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Post by Josh on May 11, 2007 18:43:26 GMT
Hello everyone, I wouldn't say I'm new, I joined some time ago.. but my computer broke and I lost the link etc... I am really interested in buying a colony from Antstore- Lasius niger. They seem simple enough. Problem is, I really want to ask some questions. Does anyone have any suggestions on what to keep them in.. simple/cheap and easy to see what there up to?
Also once I have found where I am going to place them, what should I use, I'm thinking of sand, but I got no idea what type of sand, does anyone know the name of it?
Lastly, once I have all that sorted out, and the queen and 10 workers arrive. Would I simply just place them in the nest and leave them to do what they do..?
Sorry, I am sure these questions have already been answered, but right now I'm in a rush and I do not have the time to go through all the different topics.
Thank you.
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Post by Jenny on May 11, 2007 19:55:46 GMT
For L.niger a tank is best, as they thrive better in plenty of space. Some members like play sand, but the heavier horticultural sand holds together better and retains moisture to avoid tunnel collapse. Most garden centers and DIY places sell it ready bagged up outside. L.nigers can be seen better in sand as apposed to the dark soil/peat.
Once you have placed your new colony in a tank, place them in the dark and give them time to settle down of their own accord. The queen will in time dig in, and start laying.
There are posts in the brood chamber, formicarium chamber and species chamber that will elaborate on the information above.
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Post by Josh on May 11, 2007 21:00:57 GMT
Thank you both for your replies, they have helped Just need to get them now....
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Post by Josh on May 12, 2007 7:28:14 GMT
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Post by Wood~Ant on May 12, 2007 8:21:36 GMT
One more thing ( sorry for being a pain) Once I have the tank and the sand, do I need to wet the sand slightly before placing it into the tank or should I just put it straight in? Thanks again. Asking such questions is not "being a pain" Josh, as this is why Jen created this forum, for the more 'down to earth' questions about ant keeping; as we have always said, amateur myrmecologists have to start somewhere and starting off easy is always the simplest way to go I would put in any sand or soil completely dry, and then dampen it down once you have it inside your tank. Don't make it too wet, just damp. Ants won't dig into wet sand which is swimming with water, and also the weight of the sand increases the more water it holds. While we do like to help with harder questions about ants, and have some really good experts in the field as members, it is the easy questions which often get over-looked. As a caring anting community, we will always do our best to answer simple questions about keeping ants which will crop up; and give honest answers which can be understood by all, whatever your expertise in the hobby as an amateur myrmecologist
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Post by Josh on May 12, 2007 8:26:04 GMT
Thank you for answering my question I'm guessing your an expert in all of this. I know this is a question that's not related to this topic.. but out of interest how many ant colonies do you have? If you don't mind me asking.
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Post by Wood~Ant on May 12, 2007 9:12:35 GMT
Thank you for answering my question I'm guessing your an expert in all of this. I know this is a question that's not related to this topic.. but out of interest how many ant colonies do you have? If you don't mind me asking. Not so much an "expert" Josh, but I have been keeping ants since the age of 12, and that was 45 years ago In answer to your question, I have 7 ant colonies in total now; but it does fluctuate from as few as 3 to as many as 12, depending on what I can collect each year.
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Post by Josh on May 12, 2007 11:54:28 GMT
Well to me you must be an expert, if you have been keeping them that long. I was wondering, I have read that I should feed the L.niger small insects. I linked the tank that I am getting before, my question is. Do I simply place the small insects ( Crickets for example) in the tank, alive or dead..? ( Seems to sound a little cruel.. but you know)
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Post by trunks7777 on May 12, 2007 12:37:47 GMT
some people like to put them in alive and some like to kill them first (to save them getting killed slowly). With it being a new colony I would cut them up so the baby ants (first gen) can eat them easier. After the colony has a good number of workers I'll try them with live food. I am feeding mine spiders, flies, and meal-worms. I also give them honey/water an bits of cake. I have tried them with other stuff but this is want I give them the most. So it's up to you but if you do try them with live food keep an eye on them to make sure they do eat OK
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Post by Josh on May 12, 2007 14:22:17 GMT
Thank you trunks7777, I will do that, and I will try spiders also. Also thanks for the advice Myrm, I think I will skip having crickets.. and use spiders.. just need to get my step dad to let me use his credit card for buying the tank and L.niger queen This is the most annoying part of not being old enough for a credit card
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Post by Wood~Ant on May 12, 2007 14:43:08 GMT
Well to me you must be an expert, if you have been keeping them that long. Doesn't make me an expert, just a bit more experienced and knowledgable about the hobby You can keep ants all your life and still continue learning more new things about them
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Post by Josh on May 12, 2007 15:24:12 GMT
Yea I guess your right. Last question I promise When your filling the tank with sand, where do you fill it up to..? Or can you fill it up to anywhere. Thanks again.
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Post by Jenny on May 12, 2007 15:41:56 GMT
You fill a tank halfway, some fill it more, but put it this way the ants will pile up the excavated dirt on top of whatever level you have given them, just like digging out the tunnels in that WW2 film "The Great Escape" So you also need a gap between there and the roof
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Post by Josh on May 12, 2007 15:47:06 GMT
Ok thank you Jenant
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Post by Formicalondon on May 12, 2007 18:24:44 GMT
I can see what lukexx1 was saying when he said you won't be able to see the queen very well. With a tank filled with sand, much of the colony will not be in view. Where with a plaster or ytong (aerated concrete) nest you would have view of the entire colony at all times at the lift of a cover.
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