Today, in mine and my associates perusal of the junk-heap that is our backyard, we came across a startling discovery.
A Carpenter Ant nest.
These motherfuckers are vicious. My grandfather had one take a chunk of meat out of his hand, when I was younger.
This is NOT the colony I plan to transplant to Ant-ture. This will be a last ditch effort, if I cannot find a suitable colony for transfer.
HOWEVER. I have been informed that this colony has remained in this exact spot for the past 3 years. They continue to feed off the wood scraps inside that barrel. So if we ever have need for "Sploicers", they are available.
Look at these fuckers. They're large.
Ignore my associate's meaty hand. He is part giant.
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In other news, we have a very large/long aquarium, with an easily repairable side-window. If the first colony is a success, I will transplant Ant-ture to this larger tank, and add in more scenery and "atmosphere". It will probably also be this second iteration that I add in a radio for the playing of 50's music.
Ant-ture's planning stages have begun.
"What is the difference between an ant and a parasite?
An ant builds. A parasite asks 'Where is my share?'
An ant creates. A parasite says, 'What will the neighbors think?'
An ant invents. A parasite says,
'Watch out, or you might tread on the toes of God... ' "
An ant builds. A parasite asks 'Where is my share?'
An ant creates. A parasite says, 'What will the neighbors think?'
An ant invents. A parasite says,
'Watch out, or you might tread on the toes of God... ' "
-PK Shitstorm
Damn, those are big. Hmm, have you found a air pump yet?
ReplyDeleteIf you need help with funds I'd be willing to donate up to $25.00.
ReplyDelete@Darrik: I have not really found anything fitting yet. I'm looking for a decent aquarium first, so I know what size pump would look least invasive.
ReplyDelete@Daniel: I appreciate it, but I'm trying to stave off the idea of a donation until I am absolutely sure I have reached a brick wall, in terms of being able to fund my underwater ant-topia.
Hmm. Ok. Ill search teh web a bit for aquariums and pumps and such and see what i will find. Did you see my comment on the ant-gel for sale?
ReplyDeleteYes I did. It's an awesome alternative, for when I want to make the larger scale version. I was thinking about putting the second version in a 4-foot aquarium, and cutting plastic sections shaped like buildings. That way, I can fill them with gel, and create a more city-like structure.
ReplyDeleteI think I found an aquarium in decent shape. It's octagonal, but I can see past that minor annoyance.
Ok just making sure. The plastic building idea is nice too. Have you decided on fish yet? Guppy's are easy fish to have a gazillion of.
ReplyDeleteif you are planning on having plant's go fake since live plants may have snail eggs and that will be as bad as mice in a barn. Also, for a cleaner tank you will need one of those sucker fish.
Plants will be fake. Fish might not even make the first iteration, sadly. All depends on if I can maintain them properly. The ants maintain themselves, with the gel, so that's no issue.
ReplyDeleteAs for a sucker fish, I would consider that a necessity. There are some breeds that are easily cared for, AND look like whales.
Sucker Fish as cleaner? Sorry but thats not really true. 1st of all they are called Catfish, and yes they eat algea but thats not enough to keep the tank clean. They also need a root and a cave. You also have to know that some catfish live in swarm.
ReplyDeleteIf you want fishes in your tank i suggest you guppy, nothing more.
But you also need an air pump to keep enough oxygen(I made you a post about air pumps on #2)
and a small filter
Oh shit, you're actually making progress. Good luck, hope everything goes according to plan.
ReplyDeleteSoldier Carpenter Ants - Big Daddies. You know it to be true.
ReplyDeleteI didn't claim to know anything about fish. The only aquatic creature I ever owned was a Bimac Octo, and that was for 6 months.
ReplyDeleteFish aren't exactly my forte, so I am asking others for advice/info on that.
A FEW HUNDRED BUCKS ARE A SMALL PRICE TO PAY FOR OUR IDEALS
ReplyDeleteALWAYS I WANT TO BE WITH YOU
ReplyDeleteAND MAKE BELIEVE WITH YOU
AND LIVE IN HARMONY HARMONY OH LOVE
I'm fairly confused about this whole thing... won't the ants simply act as if nothing different had occurred? If they are supplied with oxygen and food, they'll just continue on their way like nothing was different... or are you talking about adding different variables?
ReplyDeleteHaha! I just realized I have a small-ish aquarium in my room at the moment, not being used at all. Rectangular, looks to be about 2'x1', interested?
ReplyDelete