5 replies to this topic

[antkeeper55]

Hi everyone, it's been a while since I've posted on here. My M. minimum colony is still going strong, and with only 1 escape incident (so far). 

 

Recently, though, I've had a new problem. I've been using ByFormica feeders without much issue for the past several months, but for some reason, in the last few weeks, dozens of ants have ended up drowning inside the feeders, prompting me to look into other feeder options. While I know some ants drowning is unavoidable, recently there have been so many that I'm worried about the colony, as it's still quite small. I think they can drink through the steel mesh on another water dispenser I have, but I'm not sure what to do about the Sunburst nectar. 

 

Are there other types of feeders that the ants can't climb into that you all would recommend? Thanks!

Edited by antkeeper55, October 3 2023 - 9:41 AM.

[Full_Frontal_Yeti]

I note that the ByFormica feeders do come in differetn sizes. the tiny capcaity jars also come on a smaller plastic feeder cap with smaller access holes.

 

 

you can see the base itself is smaller and maybe helps keep the ants from getting inside it to drown?

though as noted the larger unit also claims a screen in it that i imagine is suppoed to prevent this.


I use both the micro above and the metal mesh ones like THA sells.

 

 

Though i do not feed the  Pogonomyrmex Occidentalis i keep any sugar liquids.

But I believe with the sugay liquids you'd just want to be sure and use the smaller sized screened ones. So the screen has less time to allow the suagy liquid to dry out a little and plug up the screen.
Any clogged screens will open with hot water as it's just a bit of sugary/syrup blockage.

 

Though in general i see most are useing the tower style 3d print ones for the sunburst/sugar liquids.

 

 

 

[antsriondel]

Just add cotton in the 3d printed part. This will soak up the liquid and stop it from leaking or the ants getting in and drowning.

[ANTdrew]

Monomorium have a minimum IQ. Mine are always drowning after tunneling back behind the wet cotton in their test tube. I say buy the THA liquid feeders, or check out the cool designs with mesh that Por Amor Art makes. That said, mine use the byFormica feeders with no issues.

[100lols]

Check this out:

Making Water Fountains Safe for Small Ants
https://r.tapatalk.c...link_source=app

[antkeeper55]

Thanks everyone! I'll experiment around with these and see what works best.