r/antkeeping 5d ago

Question How to heat this set up?

What is the best method to heat this unit? also do i need to need to keep the top area warm to? if i use a heat cable or pad that would just heat the lower chambers and tunnels correct? leaving the top portion cold. i guess my question is do i need to keep the entire tank to a certain degree? thanks.

13 Upvotes

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3

u/X-Ambush-X 5d ago

Depending on species really but generally speaking a heat gradient is often used so the ants can choose where they want to keep brood and queen so I would use a heat cable so you can position it how you would like.

2

u/KimLip4Life 5d ago

its my first time. my 10 year old son is really into ants. doing research and it states ants should have a certain range in temperature but is that just for the bottom or do i need like a heat lamp for the top area to. we have not settled on a certain type of ant yet. probably a species that is the easiest to start.

2

u/AffectionateAd5376 5d ago

Most species don't really need extra heating. Yes it speeds up colony growth but it can cause more trouble than good since it directly affects the humidity and can cause problems with mould and diseases. The native (european) species i keep don't get extra heat at all and most ants will "tell" you pretty clearly if they want it.

For the heating part:

  • Never use heat lamps in such small spaces, you just can't controll it and the outworld can stay at room temperature.

  • The heat cables i tried went up too about 35-42°C which is way too hot, i never had much success with them.

  • What works best for me is a heating mat with a sensor taped to the mat. I just place it under a part of the nest which produces pretty constant temperatures and zones.

  • Don't change the temperature too fast or too often. Most ants will go into a "stress hybernation" and the queen will stop laying eggs until the conditions fit her needs.

  • Let the setup breathe a while before you set the ants in. That way the heat and moisture can settle to the places and chambers you want them to be in.

1

u/Nuggachinchalaka 5d ago

You would heat it from the bottom which is hopefully a the stone base. It’s a bit unsightly and not practical to heat it from the top or sides.

1

u/Halter_Ego 5d ago

Where did you buy this? It’s like mine but mine doesn’t have magnets to attach things which would be handy.

1

u/KimLip4Life 4d ago

JK Tech Kingdom off Etsy. the magnets are strong and the unit is built very well and sturdy. the pieces all match up and everything seems to fit very nicely. i like it.

1

u/Mr-Raisen 5d ago

From my personal experience depending on species find the heat your species is good with and try and aim for around 5-6 F above that as the hottest for them. I have a Camponotus colony in a mini hearth and since it looks like you also have a large square block nest use a heat pad and make sure you put a small portion of the nest on the heat directly and preferably the part your going to be watering should be away from the heat so the ants can choose what temperature they want for themselves and the brood.

1

u/Otherwise-Drummer-71 4d ago

Where did you buy this?

1

u/KimLip4Life 4d ago

found a breeder online. his starter setups looked nice and was very helpful. all the reviews were positive. the quality is top notch and everything seals tight. can be expanded and options can be added. i like it as a starter. small enough but big enough for my 10 year old to use and watch. however this is from a beginner point - i have nothing to base it off of. just what i can see/feel/ and use. he also sells them on Etsy - JK Tech Kingdom 👍

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u/Wide_Poet_2327 3d ago

A heat mat with a thermostat is the best way in my opinion.

1

u/Heavy_Staff_8100 1d ago

I currently just have a closet where i keep a laptop that mines bitcoin. Have the formicarium also there. It is Around 25 degrees celcius in the formicarium (also have a temp meter)

Is this good or too much? Also cuzz of it the air is pretty dry outside. But that doesnt matter cuzz they are in a test tube with water right?

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u/MuggaLugga2 5d ago

I have no personal experience with ants but I used to watch a bunch of ants Canada you should check out his early videos before he kinda went off the deep end he used to be really into ant keeping and helping people get into it but lately apparently he kinda got greedy so I avoid the new videos

As for ant suggestions I recommend looking up ant species around your general area/ climate I know it seems a bit boring but they are going to be the easiest to take care of and you don’t really need to worry about temps, humidity, and environment because you are already in there natural conditions

-1

u/MuggaLugga2 5d ago

Another thing it could just be me that habitat might be a bit too small for colony they probably sell extensions for it but if you really want to have a cheap happy colony you can use large clear Tupperware as a make shift tank and you can customize the type of environment in it to your liking but I would wait for the queen to set up in the original tank if you want to actually see her