15 replies to this topic

[cap_backfire]

So quick backstory, I'm planning a29 gallon terrarium housing for ants.  The 'back' and short, side walls will have wood blocks affixed to them with tunnels and chambers pre-drilled (using black walnut because... of course I am).   There will be hydration holes drilled and I THINK I have the ventilation issues sorted out for the most part BUT... 

The rest of the terrarium will be mostly covered in moss with maybe a small, potted 'bonsai' style money tree.   Very small deposits of soil in other parts of the tank.  Is it enough to encourage them to nest in the pre-set tunnels to keep the dirt too damp for their liking?  I just would very much rather not have them nest in an area I haven't plotted out.   I know there aren't any guarantees, just looking for tips to encourage them to nest where I choose.  \

 

Camponotus Nova. is the species. 

[ANTdrew]

It’s safe to assume that ants will always do the opposite of what you want them to do. I call this Myrmy’s Law.

[TechAnt]

It’s safe to assume that ants will always do the opposite of what you want them to do. I call this Myrmy’s Law.

I think they always TRY to do the opposite instead, eventually with enough kind encouragement involving bright lights in their faces, shaking their nests, making their nests extremely humid or extremely dry and such, they may think its better to go where the antkeeper wants them.

 

EDIT: Just maybe

Edited by TechAnt, January 16 2021 - 10:31 AM.

[Devi]

Wow.  29 gallon?  That's gotta be a huge colony!

[Jakerobs]

Just try and keep the areas you want them to nest at optimum ant levels of humidity, temperature and lighting. And keep the areas you don't want them to nest in at sub-par levels. Most likely they will stay in the areas they like better.  

[ANTdrew]

Just try and keep the areas you want them to nest at optimum ant levels of humidity, temperature and lighting. And keep the areas you don't want them to nest in at sub-par levels. Most likely they will stay in the areas they like better.

To keep moss and plants happy, you’d also need to keep them at optimum humidity levels for ants.

[AleeGuy]

don't plant the plants so you won't have to hydrate everything. Heat the tunnels(like tape the heating cable on the glass that is covering the tunnels), and only hydrate the tunnels. And after they moved in you can slowly add the plants.

[ANTdrew]

don't plant the plants so you won't have to hydrate everything. Heat the tunnels(like tape the heating cable on the glass that is covering the tunnels), and only hydrate the tunnels. And after they moved in you can slowly add the plants.

This actually might work.

[AntaholicAnonymous]

I'd do a fake bonsai using a root as trunk and branches and put the plastic moss from pet shops on top for foliage.

If you want an earthy look you can apply silicone on a surface and press dry soil on it. Looks legit but they won't try to live in there.

No housing issues no upkeep for plants and no need to torture them if you can life with it not being a real bonsai

[AntaholicAnonymous]

This is for reference.
A floating island I made with the fake bonsai on top and the silicone and soil technique for the island.

Once it's set up you'll never have to worry about it again.
If you use expanding foam you can cut it into any landscape you can imagine.

[Swirlysnowflake]

This is for reference.
A floating island I made with the fake bonsai on top and the silicone and soil technique for the island.

Once it's set up you'll never have to worry about it again.
If you use expanding foam you can cut it into any landscape you can imagine.

That looks so cool

[Devi]

 

This is for reference.
A floating island I made with the fake bonsai on top and the silicone and soil technique for the island.

Once it's set up you'll never have to worry about it again.
If you use expanding foam you can cut it into any landscape you can imagine.

That looks so cool

 

It really does, where did you get this?!?

[AntaholicAnonymous]

Thank you.
I made that myself using the technique I mentioned with expanding foam.

That was the first tank I ever made. I've made many crazy structures since that I even have a thread where I show how to do that stuff

[ANTdrew]

Thank you.
I made that myself using the technique I mentioned with expanding foam.


That was the first tank I ever made. I've made many crazy structures since that I even have a thread where I show how to do that stuff

You need to post your new stuff, bro.

[AntaholicAnonymous]

As of now I'm experimenting a lot with lighting, fog machines, maybe waterfalls soon and all kinds of stuff.

My goal is to put out good YouTube content so I'm holding off mayor projects until I figure out the video production aspect of it but you'll definitely see some crazy setups from me in the future.

[cap_backfire]

OK that was more responses than I kept up with!  Thanks guys.    Let's see if I can respond to the posts that were in response to ME.  

With it being moss the "land" area will be quite moist.  Probably more damp than they'll be comfy with.  Fingers crossed.   I plan to plant the plants because... that's just how I want it.  I'm stubborn.   If they DON'T nest in the nest I make for them... It won't crush me but... I think they will (every thing possible crossed!).   I don't plan on torturing them, but to encourage them to move into the nest via bright lights and making the nest as optimal as possible.    I want the plants to grow in before the ants are introduced so they can look even better.   

The 29 gallon tank IS large but this is going to be a major display in my hobby area and I want it to look AMAZING.   The size will give me the space to decorate and plant as I want, without too many restrictions.   I know it's not ideal for the expectations I have but... I'm willing to accept any other outcomes.   

That floating rock is AMAZING.   OK now I plan to do something like that with a future colony using a 10 gallon as a formicarium.   That's just too cool.  I feel like there's so much you could do with it.   Also so cool it's so simple to do!  I have everything I need to make a setup like that TOMORROW.   So you have inspired me greatly with this setup.   Thank you.  

 

OK guys, thanks  again!   I love the great responses and the vast amount of info given out here.   KUDOS