17 replies to this topic

[Jerry]

Hey I have a bit of a problem. My formica colony is in a test tube set up and it is rapidly running out of water. What would my best option be ? Transfer them to a new test tube . Attach an out world to there existing set up . Or move them into formicarium.

[Pleming]

Change the test-tube

[FeedTheAnts]

It depends on the size of the colony, if they have over 15 workers then you can move them into a formicarium.

[Jerry]

There's​ 8 to 10 so far. Thanks for the replies guys

[FeedTheAnts]

How much pupae and larvae?

Edited by TennesseeAnts, September 8 2017 - 6:40 AM.

[Jerry]

4 or 5 that I could see easily when I last checked them

[FeedTheAnts]

Them it would be best to move them into a new tube like Pleming said.

[Serafine]

[Pleming]

I usually wait until the test-tube is full before moving them into a formicaium. 

 

Cover the new test-tube with something to make it dark inside. Also if you have a heating cable and or pad I would place it next to the new test-tube as well. Do not place it to close as to overheat the test-tube. They will begin to move the brood immediately. 

[Jerry]

Thanks I'll probably try to get them to move this weekend will update on progress

[Jerry]

Ok here's the update. They moved into the new tube with one hick up instead of moving all the way into the new tube the holed up in the straw connecting the two tubes. After several attempts at trying to me them move I slid the straw piece entirely into the new tube. After two days they finally moved out and I could remove the straw. Here are some pictures http://www.formicult...a-queen-update/

[Zeiss]

Jerry, you can upload the photos onto your post instead of linking them every time.  http://www.formicult...-photos/?p=7462

[Jerry]

Zeiss I appreciate the help but still not having any luck I post from my phone don't know if that makes a difference

[Antking117]

Jerry - you press the gallery option and click on the picture you want. on the phone it looks like a Polaroid picture. (at least for me)

[Mettcollsuss]

What I'm doing with my 10-15 worker Tetramorium colony is placing the set tube in an outworld for them to forage for food, and if they need a new test tube, I just place it in there and they'll move in when they feel like it. Also, once they're ready to be moved into a formicarium, I can just connect it to the outworld and they'll move in on their own.

[Jerry]

Still no such luck O well

Edited by Jerry, September 17 2017 - 2:16 AM.

[Connectimyrmex]

If you don't want to switch tubes, use an eyedropper to soak the dry cotton (I did this continuously for a year when I first started ant keeping).

[Jerry]

Well the one colony that was out of water eventually switched but the one that need switched now and won't is because there is a lot of nasty going on but the won't switch it's enufe to drive me crazy