76 replies to this topic

[T.C.]

 

I pulled the vermiculture out of one of mine. I had a few ants go into the hydration spot and die which I believed to be causing mold issues. Would filling it with cotton be fine?

How were they getting inside it? You should contact Drew via PM or chat with him.

 

I had took the lid off. They started spilling into the hydration tube as soon as I did that.

[dspdrew]

 

 

I pulled the vermiculture out of one of mine. I had a few ants go into the hydration spot and die which I believed to be causing mold issues. Would filling it with cotton be fine?

How were they getting inside it? You should contact Drew via PM or chat with him.

 

I had took the lid off. They started spilling into the hydration tube as soon as I did that.

 

 

You had mold issues inside the inner hydration container? How many ants went in it?

[T.C.]

I pulled the vermiculture out of one of mine. I had a few ants go into the hydration spot and die which I believed to be causing mold issues. Would filling it with cotton be fine?

How were they getting inside it? You should contact Drew via PM or chat with him.

I had took the lid off. They started spilling into the hydration tube as soon as I did that.

 
You had mold issues inside the inner hydration container? How many ants went in it?

I don't know that there was mold in it, however about five ants did. Maybe a few more. I forgot to oil up the tubes when I was doing the sides. I was taking the lid off for feeding and cleaning. The species was formica so they where real quick.

[dspdrew]

 

 

 

 

I pulled the vermiculture out of one of mine. I had a few ants go into the hydration spot and die which I believed to be causing mold issues. Would filling it with cotton be fine?

How were they getting inside it? You should contact Drew via PM or chat with him.

I had took the lid off. They started spilling into the hydration tube as soon as I did that.

 
You had mold issues inside the inner hydration container? How many ants went in it?

I don't know that there was mold in it, however about five ants did. Maybe a few more. I forgot to oil up the tubes when I was doing the sides. I was taking the lid off for feeding and cleaning. The species was formica so they where real quick.

 

 

In a situation like that, I would get something to put in the tubes while the lid is off. I would imagine two nails would work great.

[T.C.]

Oh, I learnt from that mistake. A little bit of vegetable/olive oil works great as a temporary barrier. They can't get up the tubes.

Edit: I also learnt there is a water amount limit.

Edited by T.C., November 28 2017 - 11:03 PM.

[YsTheAnt]

Are the large versions of the one on Amazon available?

[TennesseeAnts]

Would Camponotus Noveaboricensis be able to live in these?

[drtrmiller]

Are the large versions of the one on Amazon available?

Not at the time of this writing. They will be available on Amazon in the future.

Would Camponotus Noveaboricensis be able to live in these?

Since this is a species that typically nests in wood, I would recommend only experienced antkeepers attempt this.

Edited by drtrmiller, November 30 2017 - 9:15 PM.

[dspdrew]

Would Camponotus Noveaboricensis be able to live in these?

 

I would not try to house a wood-nesting species in a dirt nest.

[dspdrew]

Are the large versions of the one on Amazon available?

 

Until they are, you can purchase it directly from me if you want. I just haven't really listed my formicariums on the forum yet.

[YsTheAnt]

Ok, thanks! I'll let you know when I need them if they aren't on amazon.

[drtrmiller]

Anyone who wants one should order soon, because they're almost sold out again and it may be a while before they're restocked.

[sgheaton]

Booooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo. I've got all of next week off. Going to use that as a planning week. 

[TennesseeAnts]

Would Camponotus Noveaboricensis be able to live in these?

 
I would not try to house a wood-nesting species in a dirt nest.

I ask because with my first colony of these were kept in a box completely filled with dirt and they dug a nest and lived until all the workers died.(They were queen-less) And I being more cautious now, wanted to know because I was planning on making something like this for my Camponotus Noveaboricensis queen.

[zlez93]

Great nest.

 

Will probably buy in spring.

 

How big of a lasius niger (black garden ant) colony would this hold?

 

Also, how long can we expect the vermiculture to last?

Edited by zlez93, February 6 2018 - 2:08 PM.

[drtrmiller]

Great nest.
 
Will probably buy in spring.
 
How big of a lasius niger (black garden ant) colony would this hold?
 
Also, how long can we expect the vermiculture to last?

The capacity is probably 1,000 or more Lasius workers, if connected to a large foraging area.

The vermiculite is an inorganic material, and will not dissolve or degrade in quality over time. It should last through the life of the formicarium.

[zlez93]

 

Great nest.
 
Will probably buy in spring.
 
How big of a lasius niger (black garden ant) colony would this hold?
 
Also, how long can we expect the vermiculture to last?

The capacity is probably 1,000 or more Lasius workers, if connected to a large foraging area.

The vermiculite is an inorganic material, and will not dissolve or degrade in quality over time. It should last through the life of the formicarium.

 

 

Wow, so what's the estimated life of the formicarium and how long is the guarantee for it? Also, when will you be adding byformica items?

[drtrmiller]

Wow, so what's the estimated life of the formicarium and how long is the guarantee for it? Also, when will you be adding byformica items?

The product consists of a plastic box designed to contain dirt and regulate moisture. It should last a long time if used as intended and cared for properly.  It is designed to be reusable many times.  A comprehensive instructional sheet is included.  For more detailed product questions, please contact dspdrew, who manufactures these products.

byFormica Product Update: http://www.formicult...t-availability/

Edited by drtrmiller, February 6 2018 - 2:32 PM.

[Derpy]

Would this be good for prenelolepis Imparis?

[Kevin]

Would this be good for prenelolepis Imparis?

 

Any ant you find that can nest in sand, dirt, or other substrate will be able to use the Dirt Box if it can if inside it. I have found some wood-preferring species gladly nest in the sand of this formicarium.

Edited by Kevin, February 6 2018 - 4:56 PM.