8 replies to this topic

[Ameise]

Hey there!

 

I'm current investigating some possible alternatives to using cotton as a stopper for the water side of the test tube in claustral tubes for my Camponotus queens.

As it stands, I can only think of a few choices:

 

1. Wadded up denim or cotton cloth

2. A non-treated kitchen sponge of some kind.

3. A PVA sponge.

 

Has anyone tried any of these or have any experience or thoughts?

[soulsynapse]

wonder if a small 3d printed part fitted with a fine mesh would do

[nurbs]

Hey there!

 

I'm current investigating some possible alternatives to using cotton as a stopper for the water side of the test tube in claustral tubes for my Camponotus queens.

As it stands, I can only think of a few choices:

 

1. Wadded up denim or cotton cloth

2. A non-treated kitchen sponge of some kind.

3. A PVA sponge.

 

Has anyone tried any of these or have any experience or thoughts?

 

Any specific reason you are looking for alternatives? Cotton is inexpensive and works well.

 

Sponges also work, but they are more expensive vs cotton.

[Kevin]

Drew has expiremented with this before for Camponotus and other species ripping the cotton.

 

http://www.formicult...on-ball-covers/

 

650 posts

[nurbs]

Drew has expiremented with this before for Camponotus and other species ripping the cotton.

 

http://www.formicult...on-ball-covers/

 

650 posts

 

It's a great solution for plugging the ends of the test tube, but I still use just cotton for the reservoir. Most of my species are large Camponotus, and they do fine with this basic setup.

 

I have noticed that the ones that continue to rip or bite on the cotton are not fertile or are duds, but the majority of them will settle.

 

Edited by nurbs, June 12 2017 - 2:45 PM.

[Antlover31]

You can always use a kitchen sponge if you cut it up

[Russell]

I noticed a number of my ants were pulling cotton so I am considering alternatives. All my queens to eventually calm down but a few came very close to escaping and considering how hard they were to find this would be a big disappointment. 

1, Alternatives I read a few use on here are "dental cotton rolls"-not sure if they would fit tight enough.

2, Foam Plugs for culture test tubes- can be ordered to match test tube size but are about 14 cents a piece. But look good.https://www.thomassc...S?q=Cotton Plug

3, Cotton Culture Plugs - they allow air flow and are used in fruit fly cultures and can be ordered to fit specific test tubes. I think I like this option the most.https://www.carlroth...53500030023_en 

 

What do people think? 

[dspdrew]

I have noticed that the ones that continue to rip or bite on the cotton are not fertile or are duds, but the majority of them will settle.

 

P. rugosus love to do this whether fertile or not.

 

The only time I take the time to use these now is for Acromyrmex when trying to start a fungus garden, because the cotton will cause them to destroy their fungus pellet.

[Ameise]

I'm also considering using very, very fine stainless steel mesh. I suspect that ants can't grab it.