The AntsCanada Ant Forum's

I am new to ant keeping and have a question, should I get an outworld, test tube portal, or both? does it depend on the species? does it depend on colony size?

i would get an out world jut bc its bigger so that way you dont have to buy both.

I would always recommend having both. It definitely depends on the species and how you plan out your set up. I found it easier using test tube portals to feed young colonies of my small ant species. (Pheidole, iridomyrmex bicknelli) On the other hand straight to outworld was good for my larger species (Camponotus, iridomyrmex purpureus).

I found that as I got more into the hobbie with multiple colonies having choices was really important. The set ups need to evolve as your colonies develop. Having choice is key.

BlindeGearstring wrote: ↑

Mon May 24, 2021 12:43 pm

I am new to ant keeping and have a question, should I get an outworld, test tube portal, or both? does it depend on the species? does it depend on colony size?

I would start with a test tube and portal set-up, but have an outworld ready. You can practice designing your outworld, without being in a rush, so it is ready when your colony is ready for it. A small colony does not need a large area, and most likely will not venture out into the outworld much. My Lasius of over 500 workers is still rather small for the outworld I have them connected to, as the bulk of the colony remains in the nest. It is cool to watch them foraging in the outworld however.