Messor barbarus

[lucilla]

Hi guys,
Please tell me what dimensions will be enough to natural aquarium/ vivarium/ formicarium for Messor barbarus. I would like to do like AntsCanada with ground, sand, plants etc.
Thx for help

[antnest8]

Ok so it depends how big your colony is. If your colony is 50+ ants you could probably move them into a 10-20 gallon tank at most while a larger tank is needed for a larger colony over 500+ depending on the species. as for the design try some stuff out and see how you like it. If you want live plants make sure you have adequate soil also. Mikey (AntsCanada) generally likes larger plants and decorations in the back while a clearer space in the front. have some fun designing the formicarium. also take into account your species humidity level.

[lucilla]

Ok, but i would like to do one formicarium till end of my colony. How big should be nest part and arena part for mature big Messor colony?

[antnest8]

make it as big as you want then because they will expand there nest when they need to.