Post by jameslovell on Apr 19, 2012 18:03:18 GMT
Hi,
I'm glad it all arrived and you found the paraffin oil
A few things I thought I'd mention to help. It looks like you have but just in case before adding any ants please make sure the Ytong block has been throughly cleaned of any dust. The best way to do this is to flush out any dust out using water.
Secondly be careful when it comes to watering the set up. As you have sand at the bottom below the blocks the ants would love to move underneath it given the slightest chance. So if you get this sand wet they will and if you water the nest from below or near the bottom then the sand will get wet.
I know you have it set up but it might be an idea if possible to make a few changes. I would recommend you don't sit them on top of the sand. If you are having problems fitting them up close against the side of the tank then you can make a small narrow groove along the bottom of the blocks so they fit up against the glass better so the bottom goes over any silicon ect used in the tank construction.
With regards to water I would recommend making a water cavity/hole in the top of the blocks. This way you can pour water into the hole and the water can travel through the nest from the top. It helps because it will prevent the bottom of the tank getting wet and also the bottom half should remain dry or drier than the top so it helps them to store the seeds without them germinating. If you do this though be careful not to make the cavity to deep as you don't want to go too far and go straight into a tunnel or chamber below.
Also another idea at some point might be to seal the blocks to the glass using some loam or clay mix. This will go hard and prevent any ants trying to get underneath your set up and also block out any drafts so makes the ants feel more enclosed within.
I hope this helps.
James
I'm glad it all arrived and you found the paraffin oil
A few things I thought I'd mention to help. It looks like you have but just in case before adding any ants please make sure the Ytong block has been throughly cleaned of any dust. The best way to do this is to flush out any dust out using water.
Secondly be careful when it comes to watering the set up. As you have sand at the bottom below the blocks the ants would love to move underneath it given the slightest chance. So if you get this sand wet they will and if you water the nest from below or near the bottom then the sand will get wet.
I know you have it set up but it might be an idea if possible to make a few changes. I would recommend you don't sit them on top of the sand. If you are having problems fitting them up close against the side of the tank then you can make a small narrow groove along the bottom of the blocks so they fit up against the glass better so the bottom goes over any silicon ect used in the tank construction.
With regards to water I would recommend making a water cavity/hole in the top of the blocks. This way you can pour water into the hole and the water can travel through the nest from the top. It helps because it will prevent the bottom of the tank getting wet and also the bottom half should remain dry or drier than the top so it helps them to store the seeds without them germinating. If you do this though be careful not to make the cavity to deep as you don't want to go too far and go straight into a tunnel or chamber below.
Also another idea at some point might be to seal the blocks to the glass using some loam or clay mix. This will go hard and prevent any ants trying to get underneath your set up and also block out any drafts so makes the ants feel more enclosed within.
I hope this helps.
James