Open Air Formicarium Help

[SeanSz]

Hi, I have a healthy queen Solenopsis currently in a test tube setup, and am planning out a formicarium as her first eggs will be hatching by the end of the week (hopefully). I have researched a lot and am thinking about establishing the colony in an open air setup (like the Floating Islands of Avista). I have an aquarium, a lucky bamboo bonsai, and a glass vase suspension. Before I do this, I am looking for the best ant barrier to put on the tank walls. Is baby powder/alcohol mixture the most effective? Any advice helps, as I really don’t want a loose fire ant colony in my home!

[SolenopsisKeeper]

Hi, I have a healthy queen Solenopsis currently in a test tube setup, and am planning out a formicarium as her first eggs will be hatching by the end of the week (hopefully). I have researched a lot and am thinking about establishing the colony in an open air setup (like the Floating Islands of Avista). I have an aquarium, a lucky bamboo bonsai, and a glass vase suspension. Before I do this, I am looking for the best ant barrier to put on the tank walls. Is baby powder/alcohol mixture the most effective? Any advice helps, as I really don’t want a loose fire ant colony in my home!

No, Fluon is best. It takes a bit of effort a pressure to watch it off only using water, and it can be difficult using a rag. Fluon withstands moisture and most ants cannot cross it(If applied correctly). Also, don’t move the queen in until she has workers and has a very strong army(1k strong)

[SeanSz]

Hi, I have a healthy queen Solenopsis currently in a test tube setup, and am planning out a formicarium as her first eggs will be hatching by the end of the week (hopefully). I have researched a lot and am thinking about establishing the colony in an open air setup (like the Floating Islands of Avista). I have an aquarium, a lucky bamboo bonsai, and a glass vase suspension. Before I do this, I am looking for the best ant barrier to put on the tank walls. Is baby powder/alcohol mixture the most effective? Any advice helps, as I really don’t want a loose fire ant colony in my home!

No, Fluon is best. It takes a bit of effort a pressure to watch it off only using water, and it can be difficult using a rag. Fluon withstands moisture and most ants cannot cross it(If applied correctly). Also, don’t move the queen in until she has workers and has a very strong army(1k strong)

Thanks!