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Post by jimboob on Jul 10, 2013 21:08:33 GMT
Hello people, It's been a while since I've even thought about keeping ants again, but it's that time again. Recently a friend of mine "donated" the two following things to me. sadly I don't have a plastic tubing to go from each area I.imgur.com/DU7lQop.jpgI.imgur.com/dfUHo4m.jpgShould I replace the sand/dirt inside both of these? Where can I get some beginner ants from without going through my garden?
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Post by TenebrousNova on Jul 10, 2013 21:13:48 GMT
The sand/dirt looks alright to me (But a bit dry), and the gravel/stones at the bottom should provide drainage for excess moisture. Since you're in the UK, you won't have to wait long until the nuptial flights for our species begin, so you could catch a newly mated queen. If you want to start with an established colony, then I'd recommend this site. He's quite a reliable seller. Good luck for when you get your ants.
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peanuts
Honey Pot Ant
Posts: 40
Likes: 1
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Post by peanuts on Jul 10, 2013 21:20:45 GMT
Hi, where do you live, as the links at the top such as queenant shop sell tubing for standard uprights. Yes I would have fresh sand/soil, for a new colony.
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Post by jimboob on Jul 10, 2013 21:24:53 GMT
My only concern is with the actual nest, it looks like it has mold along the top, but I'm not really sure what it is, could just be dust as it's not been used for anything in forever
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Post by jimboob on Jul 10, 2013 21:25:33 GMT
Hi, where do you live, as the links at the top such as queenant shop sell tubing for standard uprights. Yes I would have fresh sand/soil, for a new colony. I'm from southern England, I was just looking at their tubing
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Post by Jonzii on Jul 10, 2013 21:28:23 GMT
My only concern is with the actual nest, it looks like it has mold along the top, but I'm not really sure what it is, could just be dust as it's not been used for anything in forever I wouldn't risk it myself, especially with mold as it can quickly spread and wipe out a colony . Personally I would give it a good clean out and use fresh substrate.
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Post by Jenny on Jul 10, 2013 21:33:29 GMT
Hi Jim, you could take the glass top off, dig out all the old medium and put it to one side. Give it a good cleanup and overhaul, whilst we have all this hot weather it's ideal as it dries the glass quicker. It will be worth it, as these glass setups have just shot up in price, it's a shame not to make use of it for a colony.
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Post by jimboob on Jul 10, 2013 21:48:12 GMT
I think what I'll do is clean them both out and get some new substrate, and some things for my forage area to tart it up a bit, haha.
Looking at the Queen Ant Shop, would it be a good idea to get clay granules for the bottom again? I'm also assuming any colour digging mix will do, as they all seem to have the same description .
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Post by Wood~Ant on Jul 11, 2013 8:49:54 GMT
Hi Jimboob, I would empty the entire set up and clean it out with clean warm water, then let it dry off and add some good soil or compost. Now you have reached the rank of larvae member, you can access the ant sellers board where other members sell ants; and depending on what species you fancy keeping, check out what is currently on offer and in stock.
Pet stores which sell fish often stock air line tubing in various diameter sizes, so if you find out what tubing you need you can buy it by the metre. I have the same kind of set up, so the wider tubing is required for connection to the the main nest and foraging tank.
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Post by krautman on Jul 11, 2013 14:48:24 GMT
B&Q sell good tubing, 3or 4 different sizes, try them.
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