4 replies to this topic

[Adventurer390]

I normally like to keep my room temp between 72*F-75*F and I am using Tarheel Mini Hearth, Fortress, and Atom nest. I was curious on what heating method I should use (if any)? Any preferences between a heating cable and lamp? And with the Tarheel formicariums, where would be the best position for heating? I read several posts on heating but was curious about this scenario and my setup.

[iXvXi]

Depending on the species and other factors it's hard to say. I would suggest a heating cable (15-25w) for med-large formicariums, but anything smaller, you run the risk of overheating and drying out the queen/nest. A heat lamp placed not too close should be fine with smaller formicaria as long as light isn't exposing the queen. 

 

You should research the species you have and adjust heating/humidity to their preferences.

 

*Try not to place heat under nests, walls and ceilings are best

*To avoid condensation heat shouldn't be placed near water sources

[Runner12]

A dimmer switch with a plugin that you can pick up for ten bucks at home depot gives you a ton of versatility in terms of adjusting how much heat your pad/cable puts out

[prettycode]

This heat mat: https://www.amazon.c...ding=UTF8&psc=1

 

...plus this thermostat controller: https://www.amazon.c...pd_sim_sbs_86_5

 

...has been amazingly reliable.

 

You'll find a few standard size variations for the mats and identical thermostat controllers with different brand labels on them. They're all created by the same Chinese manufacturer--just branded differently. Look for the size and price that is most palatable.

 

I just keep mine set to 75 degrees F, 24/7, when the ants aren't in hibernation.

 

My only criticism is that the mats are black: if any ants escape their formicariums, you'll have a hard time spotting them if they're walking about the mat. I put a layer of white paper over the mat/under the formicariums, to triage this.

 

Oh, and when the thermostatic controller turns on/off to regulate the heat, you hear a (somewhat loud) "click" noise. This can happen frequently. Doesn't bother me much--I've got my mat setup in my office and my mind now filters it out.

 

For the thermostatic sensor, I put a thin layer of sand in a small acrylic box that sits on the mat alongside the formicariums, and burry the sensor in the sand with a small weight over the sensor cable to hold the sensor in place/keep it down.

Edited by prettycode, June 24 2016 - 7:19 AM.

[NightsWebs]

I use THA nucleus and Talus for my ants once they get passed 10 workers.  I also use heat lamps and I use several humidity and temperature indicators (cheap ones you can buy online or petsmart).  I live on the coast of California so humidity and cool night temperatures are a challenge.  I primarily use heat lamps with night tropical bulbs and regularly keep the top of the nests between 87-110 degrees as I have desert ants.  Remember, the bulbs radiant heat at different topical depths so read your bulb carefully to ensure you have the heat level you want and monitor regularly.  Now, that summer has arrived about 10PM I check the ambient temperature outside and than inside my garage as I don't want the temperatures to dip below 80 degrees.  keeping your temperatures in your species range is extremely beneficial and will get the maximum out of your colonies growth.