5 replies to this topic

[DarkxSage]

My daughter DarkxRose age 6 has been very interested in ants as we have been watching more educational videos(mainly AntsCanada) for many months. I was into sciences as a kid and this is something I found interesting as well as wanting to nurture that side of growth for her. We just recently got 2 queens for us to try and raise together. C. Chromaides and C. Castaneus. 

 

They arrived July 8: C-Chrom had 8 workers and several brood. The C-Cast had 5 workers and fewer brood. 

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[NotAxo]

That's very beautiful of you teaching your daughter the bright side of ants. I'll be looking forward to the next update!

[DarkxSage]

Update a little late but so far everything is going good as far as I can tell. Been interesting experimenting to find their preferred food. My daughter loves to do our weekly maintenance together and see them run around and grow. Has the best time telling people about her ants. I am worried a bit about putting them into diapause as I don't want to screw anything up.

 

C. Chromaides have grown to about 20 workers. They have definitely been the stronger of the two. 

 

 

 

C. Castaneus have grown to about 12 workers. These worry me some as I don't see as many eggs from her. But I'm remaining positive.

 

 

I'm not too sure how I like this set up either I might get different Formicarium/Outerworld setups.

 

 

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Edited by DarkxSage, September 18 2024 - 5:23 PM.

[Ants_Dakota]

Update a little late but so far everything is going good as far as I can tell. Been interesting experimenting to find their preferred food. My daughter loves to do our weekly maintenance together and see them run around and grow. Has the best time telling people about her ants. I am worried a bit about putting them into diapause as I don't want to screw anything up.

 

C. Chromaides have grown to about 20 workers. They have definitely been the stronger of the two. 

 

 

 

C. Castaneus have grown to about 12 workers. These worry me some as I don't see as many eggs from her. But I'm remaining positive.

 

 

I'm not too sure how I like this set up either I might get different Formicarium/Outerworld setups.

I really like the fact you bought two similar yet distinct species at the same time and same development stage. Personally, I find a lot of joy in keeping different ants from the same genus as it builds a sense of understanding the genus as a whole, and any differences are a lot more fascinating because you ask yourself why this species behaves in a certain way. I look forward to future updates!

[Full_Frontal_Yeti]

I notice you have a lot of condensation.

that happens for two main reasons.
 

1: supersaturation from excessive water evaporation.
If the nest heating is a bit too close to/direct on the water tower, it can cause the water to evaporate fast enough to supersaturate the humidity level(>100%). This will cause condensation on everything and cannot be stopped except by slowing down the water evaporation rate.

2: temperature differential between inside and outside the nest glass.
This one can be dealt with by draping a bit of the heat cable(assuming you use one) across the glass where there is condensation.
It takes a while for such large droplets as i see you have. But if temperature difference is the cause, it would clear up the condensation in about 24-48 hours or less.

here is a larger nest i made, the large glass pane(8x6) dissipates heat quickly so i got to keep the heat cable spiraled on it to prevent condensation throughout the nest. Even though the main application of heat to the nest is on the opposite side of the nest from the water towers.
https://www.formicul...-1706130565.jpg

Fun looking setup you have.

 

[DarkxSage]

I have a heating pad underneath set to 80° so I suspect that's the culprit. I have more segments that I didn't add as I thought it would be too large but maybe I'll put the water towers one block further away. I think I'll look to another model as when I change out the items in outworld it spooks them.