Concerns with which setup to use

[Wattaton]

I have a Lasius Queen who recently hatched her first workers. My options for housing them are an aquarium and a glass formicarium with a microfiber lid. They are similar to fire ants in size so I worry that they would have no problem escaping the aquarium. Also how many workers should she have before introducing more territory?

[Good2Know15]

I have a Lasius Queen who recently hatched her first workers. My options for housing them are an aquarium and a glass formicarium with a microfiber lid. They are similar to fire ants in size so I worry that they would have no problem escaping the aquarium. Also how many workers should she have before introducing more territory?

I wouldn't go big too fast as they could use the extra space as their garbage composal, which can lead to harmfull bacteria/mold outbreaks. What are the dimensions of the aquarium and glass formicarium? If you're housing your queen in a test tube setup, then wait until the test tube is full before introducing them to any big formicarium. If you want to move them into a small one, then wait until she has atleast 20+ workers. A small 10 x 10 x X cm formicarium with 4 chambers should do Also make sure to leave one part of the nest dry while the other is moist. Ants can be specific when choosing their nesting space

Trust me, you don't want to give your ants too much space too soon! I made that mistake last year and I honestly regret it

[Wattaton]

The aquarium is 12" x 30" while the formicarium is 8" x 8" with a 3" x 8 out world. Thank you for the advice, I'd hate to be too hasty.

[Good2Know15]

The aquarium is 12" x 30" while the formicarium is 8" x 8" with a 3" x 8 out world. Thank you for the advice, I'd hate to be too hasty.

The aquarium is way too big for them now. I would wait until she has atleast 20 workers before giving her a formicarium. It's better to take the safe route first until you gain more experience with antkeeping. Make sure to feed them a tiny drop of honey and a fruit fly once a week and you will see the colony multiplying in numbers soon. Remember to never rush your ants to do anything from eating or moving into a new nest. It's just a game of patience, but you will eventually get there!

Good luck