31 replies to this topic

[Derek451]

None of my test tube setups have a “wet surface” on there cotton balls. As I understand it, the ants can pull water from the moist layer of cotton just under he dry layer.

In other words it’s not Necessarily a problem.

Ok, then maybe I won't move them into another tube. It's just freaky that so many ants died so quickly. Still don't know the cause of it.

[Derek451]

Why don't I have to heat the water when mixing in the sugar, wouldn't the sugar stay in grains if I don't? And is the distilled water that I am using right now ok in their test tubes? Or should I use bottled water for the next one?

Edited by Derek451, May 14 2018 - 4:26 PM.

[Shifty189]

Why don't I have to heat the water when mixing in the sugar, wouldn't the sugar stay in grains if I don't? And is the distilled water that I am using right now ok in their test tubes? Or should I use bottled water for the next one?

 

Heating the water will make it able to dissolve move sugar, but you don't want the mix to be too thick so there is no need to heat it up. The sugar will still be dissolved just fine as long as you don't try to put too much in.

 

As i understand it most keepers prefer 1 part water 1 part sugar but i could be wrong on this. but just don't make it too thick or it won't pass threw cotton as easy as it should.

 

as far as water goes, i would never recommend distilled water when working with animals. Not only is it not a natural way that animals encounter water, but its also more acidic than bottled or tap water.

Edited by Shifty189, May 14 2018 - 5:34 PM.

[CoolColJ]

What do you mean by 1:1 sugar to water ratio, with the sugar part, considering one is a liquid and the other solid?

[KBant]

What do you mean by 1:1 sugar to water ratio, with the sugar part, considering one is a liquid and the other solid?

If you use a measuring tool, let’s say a beer bottle, and fill it to the top with sugar. And empty the sugar into a container. And then use the same beer bottle and fill it to the top with water, once mixed, boom you have a 1:1 ratio. That is a 1:1 sugar water solution aka simple syrup. Its 1:1 because you used the same container/volume. It’s the same thing many coffee shops have laying around so people can make their drinks sweeter.

[Shifty189]

What do you mean by 1:1 sugar to water ratio, with the sugar part, considering one is a liquid and the other solid?

Being liquid or solid doesn’t matter. Use a measuring cup. I really don’t think it’s that big of a deal unless you make it with far to much sugar.

[Derek451]

Will liquid Stevia extract work? It would be easier to make a homogenous mixture.

[CoolColJ]

Isn't 1:1 like really saturated? I can't imagine the sugar to mix too well

[Derek451]

So, the problems are not over. I think it's cannibalization.

They have all the food they need; Mealworms, honey, and a tiny bit of Jell-O. However, I just saw 2 ants ganging up on another and killing it. There are 3 bodies, two are being chewed out by some workers, one has parts strewn all over the outworld. I really don't know what to do.

It's definitely an act of cannibalism or murder

pictures:

https://imgur.com/a/NhtbEKl

https://imgur.com/a/9RnSYui

Edited by Derek451, May 18 2018 - 1:53 PM.

[Derek451]

Excuse me? Is anyone on? Havent had a reply in weeks. My ants are still killing each other. It seems to be happening every 5 days.

[YsTheAnt]

So, the problems are not over. I think it's cannibalization.

They have all the food they need; Mealworms, honey, and a tiny bit of Jell-O. However, I just saw 2 ants ganging up on another and killing it. There are 3 bodies, two are being chewed out by some workers, one has parts strewn all over the outworld. I really don't know what to do.

It's definitely an act of cannibalism or murder

pictures:

https://imgur.com/a/NhtbEKl

https://imgur.com/a/9RnSYui

My N. cockerelli used to do that to deformed workers. In my experience, it happens because of humidity that is either too low or too high. Play around with it a bit, and see what happens.

[Derek451]

Off topic, but where do I find this forum on Tapatalk? I will only have my phone for the next few days