5 replies to this topic

[jdsaunders1390]

What is your favorite brand and/or model of store-bought formicariums and why?

I am new to the hobby and have never kept ants before. I may make my own formicariums in the future, but would like to start with a well tested, store-bought option. I currently have two Solenopsis invicta queens in test tube setups (only species I have found so far) and know I will need a formicarium soon. I would love to catch Tetramorium, Camponotus, and Odontomachus queens eventually (all three live in my area).

[drtrmiller]

I am new to the hobby and have never kept ants before. I may make my own formicariums in the future, but would like to start with a well tested, store-bought option.

Ants are such an exotic pet, anything you buy, no matter how long the vendor has been in business, is considered experimental. Ants are also diverse in their size, behavior, and environmental preferences, so care must be taken to obtain a formicarium that is precisely tailored for the intended inhabitants.

Above all else, keep in mind that a formicarium is simply a tool; and like any tool, its utility will depend almost as heavily on the skill and expertise of the operator, as much as the craftsmanship of the tool itself.

Edited by drtrmiller, April 19 2017 - 3:36 AM.

[MichiganAnts]

i recommend anttopia.com or 117colonies.com 

[Alabama Anter]

Antopia or THA

[Serafine]

More important than the actual manufacturer is that the setup serves the needs of your ants.

Camponotus are probably the easiest to care for as their nests barely need any watering cause they can live fine at room humidity (should be kept in a test tube anyway).
Also they grow very slow during the first (and often second) year and probably won't need a big nest for quite some time. If you keep them in acrylic or printed nests I'd recommend to apply a small base layer of sand-clay mix so the ants have an easier time walking inside the nest (it also gives their larvae anchor points for the silk strains when they start to pupate).

Tetramorium are very adaptable and can live with a wide range of conditions from dry to wet (nest should be a bit moist though). They grow quickly but can be a bit difficult to found from what I've heard.

Odontomachus are very picky and probably need a soil setup as well as perfectly sized LIVING prey.

Edited by Serafine, April 11 2017 - 3:15 PM.

[Spamdy]

Recommend Tar Heel Ants, a bit pricey but naturalistic look at quality, Anttopia haven't tried theirs but looks good!