15 replies to this topic

[LowQualityAnts]

I just got back into antkeeping after a while of pretty much just keeping one colony alive but not doing much with it. I want to move my Camponotus before hibernation. What is a good formicarium for my colony. I will likely see a population boom after hibernation.

[United-Ants]

i would remand https://www.arthropo.../formisquarium 

https://www.arthropo...-outworld-small

Edited by United-Ants, October 14 2022 - 9:20 PM.

[ZTYguy]

Look at Tar Heel Ants. They have a plethora of great quality nests. If you have smaller Camponotus then a mini hearth xl will work fine however if it is a larger species you will want a slightly larger nest.

[LowQualityAnts]

I have C. americanus

[ZTYguy]

I have C. americanus

Try the xxl mini hearth or the station.

[MrPurpleB]

If you are interested in looks, or want to wait/save up for a bigger formicarium. I would suggest a test tube and tubs setup. You can put a test tube in a clear container as is, but just make sure to secure the tube to avoid rolling. Something I do is get some red sand for terrariums and put the tube on the sand. The red sand def looks a lot nicer, especially if you have a clear container. You can also add a plaster or other cement bottom and place a test tube while it dries, so you can mold a test tube holder in the harden cast. 

 

I have two small 15-20 Camponotus colony in both and they seem to just fine.

 

The other suggestions also seem to be good suggestions.

[ANTdrew]

C. americanus grow extremely slowly, if at all. I think a THA mini-hearth would be ideal for them.

[LowQualityAnts]

I tried a tubs and tubes but they just didn't leave the tube even when it started molding. My colony is supper picky but seems to do better in a closed environment like a formicarium. What size mini hearth would be good for my colony?

Edited by LowQualityAnts, October 15 2022 - 5:23 AM.

[ANTdrew]

Judging from anecdotal evidence on this forum, I think a standard mini-hearth could suit them for years.

[LowQualityAnts]

Ok thanks. zty guy said the xl mini hearth and from what I've seen THA doesn't really provide a size comparison between the ants and the formicarium.

Edited by LowQualityAnts, October 15 2022 - 6:12 AM.

[ZTYguy]

The xxl is about 3/4 larger than a regular mini hearth. I suggested that due to their size however if they are slow growers then a mini will do just fine. You can also order both nests so you have them in preparation. THA nests typically take a month or longer to get to you.

[MrPurpleB]

I tried a tubs and tubes but they just didn't leave the tube even when it started molding. My colony is supper picky but seems to do better in a closed environment like a formicarium. What size mini hearth would be good for my colony?

Have you tried dumping your ants into the new tube? That is how I move most of camponotus, just shake them in a tube. 

 

I have a Camponotus colony with a fresh tube of water, but the queen just stays in the outworld. Its usually only one or two workers in the tube, and they moved their larva into that area. 

[LowQualityAnts]

Thanks for all the responses! I have them in an ac testube portal and they moved out of their old one. I've seen them walk over a powder barrier before so i don't want to take any chances with a tubs and tubes setup.

[Serafine]

I just got back into antkeeping after a while of pretty much just keeping one colony alive but not doing much with it. I want to move my Camponotus before hibernation. What is a good formicarium for my colony. I will likely see a population boom after hibernation.

 

You don't need a nest and right now you don't need an outworld either.

Put them into a fresh tube if necessary and send them into hibernation in a tube (30x200mm test tubes work great for Camponotus).

 

In the meantime take a look at the various different ant shops and decide if you want to buy an outworld or DIY one yourself from something like an IKEA Godmorgon box set.

You're in no hurry at all.

A nest will become relevant probably around June of next year.

Edited by Serafine, October 16 2022 - 12:40 PM.

[T.C.]

I just got back into antkeeping after a while of pretty much just keeping one colony alive but not doing much with it. I want to move my Camponotus before hibernation. What is a good formicarium for my colony. I will likely see a population boom after hibernation.

You don't need a nest and right now you don't need an outworld either.
Put them into a fresh tube if necessary and send them into hibernation in a tube (30x200mm test tubes work great for Camponotus).

In the meantime take a look at the various different ant shops and decide if you want to buy an outworld or DIY one yourself from something like an IKEA Godmorgon box set.
You're in no hurry at all.
A nest will become relevant probably around June of next year.

Each to their own, but serafine is right. Building your own is also one of the best parts of this hobby.

Edited by T.C., October 16 2022 - 3:59 PM.

[LowQualityAnts]

Thanks for all the feedback! I will look at all the options for formicariums I have this winter.