5 replies to this topic

[dean_k]

Heya, ant people.

 

I've received my Found Series Micro Formicarium along with the new 'improved' liquid feeder.

 

Prior purchasing this, Drtrmiller repeatedly warned me that it was a very experimental nest, and after receiving it, I am inclined to agree.

 

 

Above was what I got from my package.

 

 

 

As you can see, the nest part can be replaced with other designs that were provided in the package. However, as I tried other designs out, I found out that only the one that came with the formicarium was really friction fit. The other two fitted but were loose.

 

 

Above is the size comparison with GroTube Test Tube Replacement. The real estate for ants is about the same for both and having seen both with my eyes, I will say that I prefer Grotube over this experimental formicarium. The Grotube seen above is currently housing a Lasius ant who came out of hibernation recently. She loves to dig around so, I filled the nest with substrate.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The hole on the side is where you add water.

 

 

The hole on bottom can be used to pop the replaceable nest out. You can also replace cotton if it ever molds.

 

 

The acrylic panel is not friction fit and the formicarium does not have any holding mechanism for me. I was told to use cotton to make it fit. I think you could use a cleanable sticky substance (or clay) to make it fit also.

 

 

 

The right one is the new design for the liquid. The left one is the old design which one of my ants went inside, swum for a while, and came out all wet and sugary. She didn't drown however.

 

 

 

 

 

Me has no idea what those are.

 

 

 

Those are substrate which you may choose to fill the nest with and your ants will dig to make room as they see fit.

 

 

My conclusion is that this formicarium is really experimental. You are better off with Grotube.

Edited by dean_k, December 4 2014 - 5:56 PM.

[prettycode]

What are the various substrate substances? I see mulched bark, some mixed sand-looking granules, what else?

[benjiwuf]

There is some plaster, vermiculite, coconut fibers (if I'm not mistaken), black sand/gravel, white sand, and some dirt (not just regular dirt but more of a fluffy potting soil type. although it is not potting soil).

[drtrmiller]

I really wish you would have used this on your Lasius. These stay a lot wetter than the GroTube, similar to a subterranean environment.  

 

I had a Lasius queen and small colony in one with the 4 row layout, and they were doing really well for months until I accidentally left them in my bathroom with a space heater running unattended on over 100F for hours—that quickly killed them off.

[dean_k]

My Lasius is staying in Tar Heel Ants growth chamber for the time being because she is doing very well in there.

 

I will have more colonies eventually, Besides from what I've ordered from Crystals, I also have two more colonies coming from someone else. The Found experimental nest will get its chance in due time.

[drtrmiller]

Certainly, I wasn't suggesting you move them from something they appeared to be doing well in.  

 

Just know that I have used this with many species of ants, especially earlier last year; and despite how different it is, it does have some advantages, especially in how moist the nest gets, and being able to hot-swap the acrylic if it gets debris on it.

 

Looking forward to you trying it out :~)