8 replies to this topic

[AntsMAN]

I have tried a few different liquid feeders, wick method, gravity method, and a THA liquid feeder. All molded on me. I've use all natural honey mixed with water, and every time they had mold floating in them after a few days? Should I just use sugar water? or is there something else I can use? As of now I'm having to put a cotton ball soaked in honey water everyday or so as it molds very quickly as well.

My honey seems fine no growths in the jar.

[Kevin]

Maybe it's the humidity or temperature in your formicarium.

[Loops117]

You should try the 117 Colonies nectar feeder!

 

Lol, jk. I only use the nectar feeders that i've created, and i've never had a mold issue. I also feed my own mix of nectar, so idk.

[AntsMAN]

I'm going to make some nectar, and try that out. 1 part Sugar, 4 parts water.  I'm going to try a few different mix' and see what happens. I think when I add the water I compromise the honeys ability to deter bacteria. When I add water to the honey it only lasts 3-4 days and it molds, but honey on its own last a long time.

Anyone have any non secret recopies they could share.

[Kevin]

you could puree bugs and dye it blue, lol

(byformica reference)

[drtrmiller]

you could puree bugs and dye it blue, lol
(byformica reference)

 

Insects are too thick for liquid feeders, and would spoil readily with added moisture content. Honey, on the other hand, molds when diluted because it's teeming with microorganisms that start growing when more water is introduced.

Sunburst Ant Nectar is designed for extra long life, and small amounts will never mold in the feeder. Looks like Amazon.com is shipping the byFormica Galileo Liquid Feeders to Canada now, and the Value Bundle option includes a 120 ml bottle of Sunburst. They currently aren't shipping the Sunburst nectar on its own to Canada, but I've seen folks use freight forwarders to buy it from the US site.

Check out the .com link in my signature, below, and be sure to read the reviews for both the Sunburst and Galileo feeders.

Edited by drtrmiller, August 30 2016 - 4:04 PM.

[AntsMAN]

 

you could puree bugs and dye it blue, lol
(byformica reference)

 

Insects are too thick for liquid feeders, and would spoil readily with added moisture content. Honey, on the other hand, molds when diluted because it's teeming with microorganisms that start growing when more water is introduced.

Sunburst Ant Nectar is designed for extra long life, and small amounts will never mold in the feeder. Looks like Amazon.com is shipping the byFormica Galileo Liquid Feeders to Canada now, and the Value Bundle option includes a 120 ml bottle of Sunburst. They currently aren't shipping the Sunburst nectar on its own to Canada, but I've seen folks use freight forwarders to buy it from the US site.

Check out the .com link in my signature, below, and be sure to read the reviews for both the Sunburst and Galileo feeders.

 

I'll definitely be getting some of this. Thanks Terry.

[dspdrew]

It's not a feeder problem. The problem is that the sugary liquid you are using has no preservatives in it.

[AntsMAN]

It's not a feeder problem. The problem is that the sugary liquid you are using has no preservatives in it.

 

I'm looking at some natural preservatives I can use to prevent mold growth. Going to do some trial and error.