How To House Queen Ants in Vials | Ant Keeping 101

[@EnderAnts]

that shot of maple syrup looks commercial worthy aha! This is a very neat setup, will definitely try this out one day.

[@petsobsession9249]

And you did ender ants so do you remember me ?

[@IsabellaM-tk7fx]

Ender ants!

[@isaacvance5090]

When I searched ant keeping tutorials this didn’t pop up, I got no clue why bc this is exactly what I’m looking for

[@reidmock2165]

This channel is so high-quality

[@lindseywadsworth5348]

Comic sans and papyrus!?! Dreams do come true. Also, I just want to clarify that I’m looking for the consistency of balsamic vinaigrette. Right?

[@Firak]

Anyone else feel like Miles was hungry when he made this?

[@dragonsants7023]

Sticky stacks of golden syrupy deliciousness! -Donkey-

[@aquaantz5579]

Maple syrup

[@chrismoore6359]

I appreciated the gratuitous syrup shot!

[@natureexplorer2497]

Great video Miles. It would be interesting to try this. Also, are you going to film any ant exploring videos soon? Because those are my favorite ones.

[@MilesMaxcer]

Thanks! We are on site filming for The Ant Explorer right now!

[@antwit9343]

It’s 12 am for me here, but a video from your channel is always something I look forward to. Keep up the great work!

[@EstheticAnts]

I like the idea, but I see a few problems using these vials. It isn't expendable, you will stress out the queen because you need constant watering. It's harder to keep them dark and the Ants don't have the same chamber feeling when in a test tube. Humitity isn't constant so the eggs won't develop that well. Please correct me if I'm wrong. What if there was a water reservouri at the bottom of the vial? So you lift the plaster and can eject water beneath it. Would that work better? Let's start a conversation!

[@MilesMaxcer]

Thanks for your comment. These vials do not require constant watering (~ once every 7 days on a shelf, or once every 14 days if kept in humid container). The vials are designed to get you from queen to small colony, and are not supposed to be perfectly linkable (for such a design, see our Lab-Style Formicarium tutorial). Queen ants do not require total darkness during the founding stages, and we actually advise against housing them that way. Robust colonies can and will come out of queens allowed to found in partial light. The eggs develop just fine. Feel free to innovate on the design! These vials create a founding environment that more closely mimics natural founding chambers than test tubes do, and have successfully raised colonies that went on to be displayed at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, the San Diego Zoo, and other major institutions.

[@EstheticAnts]

@@MilesMaxcer Okay thanks very interesting, I might need to make one myself and try it out!

[@Iceguide]

@@EstheticAnts After three Years, did u try it out, how are the results?

[@sargkookie3118]

​@@Iceguide4 years 😅

[@AntLab]

This is soooo great! Nice job and cool filming location!

[@wolfe1970]

what other plasters can you use as its impossible to get hydrostone plaster in the UK

[@dfwturtles105]

Love the maple syrup shot(s)

[@juansoto9914]

they made me hungry

[@li-lan5776]

90% sure that was corn syrup XD as a Mainer maple syrup is actually thinner than that

[@ApolloGuys]

"Maple Syrup?" This channel is underrated i don't understand why it has only this amount of subs.

[@nino6194]

Can’t wait until you guys hit a million

[@MilesMaxcer]

Let's try for 10,000 first!

[@klb430]

I would love to see a video highlighting the different formicariums you have made/use. I have a few small colonies that are ready to move out of tub and tubes set ups, too expensive to get tarheel or antscanada for them all. I need ideas!

[@adamtaylor796]

You could try a giant version of his petri dish formicariums

[@antwit9343]

EelTwerpEel or make multiple of them and connect them together

[@dragonsants7023]

Firebrick a screwdriver, some silicone and picture frame glass!!!

[@antwit9343]

Dragon's Ants Hey dragon it’s me Kar

[@robertbakerii5469]

I had no idea about this method. I like this better than test tubes. Thanks and great video!

[@MilesMaxcer]

We do too! Down with the test tubes!

[@CarlosGonzalez-qq6kk]

Great tutorial!! Very explanatory!! 👏🏻👏🏻 In Europe isn't easy to find Hydro-Stone from USG. I can buy thought the Hydrocal white or the Ultracal 30 from USG... could any of both be useful as substitute? Thanks!!

[@MilesMaxcer]

Either will work, but Ultracal is probably better!

[@CarlosGonzalez-qq6kk]

@@MilesMaxcer Tx !!!

[@kylerosenberg2508]

This is an absolutely fantastic design, extremely cheap and practical. I wanted to ask though if leaving the vials in the container with the damp cloth is enough to keep the vials humid without regularly applying water to the inside with a pipette.

[@MilesMaxcer]

Hi Kyle! Thanks for the comments and question. The vials should be watered every ~7 days if kept out of the humid box or every 14 days if kept inside one. Of course, your local conditions may affect this so pay close attention to the needs of your ants.

[@mcallahk]

Those vials look super cool, I'd love to give them a shot one day.

[@antsterra]

Where can I buy much tubes ?

[@mickster287]

Honestly you are by far my favorite ant youtuber !! Very professional, educational, and helpful as always !!! Please keep the videos coming !!! Waiting for a Ant Network Shirt !!! Great job again 👏 👍 👌 🙌

[@RicoStolwijk-f7t]

Love the vid, how do you make sure they have enough water to stay hydrated?

[@chelseagoldkamp8888]

Thanks I really learned a lot and I think this will help my ant farm grow.

[@harlanabrams9743]

can they drink from the hydro stone and how often would you need to disturb them to water? Nice video BTW

[@MilesMaxcer]

Hi Harlan! Thanks for the comments and question. The vials should be watered every ~7 days if kept out of the humid box or every 14 days if kept inside one. Of course, your local conditions may affect this so pay close attention to the needs of your ants. The ants do not need drinking water if the humidity allows them to keep their hydration in check. That acknowledged, these vials allow for micro-bubbles to form from condensation, which the ants do drink.

[@harlanabrams3006]

@@MilesMaxcer thanks I think ill probably try making some I just ordered a ton of supplies to make petri dish setups.

[@nickridout8770]

Curious about what Camponotus sp you have there, besides those which appear to be either fragilis or festinatus. Very cool looking.

[@zrelzirow17]

it would be very helpful for me if you could share german product links, from similar articles! :) Hydrostone is not really found in Germany. :(

[@EricHockridge]

digging the workshop man

[@thevieadanac6115]

How do you sterilize the sand? How long does it take the hydro stone to fully cure? You said 1/2 hour for heat but is it cured within that time?

[@MilesMaxcer]

We wash and then bake our sand at 300 F for 30 minutes. Hydrostone can take anywhere between 20-60 minutes to fully cure. I usually wait at least a few hours before exposing ants to freshly cured hydrostone. Thanks for watching!

[@gabrielookami8774]

That's only for the founding stage, correct? When first nanitic workers appear, they should be moved in a different setup, right?

[@MilesMaxcer]

That’s correct! Once the first or second generation of workers eclose, they’ll need a proper formicarium (such as a Tar Heel Ants Mini Hearth).

[@sorensants9412]

Do you think I should be looking for a consistency like maple syrup?

[@MilesMaxcer]

You know what, that does sound like a really good analogy. Yeah, I think a consistency like maple syrup would be satisfactory. - Miles

[@memedumpster1402]

You guys make such good content. I see 50k in no time :)

[@issifraser8212]

Awesome finally your back!😁😁😁😂😀😀

[@mrilovetheants]

Hay I know where that was filmed!

[@juansoto9914]

where

[@antsla9843]

montana

[@mrilovetheants]

Arizona actually. There's a man down there who builds exhibits for museums.

[@theanthouse8487]

@@mrilovetheants That explains the trap-jaw queen at 5:51

[@harlanabrams3006]

can you link some of the outworlds you use in all of your videos, Thanks.

[@sandragoodey5596]

Can our use normal plaster for the vials. Thank you

[@MilesMaxcer]

You can, but it may not last as long.

[@ArgyleTurtle]

Do they need any additional water to drink?

[@B_rad0806]

Another amazing video

[@NovoAnts]

Nice video. I like the idea of the jars. 😃👍🏼

[@danotjd7697]

Did you use hydrocal and hydrostone together? Or you just provided 2 separate options and both material would work equally? Thanks in advance

[@MilesMaxcer]

Just providing two different options for people! Either will work for this project, but should not be combined together.

[@shanebishop959]

You mentioned doing the same thing in a larger jar, but does that not run the same risk of breaking from hydrostone expansion? Does the thicker jar "wall" prevent such problems, or is there some trick to making that work?

[@MilesMaxcer]

The thicker wall tends to prevent such problems, particularly if you use a consistency like maple syrup (or corn syrup...) when mixing! ;)

[@noahcallins4595]

Great video miles. Never thought of this

[@Kilisei]

Ehere did you get the boxes from

[@rexy8565]

Bro why is the production quality so good when you have so little subs lol

[@user-yj4qz5lo6k]

This same vial setup but with a water reservoir underneath the plaster and a piece of plaster sucking up water from it would be better I think

[@mlk08012]

This should work in old pill vials. The orange color would restrict viewing, but also eliminate light for the queen.

[@MilesMaxcer]

That's right! Definitely an accessible and cheap option.

[@averagedude76]

Great video and great quality

[@MilesMaxcer]

Thanks!

[@pokecards1942]

Great job

[@heavenzss]

Hey i found quuen ant and after i took it home and put it in container he always sleeps and try to find a way to escape i give it water i find it weird cuz my brothers quuen ant so calm while mine moves so much

[@johnluis4363]

I’m only 11 and I think I understood everything...

[@fishingwithaiden276]

What is you fill it half way and carve it out

[@IceCubeNETWORK873]

Yay new Video! I’ve been Waiting!!!

[@AntsManitoba]

Dude!!! This is such a good idea I love it 🤯

[@callumjohn6089]

just a question can you just like raise an ant queen in a container filled with dirt

[@samyish]

Is that the same as plaster of paris?

[@MilesMaxcer]

No, hydrostone and hydrocal are stronger plasters that provide more durability and resistance to fungal growth than plaster of Paris does.

[@juanmaolmedo4513]

If I don't have hydrocal, can it be replaced by something?

[@MilesMaxcer]

Hydrostone or Ultracal 30.

[@insanemateen4116]

Can I use conceate with sand

[@joebothehobo5895]

What’s the best mm test tube size

[@BroJackHenderson]

Nice shop!

[@antdayuk6851]

I love ant keeping

[@MilesMaxcer]

We do too!

[@antdayuk6851]

@@MilesMaxcer I've found a lastis niger queen 2 weeks old she has a lot of eggs too it's on my channel Ant day UK plz feel free to check it out 😁🤞🤞😃

[@kjiggy059]

Great video! Thanks

[@re1ard353]

Can i adk this question? A few days ago i caught a mated carpenter queen and she has not lay any eggs is there a reason for it?

[@MilesMaxcer]

It can sometimes take over a week for a newly-mated queen to begin producing eggs. Be patient! Also make sure she’s in a proper environment with a source of moisture.

[@re1ard353]

@@MilesMaxcer ohhh ok thanks so much for the help

[@dragonsants7023]

Are these reusable at all?

[@MilesMaxcer]

Yes! Simply rinse them out with water and replace any substrate you want to use, and you’re good to go!

[@FizzleFX]

uhm why not drill a tiny hole in? tilting the lid seems excessive and it may drops while moving :x

[@thomasschellenberg3818]

Awesome video sir

[@MyLivingWorldsAnts]

This was such a good video!

[@HubertusGaming]

What is the best to use test tubes, Petry dish or this?

[@getoffyoubassandletsfish8565]

I like test tubes 🧪 easier to keep hydrated and storage if you have multiple queens. They are very low maintenance and only need to be check on monthly.

[@matheeshagajanayake5305]

Can I use POP other than hydrostone plaster?

[@getoffyoubassandletsfish8565]

Nope will cause mold and mess

[@lympic_cas5459]

Great video

[@bhutiphatleesirikul8972]

very good idea LIKE!!!

[@nigelbagguley7410]

very nice

[@justyourordinarytom6528]

Interesting but i will still preffer test tube . I dont have to disturb them and probably drown the brood amd q when watering .

[@cityants1166]

Nice vid

[@jack_corvinus]

Dang this Miles Obama fella looks mighty handsome

[@AdrianGarcia-ws1ge]

under rated

[@drknmnn]

That was awesome, Miles! Thanks

[@the.original.zeus_69]

Make some holes in the cap because the ants cannot breath without air from Ants antner

[@juansoto9914]

nice video

[@texants]

Eres un genio

[@pubcarldelacruz4111]

I wish you to have many subscriber

[@Spooder1989]

Why not just use a natural substrate?

[@MilesMaxcer]

Natural substrates can be used by the ants to obscure view into the nest, and can contain pathogens and things like mites, which can be deleterious to the ants' health. If you'd like to use a substrate such as washed sand, just be sure that it has been sterilized. This can be accomplished by soaking it in alcohol or heating it on a baking sheet at 180* F (~82 C) for 1/2 an hour. Thanks for your comment!

[@dragonsants7023]

Does anyone know how to get ahold of the Plaster.Com people? my order is much later than they said it was going to be and both of my emails were rejected... Tech support and customer service

[@MilesMaxcer]

We don't use them for that reason! Reach out to U.S. Gypsum and ask for them to help you locate a supplier.

[@kalapzaz9263]

Good

[@MinigunL5]

Cool

[@mb-vj4gd]

Awesome tutorial as always. I know you said in another video that you get some compensation when we use the linked products. I imagine this would create a lot of extra work, but you may want to also include links for other countries. I'm in Canada so use amazon.ca, and the links you provide are only for the American site. I'd use your links if I could!

[@coolapps5070]

Can I have a ant queen.

[@howlround]

Thanks for the video. At the moment I only have access to "Perfect Cast" As much as I've tried, I can't determine if this is the same as, or safe as hydrostone. Here's a link, but that may trigger a spam filter.. www.hobbylobby.com/Crafts-Hobbies/Clay-Molding-Sculpting/Casting/Perfect-Cast/p/80766748

[@berb8300]

:)

[@undifined7251]

G

[@astrosmusic3224]

YOU NEED WATER THEY WILL DIE!!!!! sad#