Notes

Formicarium Guide: Which Type of Ant Farm Is Best & Why?


Ant farms are one of the most popular vivariums in the hobby. Many might not see a formicarium the same way they see a terrarium or aquarium. But those of us that are here for the sheer magnificence of the ant empire will appreciate this detailed guide to Formicariums! It can be challenging for one to tell which is better than the other, so we've gathered them all here for you to decide for yourself.

Factors to Consider Before Choosing Formicarium

Each formicarium is rated based on six different key categories, including:

Aesthetic Appeal & Visibility
This factor evaluates both the visibility state and the visual appearance of the formicarium. Is it nice to look at? Is viewing and observation into the formicarium easy or difficult?

Maintenance ( Cleaning, Hydration & Heat)
This factor evaluates the ability of the formicarium to maintain hydration. Is it water-retaining or water-absorbing in any way? Is the process able to filter or purify heavy metals / potential toxins from the water in any way? How easy or difficult is it to keep optimal moisture levels suitable for the ants? Is cleaning this formicarium easy, or is it difficult? Is it safe to place it near a heat source? Does this formicarium allow for heating? Water is an essential resource to any living creature, including ants. Proper hydration techniques will determine the success of an ant colony.

Quality & Durability
This factor evaluates the quality and durability of the formicarium. Is the formicarium delicate or easy to bend, crack or break? Is it handmade or dremeled or something else? Is the formicarium more factory-made, or is it tailored? Many ant colonies can differ in strength and capability to chew through some of the most rigid mediums in the world. Although it is almost inevitable that some type of ant will be able to chew through something, how nicely can the formicariums perform to contain and handle the ants properly? This factor is also deeply tied to air quality and escapability.

Escapability & Air Quality
This factor evaluates the ability of the formicarium to reduce ant escapees. Is there a lid present? Are the air holes (if present) too big, and is there a screen interlock present? If not, is there adequate space for air influx for the formicarium? How is the ventilation quality? Some ant species are escape artists. For instance, Monomorium pharaonis (The Pharaoh ant) is an escape artist who causes billions of dollars in damages per year. Due to its small size, this ant can escape through almost any tiny hole or crack.

Potential Toxicity Exposure (PTE)
This factor evaluates the Potential Toxicity Exposure (PTE) of the formicarium. If the formicarium is subject to a change of phase, can or will it discharge any types of potentially dangerous or deadly toxins in any form? For instance, if a plastic formicarium is heated, will it release fumes? If a wood or cement formicarium is used, will it have any staining or chemicals? Is it safe for kids? Can mold outbreaks be suppressed within it and thus put the ants at risk?

Bioactive Ability
This factor evaluates the ability of the ant farms to be potentially bioactive. Is it made so that other organisms can also endure within it? Prevention of mold and disease outbreaks can mean life or death for your ant colony. Many ant colonies need a cleaner team to manage their refuse to prevent mold outbreaks. Bioactive elements are also strongly tied to both moisture and heat capabilities and PTE.

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