If you have read the pinned beginner's guide, then you already have a good basis - http://forum.formicu...-for-beginners/
Don't knock those Tapinoma sessile. I have been looking for some of those for quite some time for a teacher with no success.
Everyone needs a good beginner/testing colony to learn from.
My best advice, if they are in a test tube, let them remain in it for at least a week or so. Just place the test tube in an outworld for easy feeding.
The biggest cause I have seen for the death of a young colony is for them to be moved into a huge nest. The nanatics tend to get lost and they starve.
When the colony is small, try to ensure that the colony fills about 1/4 of the nest. If the species of ant doesn't seem to mind a test tube, the longer they remain in it, and the larger the colony gets, the better.