Test tube problem.
Moderator: ooper01
Test tube problem.
So I found some tubes at the local craft store. The problem I'm having is the opening is smaller the the rest of the tube. So the cotton is not having a tight fit so water gets by. And the last thing I want is to find my future queen to die over a little water. So does anyone have any ideas to help me fix this problem as I need it really soon.
- ACaseoftheMondays
- Posts: 73
- Joined: Mon Jun 12, 2017 11:54 am
- Location: Northern Colorado
Re: Test tube problem.
Indeed, those test tubes with the screw caps do not work very well for our purposes. I had one of those tubes, and it ended up getting flooded. Luckily, I rescued the queen the next morning, as she had perched herself on the highest point on the cotton in attempt to remain dry.
If you want to use a test tube set up, I would recommend staying away from those kinds. I also got my tubes from a craft store, although the one I went to has both the screw-top type and the traditional type, with a small cork. You might try going back and looking to see if they have the other kind (unless you already are sure they don't). Otherwise, you can order some online.
Alternatively, you can just put your queen in any small container, with a damp cotton ball or two. This works very well, you just have to remember to moisten the cotton every once in a while. I have found a TON of tetramorium this year, and have run out of test tubes to hold them all, so I have about 6 in random containers with cotton, and they are doing just fine!
If you want to use a test tube set up, I would recommend staying away from those kinds. I also got my tubes from a craft store, although the one I went to has both the screw-top type and the traditional type, with a small cork. You might try going back and looking to see if they have the other kind (unless you already are sure they don't). Otherwise, you can order some online.
Alternatively, you can just put your queen in any small container, with a damp cotton ball or two. This works very well, you just have to remember to moisten the cotton every once in a while. I have found a TON of tetramorium this year, and have run out of test tubes to hold them all, so I have about 6 in random containers with cotton, and they are doing just fine!
Founding:
Pogonomyrmex Occidentalis
Solenopsis Molesta
Formica Argentea
Lasius Flavus
Colonies:
Tetramorium sp.E
Pogonomyrmex Occidentalis
Solenopsis Molesta
Formica Argentea
Lasius Flavus
Colonies:
Tetramorium sp.E
Re: Test tube problem.
Thanks for the idea. So how small are we talking like a cream cheese container?
- ACaseoftheMondays
- Posts: 73
- Joined: Mon Jun 12, 2017 11:54 am
- Location: Northern Colorado
Re: Test tube problem.
Yeah, that should work. The one's I'm using are a little smaller (about 2"d) that I found at the dollar store for like 10 for $1, but I've seen people using mason jars and such. You can even experiment with using dry sand or moist digging materials if you want. I currently have way too many Tetramorium queens, so I'm trying some different combinations, but the queens mostly seem to prefer staying on the cotton anyway.
Founding:
Pogonomyrmex Occidentalis
Solenopsis Molesta
Formica Argentea
Lasius Flavus
Colonies:
Tetramorium sp.E
Pogonomyrmex Occidentalis
Solenopsis Molesta
Formica Argentea
Lasius Flavus
Colonies:
Tetramorium sp.E
Re: Test tube problem.
I just went to a florists shop and bought some water picks, they're working well so far! For the bigger species like Camponotus I got some salt and pepper shakers from the dollar store with plastic lids to stop them from chewing through the cotton and escaping again (It was actually a big problem with my Camponotus Queens this year).
Re: Test tube problem.
Thanks for more ideas. We will put the 1 Queen I have in a small container with some damp cotton ball.
Re: Test tube problem.
So my mom brought me the queen today and once we got her into my building she went nuts and seemed to clean her self for about 3 min. We but a bit of water on the cotton but it still looks very dry. The container has small holes in the lid for air is this a good idea?
- idahoantgirl
- Posts: 1521
- Joined: Sat Sep 12, 2015 11:52 am
- Location: Idaho, USA
Re: Test tube problem.
This is actually the bulk of my test tubes. The ones I get fit almost perfectly into my hybrid!Saeyoung wrote: ↑Sun Jun 18, 2017 1:21 pmI just went to a florists shop and bought some water picks, they're working well so far! For the bigger species like Camponotus I got some salt and pepper shakers from the dollar store with plastic lids to stop them from chewing through the cotton and escaping again (It was actually a big problem with my Camponotus Queens this year).
Proverbs 6:6-8
Go to the ant, you sluggard;
consider its ways and be wise!
It has no commander,
no overseer or ruler,
yet it stores its provisions in summer
and gathers its food at harvest.
Keeping Tetramorium immigrans, Tapinoma Sessile
Go to the ant, you sluggard;
consider its ways and be wise!
It has no commander,
no overseer or ruler,
yet it stores its provisions in summer
and gathers its food at harvest.
Keeping Tetramorium immigrans, Tapinoma Sessile
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