My journey keeping a Camponotus Pennsylvanicus Colony

[CANant]

Do you think the heat cable makes that much of a difference, if so, what heat do you put yours at?

Oh definitely especially if your room isn’t warm enough! The brood develop much faster. I use a 15 watt heat cable. Ordered on Amazon. It’s the lowest wattage available in a cable. Anything higher would be too much. I have it run across the test tube and they move the brood closer or further away as needed. I’ve seen 4 watt heat mats too but if you have the entire test tube or nest area over the mat they can’t get away from the heat if they need to so maybe if you go that route, only have a small area over the mat. The hottest spot is about 87 degrees Fahrenheit (not lower) and the coolest is maybe 70 at the lowest. When it gets warmer it will approx. 76 at the lowest.

[CabboAntsGuy]

Ok, so my tube is suspended so because it's attached to an ant tower small, so how would you do it then?

[CANant]

Ok, so my tube is suspended so because it's attached to an ant tower small, so how would you do it then?

How high is it suspended? Could you place something under it to raise the cable higher? Even if it’s not touching the tube it will still give off heat and warm up the area.

[CabboAntsGuy]

About two inches off the table. I guess that might work. Do you have the info of your cord or how I could find it?

[CANant]

About two inches off the table. I guess that might work. Do you have the info of your cord or how I could find it?

Maybe a flat rock under it will help lift it?
Either one of these are good. I have the Zoo Med.

Zoo Med Reptile Heat Cable 15 Watts, 11.5-Feet
Or
Exo Terra Heater Cable, 12-Feet/15-Watt

[CabboAntsGuy]

Thanks, so do you run yours just like once across the tube or back and fourth? Like multiple points of contact or just one? I'm sorry I'm asking so many questions, i just want to know how to do it right. Thanks again.

[CANant]

Thanks, so do you run yours just like once across the tube or back and fourth? Like multiple points of contact or just one? I'm sorry I'm asking so many questions, i just want to know how to do it right. Thanks again.

Not the length, just run it once across the tube. At one end (ie close to the open end) so it’s like a “T”. This way they can self regulate their temperature.

[CabboAntsGuy]

Ok, thanks again, I think this will really help my colony, I will be ordering one soon.

[CANant]

Ok, thanks again, I think this will really help my colony, I will be ordering one soon.

No problem! Hopefully it helps a lot!

[CANant]

From April 13