my ant moat

[shirevallyman]

In my ant formicarium I have a main island with the nest on, it's surrounded by water to keep them in does anyone else do this and what's the best way to filter or keep clean. i've though of using moss balls, water snails, refreshing the water. Most filters i've tried haven't worked as the water is only 4-5cm high in a 30cm tank can anyone help me with this

[Jenny]

The only way I can think of, is to regularly syphon the water off yourself and replace it. Ants will always continue to pile rubbish into it so they can cross over. Without filtration of some sort, the water will become stagnant and putrefy, harbouring dangerous bacteria. An air line into the water to airate it might assist, but it won't clean it. Have you tried an external pump?
Some reptiles and terrapins are kept in shallow water, so reptile sellers might also throw some ideas.

[shirevallyman]

I've had to replace the water regularly to keep it clean but I think an external filter is probably the way. Wondered if anyone had used moss filters or snails before though?

[deansie]

I very rarely clean the moat in mine, and gave and not had any issues except being unsightly.

[shirevallyman]

It's mainly the smell I don't like, but I've just got an external filter fitted so nice and clean. Waiting for my new Lasius flavus queen to arrive.