Formica's First Atta.

Let everyone see the story of your colony(ies) over time. Pictures, developments, success and failures, what works / what doesn't, and your plans for expansion as time goes by!
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Formica123
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Formica's First Atta.

Post by Formica123 » Sun Jul 17, 2016 2:37 pm

Well, I've decided to take the plunge. Now that I have all the space and time in the world, I'm buying my first Atta Cephalotes colony ever from Andrew Stephenson. I haven't actually bought them yet and will pay today, and they are being shipped Monday 25th July. I'm using an aquarium setup with a 100w heater and a mini power head to circulate the water. Temp is as 24.5 C and humidity as high as my thermometer reaches (99%). I'll be using coconut fibre and pear mixed as substrate and will feed hem on mainly Apple leaves and other fruit leaves. Pictures of the setup soon, I'm going to England to pick them up before going back to France afterwards.
I keep over 20 species of ant, inc. Acromyrmex Octospinosus
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Deansie26
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Re: Formica's First Atta.

Post by Deansie26 » Sun Jul 17, 2016 2:49 pm

Hi Formica, where have you been hiding? Good to hear your getting a new colony, an aquarium setup should work well.

Formica123
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Re: Formica's First Atta.

Post by Formica123 » Sun Jul 17, 2016 3:23 pm

Deansie26 wrote:Hi Formica, where have you been hiding? Good to hear your getting a new colony, an aquarium setup should work well.
A long busy move to France... But now things are settled I finally have enough time for a new colony. It's a birthday present of my grandparents so I want them to do well
I keep over 20 species of ant, inc. Acromyrmex Octospinosus
Owner of AntKeepingShop (www.antkeepingshop.weebly.com)

Formica123
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Re: Formica's First Atta.

Post by Formica123 » Mon Jul 25, 2016 7:51 pm

Tomorrows the day they arrive, still haven't had any replies from @acromyrmexbob as to whether or not they've actually been shipped, I hope they have! If not they will have to go to a different address...

But if they arrive tomorrow they will be put straight to into their setup - hopefully it works this time
I keep over 20 species of ant, inc. Acromyrmex Octospinosus
Owner of AntKeepingShop (www.antkeepingshop.weebly.com)

Formica123
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Re: Formica's First Atta

Post by Formica123 » Mon Jul 25, 2016 8:35 pm

Just Received confirmation that they have been shipped. Hope they arrive ok with some healthy fungus :D
I keep over 20 species of ant, inc. Acromyrmex Octospinosus
Owner of AntKeepingShop (www.antkeepingshop.weebly.com)

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Deansie26
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Re: Formica's First Atta.

Post by Deansie26 » Mon Jul 25, 2016 8:39 pm

Am sure they will Marco, do you have pics of the set up?
Great your getting some! From personal experience I've found Atta easier. Atta seem to grow slot quicker even when there very small. This is only what I've found, you would have thought they would grow at the same rate when young.

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Re: Formica's First Atta.

Post by Formica123 » Mon Jul 25, 2016 8:44 pm

100w Aquairum heater and 2 acrylic containers suspended on plant pots, just temporary whilst I'm in Uk, they they will be moved into a bigger aquarium setup.
Image
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I keep over 20 species of ant, inc. Acromyrmex Octospinosus
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Formica123
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Re: Formica's First Atta.

Post by Formica123 » Mon Jul 25, 2016 9:13 pm

It's also worth noting that when I'm in France I'll connect the 2 containers with acrylic tubing instead of using cardboard ramp.
Tomorrow I'll give them some peat too. Humidity is 99% and temp. 24.8
I keep over 20 species of ant, inc. Acromyrmex Octospinosus
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Deansie26
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Re: Formica's First Atta.

Post by Deansie26 » Mon Jul 25, 2016 9:35 pm

Are they Stewart hatchling boxes? Are you going to use the lid?

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Re: Formica's First Atta.

Post by Formica123 » Mon Jul 25, 2016 9:42 pm

Deansie26 wrote:Are they Stewart hatchling boxes? Are you going to use the lid?
Yes they are and I'm not sure yet, should I?
I keep over 20 species of ant, inc. Acromyrmex Octospinosus
Owner of AntKeepingShop (www.antkeepingshop.weebly.com)

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