you will need to put a substrate on the bottom to make the ants feel more natural.

[Devi]

I would move them or connect them to a small outworld. that way they can eat food without getting their cotton moldy.

i would recommend antscanada's portal, as it is cheap, and connects good with any test tube. you will need to put a substrate on the bottom to make the ants feel more natural.

I agree entirely.  An outworld will provide more space for them to put their garbage, and they will enjoy the naturalistic feel more as well.  I can say that for all ant species.  You can go for an AC test tube portal, those are good, or a tubs and tubes set up.  Please keep in mind that I am not very familiar about the species, and I am saying this about keeping ants in general.  All species have certain limitations/specifications that need to be accounted for when considering upgrading them.

[ANTdrew]

Another route could be a natural soil nest with springtails for mold control.

[Monarch]

Your ants might be struggling to find a place for their refuse.  As stated above, an outworld with some springtails will make your life much easier.  I generally use long test tubes so that the ants will dump their trash as far as possible from the water area.  The ants would move their trash to the entrance cotton ball.  Every so often, i would take a Qtip and swab the entrance.  When i connect an outworld, the ants would dump their refuse to the farthest place of an outworld.  

This is what i like to use: https://www.wish.com...D_BwE&share=web

 

None of my small setups liket his have springtails but I'm sure they would help your mold situation.

Edited by Monarch, September 22 2020 - 6:57 PM.

[ConcordAntman]

I use this AC test tube portal as a mini outworld. This gives you an accessible and cleanable feeding area. You could use just one test tube with 3 cotton plugs but I find the second test tube beneficial. It makes changing out moldy tubes easier. 

 

Edited by ConcordAntman, September 23 2020 - 4:36 AM.