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Post by si on Aug 3, 2021 8:11:23 GMT
I've been thinking about this drainage layer and looking at the design of the ant cube. The two small holes that allow the ants to access the nest from the arena are very close to the bottom. Any layer for drainage will end up covering the holes. I assume this is a problem? Any thoughts? Have you got a photo of the nest? I was wondering if you could use a barrier to help stop any drainage layer from blocking the entrance holes, as you could try perlite or vermiculite. There are several photos and even a YouTube video in this link. antsuk.com/product/antcube-starter-set-20x20-combi/
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Post by Wood~Ant on Aug 3, 2021 10:15:08 GMT
I have just watched the video and it seems that you could use a layer of coarse sand or grit. These can also be purchased from a good garden centre the same as the perlite. Grit is heavier and easily available, and you can use a fine plant water sprayer with a fine spray like mist to moisten the layer in the nest foraging arena outworld. It isn't white like perlite, but you can still see the workers as they go about their work looking for food.
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Post by si on Aug 3, 2021 19:38:50 GMT
I have just watched the video and it seems that you could use a layer of coarse sand or grit. These can also be purchased from a good garden centre the same as the perlite. Grit is heavier and easily available, and you can use a fine plant water sprayer with a fine spray like mist to moisten the layer in the nest foraging arena outworld. It isn't white like perlite, but you can still see the workers as they go about their work looking for food. Apologies, I wonder if you could clarify a bit? Where should I use the grit exactly? Are we still talking about a drainage layer at the bottom of the back nesting section? Or is this for the arena floor? Thanks.
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Post by Wood~Ant on Aug 4, 2021 7:44:18 GMT
You can use it for both, but you could also use sand on the arena floor and grit for drainage.
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Post by adam15 on Aug 4, 2021 8:15:13 GMT
You can use it for both, but you could also use sand on the arena floor and grit for drainage. I agree with Wood. For me, the most important part is the drainage in the nest. From the photo it seems that the holes are very low as you said, but there is a gap below. Not sure the height the hole start, but seems pretty low - about 20-50mm. Let me know if different. I couldn't find if you ordered the S, M or L, but I am assuming it was either the M or L as the S is out of stock. If so, the hopes connecting it have plenty of space if I am reading their site right. I would suggest you put a layer for drainage I don't think there should be any problem covering a little of the hole too, perhaps with a very slight layer of sand on top. As a rule of thumb that I use, make sure the height left is at least 3 ants height and wide, which I think you would still have as L. niger is not a particularly large ant. Remember ants like small and snug places that they feel more comfortable in. I think what I have said would be your best option. You could even make a cool design with it where it overflows slightly into the foraging area from the holes creating a kind of ramp or hill up to the hole. I think that would look pretty good. I would suggest once you have this done that you try it prior to connecting the ants. Try to put water slowly at the top and observe over some time how the drainage reacts to it. All you are looking for is to make sure its stopping any flooding. Don't overthink it too much as you will be fine and there will be a huge flourishing colony in time with your care. I would also suggest poking with a cocktail stick or something similar at the sand in the holds slightly. Ants will always look for the easiest route and will hopefully take advantage of the fact you have helped them start their digging. Once they have done some digging, don't be surprised if they make a pile of sand waste in the foraging box. Just take out any excessive wastage. Seems like the kit came with all the basics, such as feeding dish, water tower, escape prevention, etc. I am keen to see how it goes and see any photos of video if you are able.
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Post by si on Aug 6, 2021 6:42:13 GMT
Thanks guys.
Ok, so I'll have a layer of gravel at the bottom of the nest area, but try not to obscure the holes. I don't think it will be a very deep layer but I suppose anything is better than nothing. Today is my daughter's birthday so she'll be getting the nest today. I'll have a good look and report back.
I can't seem to work out how to add a photo to this website. How is it done?
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Post by Wood~Ant on Aug 6, 2021 7:55:00 GMT
Thanks guys. Ok, so I'll have a layer of gravel at the bottom of the nest area, but try not to obscure the holes. I don't think it will be a very deep layer but I suppose anything is better than nothing. Today is my daughter's birthday so she'll be getting the nest today. I'll have a good look and report back. I can't seem to work out how to add a photo to this website. How is it done? I use free image hosting sites like imgur.com or imgbb.com/ which give me a direct link BBcode to photos. For videos I mainly use YouTube.
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Post by si on Aug 6, 2021 12:05:05 GMT
Thanks guys. Ok, so I'll have a layer of gravel at the bottom of the nest area, but try not to obscure the holes. I don't think it will be a very deep layer but I suppose anything is better than nothing. Today is my daughter's birthday so she'll be getting the nest today. I'll have a good look and report back. I can't seem to work out how to add a photo to this website. How is it done? I use free image hosting sites like imgur.com or imgbb.com/ which give me a direct link BBcode to photos. For videos I mainly use YouTube. Ah, right. I used to use Photobucket for this. When they changed to a paid service it almost ruined the reef keeping forum that I moderate on. Thankfully one of the clever techy guys managed to write a programme to grab all the images before they disappeared. I have a YouTube account so maybe I'll do a little video of the cube once we've set it up.
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Post by adam15 on Aug 6, 2021 12:08:01 GMT
I use free image hosting sites like imgur.com or imgbb.com/ which give me a direct link BBcode to photos. For videos I mainly use YouTube. Ah, right. I used to use Photobucket for this. When they changed to a paid service it almost ruined the reef keeping forum that I moderate on. Thankfully one of the clever techy guys managed to write a programme to grab all the images before they disappeared. I have a YouTube account so maybe I'll do a little video of the cube once we've set it up. That would be great to see. Your daugther is going to be so happy. Please wish her a happy birthday from all of us here and let her know we are here if she needs advice or help. Does she read? There are some fantastic ant related books if she’s interested. YouTube has some great documentaries too that I can recommend. If you have any forested area or park near you it’s a great time to go out with her and identify ants. It’s satisfying watching them in the wild too. Anyway, hope you both have great fun with the hobby!
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Post by Wood~Ant on Aug 6, 2021 12:44:18 GMT
I'm not sure how old your daughter is, but she will probably enjoy my ant tales on my website linked here} Ant tales. Ant Tales 2
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Post by si on Aug 7, 2021 12:33:31 GMT
Thanks guys, she had a great day and was thrilled with the ant cube. I have to say I'm pretty impressed with it. Very expensive for what it is, but I suppose it's a fairly niche product. I found some stones in the garage. I think they might do for a drainage layer? What do you think? I've not joined an image sharing site yet but I'm hoping this link might work. photos.app.goo.gl/NVLwr7wQGnFoArLS6Also there is very space between the hole and the floor so the drainage layer will be very thin I'm afraid. photos.app.goo.gl/VAPjBvh2oZNsNkhn8
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Post by adam15 on Aug 7, 2021 12:50:53 GMT
Thanks guys, she had a great day and was thrilled with the ant cube. I have to say I'm pretty impressed with it. Very expensive for what it is, but I suppose it's a fairly niche product. I found some stones in the garage. I think they might do for a drainage layer? What do you think? I've not joined an image sharing site yet but I'm hoping this link might work. photos.app.goo.gl/NVLwr7wQGnFoArLS6Also there is very space between the hole and the floor so the drainage layer will be very thin I'm afraid. photos.app.goo.gl/VAPjBvh2oZNsNkhn8Hi Si, Those smaller stones look good. You are right, there isn't too much space. I would say its safe to fill up to 1cm. It will cover a little of the hole, but I think that is more than enough room to get through. As the stones are from the garage, they could contain mites, bacteria or something else. I suggest you bake them a bit or quickly boil them in water. Let them cool down after before use. This will make sure they are sterile to put in. You don't want to add something that may cause mold when wet! Really glad you daughter is excited. Welcome to the hobby! If she gets really into it, perhaps in the future you could make a nest with her. There are different types of nest, but if you look up "build a Ytong ant nest" on Youtube, there will be many! All the required materials and tools can be purchased cheaply at Wickes/B&Q. Alternatively, when I start making one, perhaps I could send her one half made for her to easily finish. Don't know when that will be though. Have a great weekend!
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Post by si on Aug 7, 2021 13:28:04 GMT
Thanks guys, she had a great day and was thrilled with the ant cube. I have to say I'm pretty impressed with it. Very expensive for what it is, but I suppose it's a fairly niche product. I found some stones in the garage. I think they might do for a drainage layer? What do you think? I've not joined an image sharing site yet but I'm hoping this link might work. photos.app.goo.gl/NVLwr7wQGnFoArLS6Also there is very space between the hole and the floor so the drainage layer will be very thin I'm afraid. photos.app.goo.gl/VAPjBvh2oZNsNkhn8Hi Si, Those smaller stones look good. You are right, there isn't too much space. I would say its safe to fill up to 1cm. It will cover a little of the hole, but I think that is more than enough room to get through. As the stones are from the garage, they could contain mites, bacteria or something else. I suggest you bake them a bit or quickly boil them in water. Let them cool down after before use. This will make sure they are sterile to put in. You don't want to add something that may cause mold when wet! Really glad you daughter is excited. Welcome to the hobby! If she gets really into it, perhaps in the future you could make a nest with her. There are different types of nest, but if you look up "build a Ytong ant nest" on Youtube, there will be many! All the required materials and tools can be purchased cheaply at Wickes/B&Q. Alternatively, when I start making one, perhaps I could send her one half made for her to easily finish. Don't know when that will be though. Have a great weekend! Excellent, thanks I'll use them then. I doubt they'll be harbouring any nasties as they've been sealed in that Tupperware for at least 10 years my wife reckons! Still, no harm in pouring boiling water over them to make sure. Very generous suggestion/offer to part-make a nest for us. Perhaps we'll take you up on it one day! My wife is a little anxious about us keeping ants. Last time when my daughter wanted a little tropical fish tank it snowballed a bit and we now have a 5 foot reef tank in the living room!
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Post by adam15 on Aug 8, 2021 18:43:29 GMT
Hi Si, Those smaller stones look good. You are right, there isn't too much space. I would say its safe to fill up to 1cm. It will cover a little of the hole, but I think that is more than enough room to get through. As the stones are from the garage, they could contain mites, bacteria or something else. I suggest you bake them a bit or quickly boil them in water. Let them cool down after before use. This will make sure they are sterile to put in. You don't want to add something that may cause mold when wet! Really glad you daughter is excited. Welcome to the hobby! If she gets really into it, perhaps in the future you could make a nest with her. There are different types of nest, but if you look up "build a Ytong ant nest" on Youtube, there will be many! All the required materials and tools can be purchased cheaply at Wickes/B&Q. Alternatively, when I start making one, perhaps I could send her one half made for her to easily finish. Don't know when that will be though. Have a great weekend! Excellent, thanks I'll use them then. I doubt they'll be harbouring any nasties as they've been sealed in that Tupperware for at least 10 years my wife reckons! Still, no harm in pouring boiling water over them to make sure. Very generous suggestion/offer to part-make a nest for us. Perhaps we'll take you up on it one day! My wife is a little anxious about us keeping ants. Last time when my daughter wanted a little tropical fish tank it snowballed a bit and we now have a 5 foot reef tank in the living room! No worries. It might help for your wife to know that in a few months it will be hibernation season for native species, so not much maintenance or activity. Let us know if you need any tips on this as it can be skipped, however will drastically shorten the length of the queens life and colony power. How did it go? All set up now?
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Post by si on Aug 9, 2021 21:50:10 GMT
Excellent, thanks I'll use them then. I doubt they'll be harbouring any nasties as they've been sealed in that Tupperware for at least 10 years my wife reckons! Still, no harm in pouring boiling water over them to make sure. Very generous suggestion/offer to part-make a nest for us. Perhaps we'll take you up on it one day! My wife is a little anxious about us keeping ants. Last time when my daughter wanted a little tropical fish tank it snowballed a bit and we now have a 5 foot reef tank in the living room! No worries. It might help for your wife to know that in a few months it will be hibernation season for native species, so not much maintenance or activity. Let us know if you need any tips on this as it can be skipped, however will drastically shorten the length of the queens life and colony power. How did it go? All set up now? I'd been wondering about the hibernation thing. Hopefully they will be well moved in and settled in their new home by then. We'll probably be setting up the ant cube this weekend coming. I'll take some photos and maybe a video. When we put them in should we place the test tube in the arena completely uncovered to encourage them to get digging? Or is it better to leave the tinfoil round it and let them move out in their own time?
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