8 replies to this topic

[Tmhernandez77]

Hello everyone! I have a colony of Solenopsis xyloni that I raised from a queen I caught a few months ago. The coming is probably up to around a thousand ants, and they are growing at a crazy fast rate. I'm planning on making a Terrarium for them, similar to AntsCanada's 'Haciendo del Dorado'. I'm curious what sort of plants I can introduce that will do well with this species. I have a small agave plant I will be planting in the Terrarium, as well as another succulent of some sort. Additionally, I have a dragon fruit clipping that I'm gonna throw in there, it probably won't last but I have a bunch of the stuff, can't hurt.

My question is what plants would be recommended for this Socal, dry desert species of ant? Also, things like worms, springtails, etc, would they live or just die? Thanks for any info.

[Tmhernandez77]

 

Here are some pictures of the initial setup of the terrarium, any advice or suggestions, criticism, etc would be greatly appreciated.  The ants decided to build their nest beneath the agave plant in the corner.

[Chicken_eater100]

How many gallons does that tank hold?

[drtrmiller]

I like that you properly masked the barrier at the top, but I'm confused as to how you expect the barrier to work on the silicone bead at the joints?

[Tmhernandez77]

It's a 10 gallon tank. I've been watching the ants climb the silicon and the fluon barrier seems to work fine on that part as well
It's a 10 gallon tank. I've been watching the ants climb the silicon and the fluon barrier seems to work fine on that part as well

[Tmhernandez77]

I just had my first escapee.  I have since covered the silicon bead in clear tape and covered the tape in fluon.  Hopefully that works.

[mike.omeg]

I just had my first escapee.  I have since covered the silicon bead in clear tape and covered the tape in fluon.  Hopefully that works.

If that works please let me know.  Removing silicone from aquariums hasnt worked for me.  There always seems to be a bit left that prevents the fluon from working.  Cheers

[Connectimyrmex]

I'd recommend this:
Cut a plexiglass lid to fit the top of your terrarium perfectly. Then put a piece of folded tape on one end (so you can take off the lid with a handle ). Then you should drill a hole in the middle of the lid. Put a piece of cotton in the hole, and then you're set! 
That's what I used for my C. nearcticus colony.

[Tmhernandez77]

I just had my first escapee. I have since covered the silicon bead in clear tape and covered the tape in fluon. Hopefully that works.

If that works please let me know. Removing silicone from aquariums hasnt worked for me. There always seems to be a bit left that prevents the fluon from working. Cheers

It has worked so far. My ants stopped climbing the walls, maybe they realized it was pointless. They are Solenopsis xyloni, not the best climbers. Still trying to find the best food for them, gonna give them a cricket tomorrow

Do they like seeds? I have no idea honestly.