4 replies to this topic

[2boi]

I'm currently looking for a glass tank for my ants(Camponotus). I have heard that they can escape if the corners of the outworld are square. I don't want to use a plastic container and it's hard to find smooth cornered glass terrariums. But Is it really neccecary?  

[FeedTheAnts]

It isn't a necessity if you have a good barrier. I use squared cornered containers and never had a problem. Just in case your wondering, I would use baby powder, it's the best imo.

[drtrmiller]

There are two different types of glass tanks: standard aquarium-style, and Ant-Store style.  Standard aquarium tanks have thick silicone beads at the joints, and escape prevention coatings like Fluon won't stick to silicone.  Ant-Store style tanks, which only ship in Europe, are not designed to hold water, so they are not made with the thick silicone bead at the joint, allowing Fluon to be applied to the rim on the side walls.

In either case, you also want to ensure you have a proper lid.  When using Fluon, ventilation is critical, because Fluon fails irreversibly in humidity starting at about 45%, non-condensing.  A fine mesh screen works to allow air in, and keep ants contained, but often you need to custom-build the frame for this part, because few manufacturers make lids for glass tanks that are compatible with ants.

Edited by drtrmiller, June 14 2018 - 9:29 AM.

[Barristan]

But even the tanks from antstore I have the problem. I have to cut off some silicon at the top so oil won't be useless. But my tanks are quite old the newest is from 2013, maybe they already improved it. Lid is best for applying escape barrier to anyway as terry said.

[Waganga]

How large of a glass container are you looking for? If you're looking for something small, like 1-3 gallon sized, you could explore other kinds of glass containers like beverage containers or large glass jars. These kinds of things are usually one piece, so you don't have to worry about siliconed corners. It's easy to find these kinds of containers at thrift stores in my area, I would check there first.