5 replies to this topic

[Socalfireants]

I'm split between a large expensive tarheel nucleus or a ants canada vertical small for use with both my California solenopsis and crematogaster. Any thoughts or new choices? Also does anyone know if pogonomymex are good at climbing tarheel nest areas. My Pogonomyrmex can't climb anything lol

[Crystals]

I prefer to build my own nests.

Several tutorials here - http://www.formicult...of-handy-links/

 

My crematogaster favor the bead container style nest with grout and sand on the floor.

 

Either way choose a nest that fill up at least 30% of so they don't store garbage in it.

[BaconPancakes]

I have used both the Ants Canada products and the Tar Heel Ants stuff.  I really like the Tar Heel Ants stuff since it seems a lot more like their natural environment. My colony of Novomessor Cockerelli was having huge problems getting settled in an unnatural type nest, but the second I put them into the Tarheelants nest they started popping brood out like crazy.

 

I am also really into the aesthetics of the nest and the Tarheel stuff looks great on a desk or as a conversation piece. The ants canada stuff is more like what you would see in a science lab. A lot of people like that though and their products are really thought out to satisfy the needs of the ants.

 

The hydration system is pretty cool in the Tar Heel stuff too. I also like how the Ytong keeps the humidity in the nests. The walls stay damp and it seems like the ants really like that. It also dampens vibration and sound. 

 

How big is your colony? There might be a way to try both depending on the size your colony is now.

Edited by BaconPancakes, April 14 2016 - 10:20 AM.

[noebl1]

I've been curious about this as well I really liked the sciencey look of the Ants Canada habitats, but wondered how the ants felt about it.  I was drawn to them more than the Tarheel ones.  I see Ants Canada have their new species-specific ones.  I've got some time anyways to decide... loaded up on test tubes and just hoping I can finally find a mated queen

[BaconPancakes]

Well, If you haven't started a colony yet then check out the Mini Hearth.  This is what I am currently using.  That way you don't have to spend a ton of money and get a feel for the Tar Heel products. It is a founding Formicarium so it can replace test tubes really quickly after you have a few workers.

[Crystals]

I have used both tarheelants and antscanada nests.

Tarheelants used to have picture frame style nests and I quite liked those, they inspired me to try making grout nests.  Their current nests are all in one setups, with the nest built right into the foraging area - and since my northern ants have to hibernate, it is difficult to get the tall nests onto a fridge shelf.  I also prefer to remove the foraging area for a good cleaning every few months.

Antscanada omni nests, I had one and my ants were not the fond of the pure acrylic.  But once I altered it by adding a thin layer of grout to the floor and mesh over the water sponge so they couldn't dig into it - the ants really liked it and I have a Formica colony thriving in it.  I hear the vertical ones have humidity issues though and dry out too fast.

 

If it interests you, here is a link for various types of founding chambers that other people have made or bought - http://www.formicult...ounding-queens/