stopping escapes in open tanks?

[danikin92]

hey guys, I have always been interested in animals especially fish and insects and have always wanted to have an ant farm. to begin with I was going to get one of those gel farms but after hours of research and reading up on ant farms, colonies and peoples experience I have decided to use my old fish tank (which is 2 foot by 1 foot) ;D. I know not to introduce them into it straight away because I know they need to grow into it. however when the time comes and I eventually do introduce them into my tank how do I stop them from escaping? I have been reading on the web and there are many creative ideas about how to stop ants escaping. the main ones seem to be baby powder and water, and Vaseline. I'm thinking the Vaseline is going to be the better choice? I know the line around the tank needs to be at least 2 inches thick but would you need to reapply the Vaseline after a certain amount of time? and would this method definitely stop the ants from escaping? ....

also sorry for all the questions but I was wondering if anyone knows any reliable dealers or websites that will not rip you off and take your money with out giving you the ants that you have paid for.

Dan.

[Jenny]

Hi Dan and a very warm welcome to AHW, we also like questions better to ask than get it wrong

There is no sure way of stopping escapees no matter what substance you use. Shane (member here) has even used shampoo as you can read on his Messor Journal. Of course, anything you use has to be re- applied some weeks later. On our tanks we have a tight fitting lid, and even have fine mesh and cotton wool to cover holes. Even so the odd workers will get out, all species have excellent "squeeze ability",
I have even known people to put a moat around the tank, but only to find it littered with dead workers or the foragers have built a bridge across with soil and forest debris!

Many people use this fluid from Ants Unearthed site to prevent escapees, but it is not cheap and has to be re-applied again. PTFE Fluid.

To the right of this forum you can see a links bar, reliable sites are on there.

Kalytta (Germany) are the best for quality and reliable but slightly more expensive, postage included in the colony price.

Antstore (Germany) less expensive, members have had varying problems and quality.

Ants Unearthed ( old Edu-Sci) limited UK stock and expensive.

World of Ants (Germany) reliable good stock.

All the ant selling sites members here have had colonies from, I won't advertise sites that haven't been tested.

Enjoy digging in the forum, there is plenty of info about and very helpful members

[jennifer]

I was advised to get this instead.. Its Fluon and you get 150ml for £11, £14.10 with shipping from blades biological .
I heard from another ant keeper it will keep most things in.

Not sure if that might interest anyone? I worked out it was about 10ml for £5 from the ants unearthed or 150ml for £15 from blades.

Scottish people bargain hunt

www.blades-bio.co.uk/search.asp?pg=1&stext=fluon&sprice=&stype=&scat=