7 replies to this topic

[john.harrold]

Hello,

 

I bought a GroTube and outworld many years ago . I got a new queen and dug it out of storage. However I need to clean it. I'm wondering what is the best way to clean it. I took it a part and used water to get most of the gunk out. Is there any thing else I need to do?
 

Thank you,

John

[cooIboyJ]

What is a grotube?

[john.harrold]

Many years ago I was into keeping ants. Back then (circa 2015) byFormica made these formicariums called GroTubes. They were pretty cool. Terry also did a GroTube/outworld combo that fit together. It looked really good.

 

You can see the GroTube here: 

https://www.formicul...sion-21-review/

 

This is a video of the two:

[cooIboyJ]

To clean it I would probably take it the cover and rinse it out.

[Zeiss]

I'd give it a thorough rinse and maybe use a soft bristle brush to try to break up any potential stains.

[john.harrold]

I opened it up, rinsed it out and then used q-tips on the places where there was build up. Would that be sufficient? I just don't want to try to transfer and have the new ants turned off by the smell

[cooIboyJ]

It should be fine but using warm, soapy water with a sponge would be better.

[Ants_Dakota]

It should be fine but using warm, soapy water with a sponge would be better.

I would recommend vinegar and baking soda over soap. Especially in a Formicarium setting, there are many crevices that soap can still reside in, which becomes toxic to ants.