Managing the harsh Food Web in My Ecosystem Vivarium

Building an ecosystem vivarium is no easy task. It requires an intrinsic understanding of biology, animal husbandry, and the food web. I am on a mission to construct a 1,200 gallon ecosystem vivarium with a many plant and animal species living within. I do have a strategy to ensure the greatest amount of success. This is Part 3 of the Ecosystem Vivarium Series in celebration of 5 Million Subscribers. Hope you enjoy this week's episode! Ant love forever! This video was shot in 4K Ultra HD resolution.
Part 1: • Creating The Ultimate ...
Part 2: • The Predators in My Ul...
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[@AntsCanada]

AC Family, here we are! OMG your feedback! Thank you all so much. A lot to consider here, and I'm taking notes. Ant love forever!

[@epikgamer068]

#antloveforever!

[@CrelleC]

When do you Think Its gonna be done

[@PramkLuna]

I am a bit concerned that if the Apex predators are moved often it would give them unnecessary stress. Plus things like tarantula hair might be harmful to them as well!

[@PramkLuna]

Maybe asking too much but would you consider adding a rain/mist system like in your other vivariums? #antloveforever

[@EMYSAURUS]

To be honest AntsCanada moving the apexes would most likely stress the mess out of them for a while I would stick with one maybe next vid u could poll us and see who wants what the poll could be alternating or one or two in the enclosure so they aren’t stressed by so much moving

[@USECmyBalls]

YOU NEED TO SETUP A 24/7 LIVE STREAM FOR THE VIVARIUM! Its a massive MUST, it'd be great for keeping a eye on things that happen during the night and it'd be a fantastic way to keep the AC Family satiated when we want a update on the tank :D

[@codynewman2574]

This^

[@Dr._OConnor]

YES

[@__Average-Guy__]

Oh, My, God, We need this

[@amaikarai5007]

YES PLEASE THIS! I’d love to watch that

[@dwagongirl-9327]

Plus people could clip some events.

[@AntsCanada]

WE DID IT, AC FAMILY! You are officially 5M! I'm so happy and tearful rn. Ant love forever!

[@user-GabrielAnts]

Yay

[@Static140]

Awesome!!! AntLoveForever 🐜 ❤️

[@person4579]

SANTA CAME TO MY HOUSE AND GAVE ME A HARIBO LIKE A MINUTE AFTER YOU HIT 5M IM NOT EVEN KIDDING

[@jaysk4245]

So happy to see how far this channel has got. From your first videos to one of the best channels on KZbin. Congratulations Mikey!! 🥳🥳🥳

[@kirianahemopo9760]

Congratulations from New Zealand 🐜 ❤🥳

[@zacharyzier314]

I’d recommend building your vivarium by first establishing the soil and plants, make sure the bottom of the food chain itself is stable and established and can flourish. After this, place in critters that’ll handle and begin cycling the dead matter. Then, put in a very small number of herbivores, free of carnivores, let them rebalance the system, then put in predators effectively one at a time to prevent a shock to the system.

[@FR-tb7xh]

Ummm, that’s exactly what he did. Have you watched the earlier podcasts?!

[@draco_1876]

That’s what he did

[@ToaofAnarchy19]

Having to rotate the predators sounds like a ton of work just to keep things balanced and fair, and also stressful for the animals. I really think your best bet is to just have a lot of smaller predators, with maybe one Apex at most, and then leave it at that.

[@Reptile_Gecko]

Definitely, the chances of them going off food especially that snake would just be too great, or sending too much of a shock through the ecosystem and even that animal specifically. I feel like bigger predator wise the chameleon alone or a group of day geckos would be better, many are plenty big enough and quite active to add a lot of interest and colour, and they'd be permeant insectivore eaters. Especially when the rotating apex predators includes 3 insectivores and.. a carnivore, bit of a weird selection and where that shock could come from, since the insects wouldn't have an apex predator for.. the 3mths he said and at least one for the rest of the year.

[@HeyItsIDK]

I really hope he sees, and considers your comment.

[@ToaofAnarchy19]

@@HeyItsIDK Me too, but other people have been saying the same thing so he's probably got the message by now.

[@1998topornik]

Frequent rotations may also destabilize this small ecosystem, depending on final cast of vivarium.

[@HeyItsIDK]

@@ToaofAnarchy19 Yeah :)

[@Nigel_BC]

I think moving around the apexes might stress them out to the point that they won’t exhibit natural behaviors. I think out of all the apexes the tarantula is the most viable but I would still prefer a multi-smallish predator system.

[@nickscholz2341]

That was also my thought. Particularly moving weaver ants in and out I think is unnecessarily risky and stressful

[@misomie]

Honestly the tarantula would probably be chill even with other small preds running around. Adult spiders eat a few times a month tops and the preds will very quickly learn to avoid the tarantula's nest. Frogs might be a lil dumb but small reptiles and other spiders will nope tf away.

[@bengalbrown2834]

I get what you’re saying but these things have evolved in the wild for millions of years. They are forced to go through stressful changes all the time. The wild is the wild, it’s not a comfortable place.

[@Nigel_BC]

@@misomie agreed

[@Nigel_BC]

@@bengalbrown2834 That’s true but in the wild and in captivity, animals can stop eating or exhibit other harmful and unnatural behaviors if they get too stressed.

[@theduckknight86]

I'm not convinced the rotating apex predator idea is good. That vivarium will be HUGE and will have lots and lots of places to hide, even for an apex predator. searching the whole thing because; for example the tarantula, decided to settle down somewhere unknown in the vivarium while it does not have to eat for weeks and just sticks in a burrow for a long time would mean you have to deepsearch the whole thing to find it, stressing every other animal inside and disturbing the status quo of the other predators. just hoping for it to appear someday in a visible spot to catch it might take MONTH.

[@danilooliveira6580]

the level of micromanaging he is willing to do is incredible, I'm very curious to see how it works out.

[@Sycronos]

Yeah it doesn't seem worth it in my opinion, it seems very much like a "having your cake and eating it too" solution. Too much work and meddling and not as self sustaining. I would just go with one or a number of small predators.

[@glycell5008]

I also have this worry about really stressed out apex predators. I'm not an expert here, so I'm coming from a place of ignorance, but I do know plenty of animals can become stressed when changing enclosures. So I worry about that with rotating predators.

[@thebloodyenglish6620]

Yeah like the chameleon and python rotating could work as they're pretty easy to catch (the python won't be hiding in the soil/floor structure unless theres something wrong with it) abd unless the tarantula made uts home somewhere convint then the points made apply too and trying to take the tokay out without destroying a bunch of the scape or having other animals escape in the process... Good luck. A possible solution would be to make one large enclosure and before putting anything (like soil etc in) divide it up with screen walls. Screen thats large enough for the inverts and small frogs/lizards etc to pass though but just narrow enough the tokay, python etc can't. Divide it into three sections. Largest section for tarantula and chameleon (the chameleon is diurnal and goes to sleep at night. Tarantulas when given the space do come out and wonder around their home but at night so the chameleon won't hunt it and realistically if using a fossorial tarantula they aren't likely to meet and even if they do as the chameleon is asleep and not moving much the tarantula realistically gonna just walk over it or past it). Then one of the smaller sections for the tokay and another for the python. Its still one enclosure for the smaller animals but the larger animals are separate. That said depending on how its done could ruin the asthetic (tbh if he was to do this instead I'd devide it into two sections larger for cham abdy T smaller for tokay or python). Rather then doing it out of glass could have it with sealed wood and have wood down the front where the mesh divider is to hide the mesh wall and have the viewing/access pannels as with two separate ones or have them just behind the wood divider so they still slide side to side as just two bits of glass for the whole cage but having the wood infront hides the mesh divider but makes it look like it's two separate viewing windows if you understand what im saying.

[@quakxy_dukx]

@@SycronosI’ve always found that idiom odd. Why would you have cake but not eat it? It’s cake, not a showpiece.

[@caitlinobrien273]

While in theory this rotation idea sounds very cool, I agree with many of the other commentors that it would probably be incredibly stressful for not only the apex predator being moved in or out, but also for all of the smaller creatures who would be moved about or potentially unearthed during the process. Especially if the creature you want to move out of the tank is hiding well enough that you have to do a deeper search and possibly move around or take out items in order to find them (notably the tarantula would have the hardest time with this change) I think it sounds super cool, but I have my reservations.. I wish this process the best of luck though, it's such a big decision left ultimately up to you, so I'm sure you'll choose what you think is best for the creatures within Mikey! Ant love forever

[@Thought_it_up]

Congrats on 5m!!!! The revolving circus of apex predators seems like an odd juggling act to me. They won’t know the place as their home, just a feeding box. The permanent inhabitants also won’t know how to adapt to a revolving door of predators, which I think would be half the fun.

[@PhillShoeguy]

If you end up doing the planned biological events, it would be really cool if you would post a monthly calendar showing when exactly events would take place throughout the month

[@AntsCanada]

Cool idea.

[@mediakrish6661]

I would like this comment but I like where its at

[@whatjusthappend09]

Yeah you could make different natural challenges the different animals would have to overcome to thrive like for example a simulated storm using misters

[@jonathancharest8867]

i love your idea!

[@legoshorts7818]

Maybe you could make a schedule for the biological events, rather than doing it when it's just the right time. So, the ecosystem can act naturally and adjust to the environment rather than the environment adjusting to it.

[@ashhawk7489]

My only concerns are how the apex predators may be stressed out by the rotation.

[@ikosaheadrom]

And catching a geko in such a big tank will be impossible

[@GalenNight]

@@ikosaheadromcatching the tarantula would be impossible

[@jameson6600]

Yea I just got a tokay it will run from you and if u corner it it will attack if not trained

[@kara.l6168]

I agree with this! They will not eat being put into a new environment when they are used to their own space. His best bet is to talk to exotics lair and snake and lizard pros to see what they think about this.

[@lolableDude]

It might work if you attach the predator tank by a tube, instead of directly moving them in.

[@invertobsessed2082]

I personally don’t like the idea of switching out the apex predators every few months. But I think the tarantula is the best option if you want other smaller predators

[@jasonz8096]

I think an important part of this project's success would be to try and use species that are endemic to the same areas as one another. An example of this would be a tank featuring all South American flora and fauna. Amazon Tree Boas (which aren't restricted to a rodent diet), mourning geckos, tree frogs, bullet ants, etc. By doing it based off of a naturally observed area, you can fill the same niches that we see being filled in nature. The blueprints to a successful ecosystem are already laid out in front of you by Mother Nature, you would just have to do some extensive research. It would make it a lot less hands on and much more natural. Doing it in this fashion is the clearest way to a large self-sustaining vivarium imo. I also think if you want to rotate apex predators they should be from the same parts of the planet, just to make it more natural.

[@mortem9126]

I personally really like the idea of planned natural events. My main worry for the rotating apex predators is just the stress of the animal. Outside of that I also don't want it to be super major event, for example I don't think weaver ants works, yes they are cool but getting them out sounds like a nightmare if they start to overrun the vivarium

[@abyssal_phoenix]

Yeah, stress could be an issue i was thinking of as well. Moving tanks will stress them out temporarily. I wonder how much it will affect those animals, I don't want them to suffer from it

[@AntsCanada]

I think moving the apex predators will truly have to happen very infrequently. Months or even a year of occupancy perhaps?

[@oliverorchard2315]

Is there any way you could connect preditors private enclosure to the ecosystem. Almost like an outworld you would do for the ants? Maybe then you could have it happen a bit more naturally as they retreat to there private place you could cut them off from the outworld

[@-Galaxy-2695]

@@oliverorchard2315 I like this idea a lot, once they retreat from their outworld, he could plug them up again and unplug another one, letting nature take its course, the only issue would arise if another animal/species found it. (For example an insect that the python can’t fend off gets into the python’s outworld) other than that i think this is a better idea than moving them.

[@kyalavender-williams9285]

​@@oliverorchard2315that idea would be really good. Like out worlds.

[@tvh4260]

Remember when you had plans for a massive tree in the middle of your house, that would also be a cool place for an ecosystem simulation

[@rockystudiogaming]

ooh, nice idea

[@highvoltage4857]

avatar style

[@roilandisarias1653]

Go idea

[@roilandisarias1653]

Good

[@dukeofthedance8062]

We all dream..

[@MultiDevilmaster]

Please do not rotate the apex predators. It would be so much stress for the animals and even the whole vivarium. It would be better if there where only a few smaller predators that can live together in the vivarium all the time.

[@JB-yy6el]

Organize the terrariums in a way they are connected to the vivarium. Connected via a clear tube system, allowing them to visit and retreat as they please. Adding a drop door can control whether they are allowed to hunt in the vivarium. Giving you more control in supplementing their diets and balancing the ecosystem.

[@wesleyquinn2939]

Honestly I'd like to see just a bunch of little predators instead of only a few OP large ones

[@tamarrajames3590]

I agree, and I don’t like the idea of rotating apex predators in and out. It is not a natural occurrence, and would be very stressful to them.🖤🇨🇦

[@Pinky-jz7om]

Retweet

[@TheDogWaffle]

thats not how it works...@@Pinky-jz7om

[@sally-annwhite541]

hi🤔🤔🤔

[@ShapeshifterShifty-eq7mc]

I love this idea! Although you may wanna make apexes' personal enclosures as close to the vivarium as possible while still providing them with their individual needs, so it's not like a huge change when you put them in and take them out, which could stress some animals.

[@4nt0s]

I think a good idea would be to add a few plants that nothing in the ecosystem would be able to eat that produce large fruits so that the plants aren't overeaten.

[@thedinosavior]

I think that my only concern with this plan would be how the apexes you own could be hurt by a gang of the smaller predators(mainly ants).

[@sirwadsontoast5928]

I was thinking it as well

[@njennett8005]

Sadly, that'd be the circle of life. The bigger predators would eat and kill the smaller ones. Just set up the same Situation the same chance and opportunity The smaller ones Gang up on the bigger. One would show nature at its finest. A horrible thing to think about, but so it's nature. That is why you must choose to be God and pick which animals can live in this horror environment in which can not. Wait too long something dies don't cut something soon enough something Starves That is why we must take Our time and craft this beauty not just pilot together. Or else we will watch as he's Warned us about... A mass extinction in this tank, which is the last thing i want the last thing any of us want

[@njennett8005]

By no means do I want to see the bigger Predators killed or hurt by no means Do I want? to see any of the creatures killed and hurt That's why we must play a balancing act.

[@carstendobbins5168]

Well the problem is that some of those animals like Valentino might be special to him @@njennett8005

[@seasonallyferal1439]

I would be concerned about insects attacking your python. They can seriously injure or blind a snake because the snake has no defense other than scales.

[@KangarooKangaroo-cd4yl]

Yes but he can remove it if it look like somethink like this can happen

[@seasonallyferal1439]

@KangarooKangaroo-cd4yl it could easily happen overnight is my concern

[@tamarrajames3590]

That python has already had 9 years living in his own space with no hazards, and a regular feeding cycle. He is not adapted to anything remotely like a wider ecosystem with random events. I think any apex type predator should be young going in, so it grows up with that kind of habitat.🖤🇨🇦

[@voodoochile7581]

Yes I totally agree with this comment. My other concern would be moving animals from vivarium to vivarium periodically. Would stress them out, especially a chameleon. How would they cope when the world is completely being changed animals take a long time to settle in. Tarantulas can sometimes take months before they settle in properly to a new vivarium. Even if you’ve just cleaned a tarantula out, it’s like settling into a new vivarium and that’s just clean it out.

[@El.Sasquatcho69]

​@@voodoochile7581The tarantula was my main concern with that they die so easily sometimes. My niece who is always so careful and sweet going above an beyond got one an did everything right just to have one pass away. Chameleons get stressed easily too ? I wasn't aware of that I figured the other predators would be ok. Now I'm seeing all this im just thinking how do they do it in the wild. Like a snake deal with bugs potentially harming it's eyes. Etc.

[@QueensGambit9876]

Good call on not including poison dart frog into the ecosystem. As a snake owner, one thing I learned is to never put yourself at risk because these are still wild animals. Especially if you have to get in and clear things or add thing in the terrarium. Having anything venomous or poisonous in the terrarium could lead to lethal accidents. As a huge fan of your channel, I'm happy to watch how the ecosystem would thrive, with non-venomous and non-poisonous apex predators being introduced. That way, the experiments could be done in a safer environments.❤

[@vesper1985]

Mikey, you really care about your fans and the fact that you are willing to create such a massive project and then cycle the biological events is truly incredible for all of us. I think your plan is A LOT of work, but absolutely feasible. Honestly, if you can pull this off and find the right rhythm to maintain balance, you will likely be contributing to science once more. You probably already make notes on every enclosure, but they will be essential to this project, and I can not wait to see the data this dream churns out. Edit: well done on 5M subs 👏 ❤

[@lucasklokov8728]

Hmm. I feel like this is going to be very high-maintinance and risky. A Weaver ant colony might escape every time you move them in or out. And it's a shame this couldn't be an autonomous ecosystem.

[@legoshorts7818]

Yeah. I'm worried the Apex predators would hide and not come out.

[@twilightraven1232]

Reptiles can get stressed if moved into a new environment... it's a cool idea in theory, but the animals would have to be comfortable enough being cycled between setups like that.

[@ghironsingh]

Maybe a bridge from their own setup into the vivarium would be advisable then?

[@christinemaeville]

I was worried the python would eat all the other apex predators. When I heard you say they'll be placed in rotation, I felt relieved. You always have a better idea and always want to satisfy the AC Family. I think maintaining a biological ecosystem is a full time job.

[@texas8322]

I like the idea of rotating the apex variety. I would think leaving the tarantula in a continuous habitation due to the stress of multiple disruptions to her nests. It's not like she is gonna ravage the area if left unchecked, and since her last egg laying was over year ago, I don't foresee unexpected babies happening again. I just think she'd be better off put in and left alone for her remaining time.

[@blister762]

Would moving such predators like a tarantula be harmful to it? I have a friend with a couple of tarantulas and he disturbs them as little as possible especially as they get larger. I'd hate to see an animal injured by rotating it out. I think that the idea of changing predators is great as a forest changes over seasons, or natural events but some creatures are sensitive to being handled and risking them just to move them off display/rotation wouldn't be worth the risk.

[@offbranddorito9668]

I don’t think the vivarium is large enough for multiple pythons either. The plan is that the animals breed. If you’re rotating predators, they can’t do that. Plus if you only have one python as a predator, if something happens to it, the prey animals will grow unchecked and there’ll have to be human intervention.

[@lorenzogratton4223]

I have to say the Ecosystem Vivarium series has been my favorite series so far.

[@AntsCanada]

🙏✨️ Thank you. Ant love forever!

[@Masterjack633]

Same, im completely hyped up!

[@legoshorts7818]

Yes, I agree! SO excited for the end result

[@prcervi]

the event system is an interesting one, but i've concerns about all the moving stress that all the rotational predators will be under valentino might not eat at all during his turn as apex predator because of pressure from the arboreal ants and general stress, the ground dwelling ants may seriously harm the spider during it's turn in the tank also aw baby frogs, guess that species goes from egg to tiny frog rather quickly

[@kennethtabinas6897]

The Vivarium is really happening!!! I really love your idea about planned biological events and here's my suggestion to that. How about you start first having a stable ecosystem first? A vivarium full of plants, clean up crews, prey insects and give them some time to stabilize their numbers in the vivarium. Once they are already stable, add at least 2 mini predators like small geckos and spiders and even a pair of mice that can compete with one another so that there is still a balance even within the predators. And when their numbers are getting larger, get a bigger predator and so on so that we can see the progress of the ecosystem. Like in the wild, it starts with a small group of prey then a bigger predator comes by since their numbers are getting bigger then a bigger predator predates the last one just to balance everything out. I don't hate the idea of having an apex predator in the vivarium but at least give the smaller creatures and even the smaller predators some time to gain their numbers so that when you put in the apex predator (like for example the python), you don't have to put in food every other week or month since you already have a population of mini predators that can be eaten by them. Most of us, if not all, agree that we think about the predators being stressed going in and out of the vivarium. So I would definitely recommend my suggestion so that the predators like the python and tarantula can stay a little bit longer and without you, putting some food for them since it is already available. Also, I would recommend frogs that are common here in the Philippines instead of the dart frogs. Aside from they are cheap or you can just get them outside, they can be eaten by others without problem. Good luck on this journey, Mikey! I'll definitely hope for the success of this Vivarium.

[@generaljimmies3429]

I would suggest a phased installation for your various insects and animals First start with making sure all the plant life is self-sufficient, then start phasing in small prey and predator organisms Then you can start phasing in the bigger predators

[@caterscarrots3407]

This is exactly what I would do if I wanted to make anything resembling an ecosystem tank is phase in everything slowly over months or even years until I reach the apex predator/predators.

[@Hushlittleone]

This should count as a 5M special, because this is the most interesting and special series on KZbin I have ever watched

[@koreywilliams4570]

A connected vivarium. Multiple tunnels and different enclosures with various environments. That way things could come and go in a circle around the room.

[@horsemanshipper]

My first suggestion is to be careful which ant species you use. In the snake keeping community it's often seen that snakes can feel bothered by animals as ants or even isopods. The green tree Python you have is a species that is quite sensitive to stress. But it's an arboreal species. So if you select ant species that are almost exclusively terrestrial, it can work. Certainly don't use species that climb a lot if you plan on placing the green tree Python inside. At least that's my recommendation. Another thing that I think might work pretty well is to implement an idea you used some time back. To make a roach or termite farm and connect it in a way that they can fall in if they run to the end of tube, but the ants can't get in there. This so there can be a steady but controllable food supply. You can shut off one or more farms temporarily if the ant colonies grow too quickly, or connect more farms when there are more predators of a species inside the vivarium. I do like the idea and would love to see it once finished. If ever you want to try something different, I think it would be very nice to see whether it's big enough to cater a small ant colony in a completely self sustainable eco vivarium by using an ant species that only gets to about 100-500 ants in size. I'm not sure, but if you choose the plants and animals wisely with the ant colony being the apex predator, I think it can work. And I think it would be amazing.

[@kizzzash5021]

Only OG AntsCanada fans can like this comment

[@mrmosasaurus3.015]

I here since phoenix empire am I count?

[@kyalavender-williams9285]

Here since first video❤❤❤

[@treddah]

I’ve been here ages - but I’m not going to like your comment coz i’m such a rebel

[@The_Avenger596]

Here since the OG weavers

[@finsfan5215]

ive been here for years love the channel so cool

[@Royalspade52]

I think this is a turning point in AC history. +That is the coolest apex predator you could get in a 1200 gallon tank

[@degariuslozak2169]

Its so crazy to think I discovered this channel when my phone slipped and KZbin just started playing one of the videos of this channel. Now here I am a few years later keeping up with all the new stuff❤

[@stevenpope940]

Seasonal change is extremely important. No matter how miniscule the changes are, there are still changes that cause life cycle shifts.

[@deathsnitemaresinfullust2269]

This really is going to be difficult thing to keep balanced. It's going to take a bunch of time to get right, things are going to die new things will be added and eventually there will probably be a smaller variety of creatures once it is balanced. Whatever happens will be neat and educational, I look forward to seeing how things go. 😄👍

[@bacula8424]

Hey Mickey the idea is great, it would definitely work but, I don't think it would be great specially for the Tokay or the Chameleon. I think they would suffer greatly with being moved, tokay and specially male chameleons (which are the pretty ones) are EXTREMELY territorial and would suffer from being placed in new unknown territory something that wouldn't happen in nature unless they were defeated in a turf war, a very traumatic event, and even more if they feel the scent of a competitor or even a predator such as the python in the terrarium. And we'll green tree pythons and Tarantulas are very sedentary, the tarantula really would be pissed if it was taken from its burrow periodically. If you want to house all the animals then I would suggest dividing the terrarium with custom acrilic panels with holes big enough for the small critters to pass through but the apex predators not being able to. You could even make them modular by fixing them to the glass with suckers, adding ot taking divisions to accommodate animals. There still would be some form of stress but the animals would get used to it with enough time, and if they were to be divided correctly. For that combination for example, dividing the terrarium in 4 and going: Chameleon, Tokay, Tarantula, Python. The gecko and the chameleon wouldn't really cause each other much stress given that one is nocturnal and the other is diurnal, and the tarantula doesn't really mind any neighbours, but absolutely the python has to be as far away from the chameleon as possible, chameleons are very prone to stress.

[@therat3028]

Yeah, this experiment has a feel of unethical cruelty and arrogance about it. He's marketing it as if its something cool to do. I just felt uneasy watching this whole video.

[@epikgamer068]

I agree with this, honestly my biggest worry would be the stress involved in taking them out constantly. Considering the time period he gave for the Tokay Gecko of possibly only 1-2 days, it could be stressful moving them around constantly. I'd say if you were going to put them in there, leave them in there. It would make less work for the handler, and lower the chances of getting bitten or hurt while trying to take them out, especially from the Python. Otherwise, the biological events like dropping fruit or planting seeds sound great.

[@biskuat]

Since there is a cycled predator event, a cycled weather event would be nice You can include a flood plains that cover partial of the forest floor. You can even time them with your own local weather events such as monsoons and dry periods. You could get a lot of different behaviours with a weather cycle Could also time it with your predator cycle. A python might come in the wet seasons and a tarantula might come in a dry season. Monsoons are for tokay geckos and chameleons do well in a fair weather

[@beavis6363]

The dynamic approach is very interesting. Surely there will be much more to learn this way. As you noted and I agreed no single plot of land or forest remains in a snap-shot static state.

[@mantelumgamingloilol123]

Bro doesn’t have a slice of the jungle, he has the whole amazon

[@michielkroese6186]

I think it's a cool idea so long as the animals you're moving in and out don't experience too much stress. I will say though that it's probably best to go about this gradually and patiently. Adding in plants and soil creatures first, adding bigger and bigger creatures until somewhere way in the future you can add the apex predators. Let the ecosystem stabilize in stages first instead of putting everything in all at once😅

[@robertbutler5779]

Snakes can really get hurt and or irritated by ants, especially fire ants. They can bite the snake and cause it to become very aggressive and irritable. Be aware putting them together could change it's temperament towards you, and tree pythons tend to be more aggressive to begin with. ❤

[@Nic-_]

"knock on wood i dont wanna die" HAD ME DYING

[@juha-mattikoponen1625]

I think cycling the apex predator is a great idea! Provided that moving said predators between tanks so often does not stress them out. Other than that having lots of smaller predators and the planned biological events sounds like the perfect way to maintain the balance of the ecosystem. Can't wait to see you actually start building this and start adding all the animals!

[@joshg6491]

When he first said planned biological events i thought he meant something completely different, he basically just said "ill feed them and restock the plants" with a fancy word.

[@davidsmith8997]

It will certainly make it more viable and easier to manage in the long run. So I agree, it's a good solution to his problem.

[@SunniMerlot]

I think it’s a really bad idea. The point is to not keep interfering and let it be NATURAL. A big boring snake won’t help that cause

[@shadicnion500]

Time to do a 24/7 livestream of the ecosystem once its fully built

[@nxdevera]

A separate cool idea would to have a huge glass enclosure exposed to your wilderness outdoors and just observe what comes in and out (similar to one of your ant enclosures). Feeding and providing ideal habitats can alter what animals and insects call that piece home.

[@Eadragonixius]

Your idea remind me of a series of books I read back when I was in elementary, where they observed a decently sized small cube of wild space in different environments over the course of a year, and this idea of planned ecological events can definitely work

[@aaxolotl2807]

It’s something I can’t put into words to see how far this channel has come happiness’s and joy is just not enough

[@AntsCanada]

I can't put to words how grateful and happy you guys make me feel. The best and coolest community on YT! Thank you for the support! Ant love forever!

[@elleinvestigates]

I'm so excited to see this! I've loved watching you grow your collection of creatures and habitats! This is such a great idea, to rotate them around, provided they all do well with transfers. I'm excited to report my worms are off to a great start! I've loved watching them reduce my home waste, and thrive. Now that they're getting established and their care is part of my routine, I'm looking at ant colonies! Ant love forever! Edit: WERE THOSE BABY FROGS?!?!?!

[@AntsCanada]

Thanks for watching! #AntLoveForever

[@johnzello8039]

That cycling apex is phenomenal. And highly accurate to the constant change and flow in nature. It may be a little sped up. But that’s better for us impatient humans

[@vexed832]

I’ve never actually had a vocal response to a plot twist before, but the frogs squeezed it out of me

[@ImHavingaCoronary]

AC, you should watch Nordic Ants channel if you haven't already. He is all about large ecosystem tanks with as much diversity as possible. Very interesting.

[@unoriginal1086]

I think you should add some nepenthes pitcher plants!! They are so unique and interesting, and there is even a species of crab that lives solely in the pitchers of nepenthes and eats the prey they catch. I think they might grow quite large in this vivarium!

[@Lightman0359]

Depending on how you design it, one biological event you may or may not be able to control is nuptial flight season. All those elates from your area, you would have to decide if you want to seal off the tank or make it so they can get in and serve as their own random event. Those times may be an interesting time to open it up and add some frogs [or as I suggested before, finding some frog eggs shortly before anting season so they could be hatching as the elates are swarming.

[@addictedtochocolate920]

I just want to say, congratulations. I remember being impressed by your ant colonies since years ago, but this is taking things to a whole nother level. That Python is so beautiful

[@AntsCanada]

Thanks for watching!#AntLoveForever

[@freshdragon2076]

As someone who kept Praying Mantis for over seven years now I would find it really interesting to see how they would do in such a setting

[@GreenieAxolotl337]

This is the highlight of my morning, I’ve been watching your channel for a while and have started keeping ants myself! I currently have a healthy black carpenter ant colony, some acrobat ants, and an unidentified colony that I’m starting to think might be fire ants. But the scary thing about the last colony is that they’re small enough to fit through the ac ant plug micro holes😅

[@CanadianWolf-hearted]

I think you’d have to be super careful with the animals shifting, reptiles can get stressed out and refuse to eat. But it could be done. ( just worried that it might stress out your pet.) but you know him better than me so I trust he’s gonna be good.

[@jonathanhord8067]

Seems that really is the best possible option and would simulate the actual ecosystem way better than a closed off space with no changes.

[@aylaxypt]

After binge watching basically every video on your channel, I can say that you've turned my phobia of ants into a possible hobby! I was attacked by fire ants under my grandparents' front porch as a child. One of my Barbie shoes fell through, so I went under to retrieve it. I tripped and landed right on top of a fire ant nest/ hill and they absolutely COVERED ME. I HAD HUNDREDS OF BITES AND STINGS ALL OVER MY BODY. Horrific and traumatizing. I realize that I was trespassing and they were just scared; it still messed up my head about ants 😅 I've hated them since then until I found your videos. Now I'm just intrigued! They're amazing! ❤

[@jevaughnbryan8477]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😊

[@awesomegamer-cv4zf]

This sounds terrifying, great to hear you're interested in learning more tho lol

[@Hushlittleone]

To be fair you were the equivalent of a meteor to them XD

[@mirandalittel2850]

I’m sorry that happened to you, I would be scared too. Learning about the things we fear can help us turn the fear into a more healthy respect.

[@Raim_]

I think u could connect some "areas"/"cages" to the vivarium for the apex predators and attach little doors and open them when it's they're turn to go into the ecosystem

[@sharondornhoff7563]

The problem with that would be keeping the ecosystem's full-time residents from invading the part-timers' homes.

[@dylansalvahe8783]

Nat Geo and Discovery channel should air your contents. It is tv worthy. So good. 🎉

[@saintgamingsg5038]

i really love the idea of "biological events", you can do so much - and even themed things, like something sweat for christmas or chicken turkey for thanksgiving, for example or what so ever, but yeah, really cool idea :D

[@anom2087]

Clicked so fast I could cry

[@noxololubisi7942]

Me too

[@devantaecarlyle881]

Same

[@AntsCanada]

🐜🐜🐜🐜🐜

[@VoiZ_]

I think the switching predators idea is pretty good for the gecko, chameleon and snake but idk if the case for the tarantula. I dont really know anything about them but if they usually stay in one spot and then are forced out of that spot, put in a different tank and a couple of month back in the ecosystem it might be stressful for them. maybe that'd be the case for the other 3 too but since they move around more in the wild too it probably wouldnt be the case. Please correct me if I'm wrong tho cause idk anything about these animals

[@SunniMerlot]

It should be natural. Swapping stuff out ruins that

[@tamarrajames3590]

Chameleons, particularly males, are very territorial in the wild, and only leave their territory if driven out by a stronger male, which is highly stressful.🖤🇨🇦

[@petar_bibic]

I think your idea for predators is amazing

[@L-AFOL-de-MOC]

I watched a documentary years ago about a zoo that rotated the animals in their enclosures. This was great stimulation for the animals. New smells and new locations was great for the animals psychological health

[@jennyojenny196]

Do you remember the name of the documentary?

[@L-AFOL-de-MOC]

@jennyojenny196 sorry, I don't. It was so long ago. It was a feature on several different zoos and their attempts to make natural and enriching environments.

[@baconatorrrrrrr]

I haven't watched you in YEARS and coming back made me so happyyy

[@AntsCanada]

Welcome back! #AntLoveForever

[@undead2382]

I love the rotating predators idea because yeah in nature most predators hunt in a large area but I think tarantulas would work better as a permanent predator for the systems as they don't eat that much and removing one could mean digging up parts of the enclosure putting unnecessary stress on it and the tarantulas

[@hanscoelmont6383]

9:55 I really like that shot of a praying Mantis using the body of a dead wasp as a drinking jug Also, congrats on 5 mil!!

[@Bob_Bobbings]

If only "Ultimate Ecosystem Vivarium" was the trigger phrase for a drinking game I would be down by this episode.

[@Tickletimson69]

Ok guys he’s slowly becoming a world maker. Edit: pov in 2048 ants Canada: today guys we are gonna make a planet for probably every animal on this planet!

[@soundtravel1000]

in 2035: Today I built an entire continent to see how life will develop!

[@AG-tl8oq]

In 2200: today we'll be making a ultimate alien ecosystem!!!

[@fgtjfbffhfbfhf8312]

I don't know, this sounds like building a fight club, rather than an ecosystem

[@R.B.Nunya-Bizness-hu9tm]

Afterthought Skinks are natural burrowers into loose soil. And only burrow 3 - 4 inches beneath. I've had many different tanks. From 5 gallon to 55 gallon long. As a kid I used to watch ant trails. Pretty cool to watch.

[@tracybowling1156]

I haven't seen anyone on YT do exactly this in terms of moving animals in & out of a vivarium at different times. But youre right, it would show time moving along in the same area of land. It's definitely a unique idea. I'm all for seeing what might happen.

[@BupaDuck]

This is definitely the biggest project antscanda will ever do

[@tvh4260]

I hope not, but fair enough

[@dessertstorm7476]

until the next one

[@jerryworshiper1587]

event ideas: addition of fruit addition of dead insect addition or removal of specific animals that weren't originally there addition of plants rainstorm dry season apex predator cycling, but i think a "no apex predator" cycle should also exist perhaps put the python in right before shedding, because of the nutrients perhaps we could have a permanent colony of a smaller, tamer ant species, and occasionally add and remove more aggresive species perhaps we could have a dedicated ant predator for if the ants are out of control if the plants get out of control, perhaps we could have a "cow insect", a large herbivore with a small population that is too big for most predators to kill

[@wigbillygamer9959]

Releasing mated queens caught during a nuptial flight could be a good event

[@dylansalvahe8783]

Nat Geo and Discovery channel should air your contents. It is tv worthy. So good. 🎉❤

[@dragonidgaf]

Congrats on 5 mil!! I've been subscribed and watching your videos growing up the past dozen years. You along with Serpa really inspired me to make so many of my own builds, you've really come a long way !!

[@pietjepuk1534]

Maybe it would be cool if you create a large terrarium with (glass) walls inside, including holes that the larger predators can't pass through but the ants, crickets, etc. can. So that within it's connected but everything stays in balance.

[@JosephCrowell]

This is a great idea. Predator cycling even solves the Weaver Ant plant killing problem. :)

[@tamarrajames3590]

The predators being switched out will be stressed each time, moving between two very different habitats at random (to them) times. Chameleons and Tokay males are territorial.🖤🇨🇦

[@richardholmes8865]

Not sure how much it will be a factor, but won’t moving your predators often cause them a fair amount of stress?

[@GZCon]

Biological events is a great idea. No one better for this experiment imo. The animals will be well cared for.

[@HikariDana]

I absolutely love, love this channel and this series! It's been interesting to follow and see the ideas flow forth. My feedback on the apex rotation though is the potential stress for both you and the animals. Many animals don't like being shifted after having found a "space" to thrive in, and it may confuse them to be taken between spaces after so many months. Not to mention, this is HEAVY maintenance for you as well, on top of managing the ecosystem and the ant room! Secondly, we have to think about the nature of these creatures you are moving. A python and chameleon are easy enough, a Tokay can be potentially testy, however the Tarantula can be a big problem! Depending on if it is an Old World/New World Tarantula or if it is a burrower or arboreal species, these guys can and WILL bolt if they feel threatened, and it's a disaster waiting to happen if it bolts under a dresser or worse! Personally, I feel like managing just one big apex or smaller apex predators is the way to go. There's much less to worry about and it's an easier foodchain to follow.

[@FallenAngelHiroko]

If we are taking the time to swap out predators in which they would have their own space, it makes far more sense to leave them there and just keep a bunch of little stuff. I know people get hung up on all the "cool" animals and you're going to swap them anyway. I just want to remind you and others of the bigger picture. Whether you listen to me or not.

[@tamarrajames3590]

You are singing my song.🖤🇨🇦

[@Tyberos-The-Red-Wake]

Been watching since was young, it is so cool to see how much this channel and community has grown, congrats!

[@chaosstripe9446]

21:35 I think one event that I would go so far as to say would be necessary is to occasionally toss in a handful of mushroom spawn. This would help break down any bits of decomposing plant matter to big or hard for the soil creatures to eat, and would let you add the occasional addition of small sticks and woody structure to the terrarium to slowly break down.

[@MadMattzYT]

I saw this and clicked so hard that I could have broke the screen😂

[@The-realness-is-baffling]

I'd still prefer many smaller predators and maybe one big apex

[@tamarrajames3590]

But only add the big one after the vivarium is truly stable with its balance of prey and smaller predators.🖤🇨🇦

[@cartergray9397]

Loving your videos man. Funny story, my step cousins were wanting me to turn on fire ant videos for them, and so I did. After a few videos, we came across one of your fire ants videos. Ever since then, I’ve been watching your channel. So thanks to my step cousins Brian and Madalyn for making me discover this amazing channel

[@AntsCanada]

Thanks for watching guys@!#AntLoveForever

[@kimberlyirwin703]

Ive been here a long time, way back when we just thought it was cool to watch ants eat stuff. The pandemic episodes reflected the chaos going on in my personal life, and i drew strength from the way this channel handled it. Like others have said, it is truly moving to see where you've taken this channel. This feels like the natural culmination of everything thats come before, and Im here for it!

[@Pandasteve88]

This has got to be the most anticipated series. Each episode can't come quick enough. I'm hooked and can't wait to see the completed ecosystem

[@AntsCanada]

Thanks for watching! #AntLoveForever

[@Pandasteve88]

@@AntsCanada thank you for making great content, never knew ants could be so interesting. I have been watching 6 years and I am still mesmerised each and everytime I watch

[@jaydenforever_xsshiba7068]

You are my favorite KZbinr

[@AntsCanada]

Thanks for watching! #AntLoveForever

[@FullmetalAngyl]

This is going to be epic. The moment I saw the baby frogs I thought, "It's A Sign!"

[@kyledavies1516]

Honestly would love to see how this all works. One for the education purposes of the ecosystem reacts and two to look at a completely different way of keeping your pets. I been so excited about all this that is inspired me to make two bio active tanks for my crested geckos.