5 replies to this topic

[disasterants]

Now, I've got a camponotus noveboracensis queen who recently had workers and I am not sure how long I should wait before moving them out of their test tube setup. She has been in there for a few months and I want to move her out but don't have a test tube to do so with; I could make one out of some PVC pipe I have lying around but it seems a bit big for the ants... there is only slight mold growth in their tube so should I move them out or should I wait until I go back to school and can get a proper test tube for her?

[rbarreto]

If the water starts changing colors, if there is no water left in the tube, if the mold becomes too intense, if you are having trouble feeding and cleaning up after them without escapees, or if you have a better set up.

[sirjordanncurtis]

The ants probably will not be as bothered with the mold unless it completely covers the cotton. I would wait until the water runs out before changing setups, as this also gives her time until the colony can easily move out themselves, and when you have more workers.

[Major]

You probably shouldn't move them out until;

A.The water runs out.
B.The mold growth becomes too extensive and covers the cotton.
C.The ants seem to be negatively affected and you have worker die offs.
D.The test tube becomes so filthy that the ants become difficult to view.
E.The water changes color.

[CoolColJ]

Move them out whenever you feel like it IMO

 

Also test tubes are cheap man, go get some!

[fleetingyouth]

I wondered this too. I've moved a couple because of no water but I have at least one that is getting moldy and I didn't know when it was too much. 

 

Also how long after feeding do you clean up?