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Suggestions to improving my terrarium


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#1 Offline Tmhernandez77 - Posted October 10 2017 - 12:46 PM

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Hello all! (Photos at bottom)

 

I have recently just moved my colony of ~1000 Solenopsis xyloni individuals into a small 10 gal terrarium.

 

In the terrarium is a mixture of topsoil, coconut husk, sand, and a small bit of worm castings o support the plants I placed inside.  I have an aloe plant, another succulent of some kind, and a cutting of a dragonfruit right now.  I imagine the dragonfruit will grow far to fast and need to be removed, but it looked nice for now.  The ants have taken well to the new space, they brought their queen underground very quickly and moved their brood in, have several nest entrances, and have explored every inch of the space.  

 

I am wondering what could be some better plants to add to this terrarium instead of the ones I have.  Also, if possible, I would like to add some sort of springtails or other organism that will help consume and process the ant waste.  How can I get springtails (or another species) and introduce it without being consumed by the ants?

 

I have attached a bunch of photos for you viewing pleasure.  Any suggestions are welcome, even if only to make it look better.

 

Thanks!

 

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Veromessor pergandei - Liometopum occidentale - Solenopsis xyloni - Unknown species


#2 Offline T.C. - Posted October 10 2017 - 2:14 PM

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If it was me I would add more plants.

#3 Offline Tmhernandez77 - Posted October 11 2017 - 1:13 PM

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I want more planst too, just don't know what to add. Any one have advice on acquiring and adding springtails?

Veromessor pergandei - Liometopum occidentale - Solenopsis xyloni - Unknown species


#4 Offline T.C. - Posted October 11 2017 - 3:15 PM

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Dspdrew might be able to sell you a culture? Earthworms would help with decomposition.

#5 Offline Connectimyrmex - Posted October 11 2017 - 3:40 PM

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Clean up crews are remarkably easy to culture. Just flip rocks and scoop springtails, woodlice, millipedes, and other decomposers out. I would not recommend keeping earthworms because most species are non-native and require very high humidity


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#6 Offline Goldsystem - Posted October 12 2017 - 7:05 AM

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Bugs in cyberspace sells springtails

#7 Offline Tmhernandez77 - Posted October 12 2017 - 2:12 PM

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I just did a bit of research on springtails, I think I can find some nearby in the evening time.  I'm gonna try and get a culture going and then introduce them.  Is there any chance they overwhelm the S. xyloni, or that the ants just eat them all?  Thanks,


Veromessor pergandei - Liometopum occidentale - Solenopsis xyloni - Unknown species





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