Formica ants in class

[AdamKnapp]

I offered to get and take care of an ant colony for my biology teacher. So I bought a formica subsericea colony. But I could use some help on caring for them.
1. When I got the colony, it was 9 workers strong and no brood (I think they ate it) is there any way to help increase their egg production?
2. How should I go about heating them (they are currently in a size 2 AntsAustralia ytong nest)?
3. Is it safe to not cover the nest in dark but instead covering it with a red gel filter?
4. are they very sensitive to vibrations because they will be next to a bearded dragon?
5. Can I feed them phoenix worms?
6. just any tips on how to take care of formica subsericea (I only have experience with c castaneus and lasius neoniger).

Thanks for taking the time to read this.

[Batspiderfish]

Formica do not keep brood over the winter. There won't be any eggs until next spring. Ants typically do not require heating.