Refillable tube – Compartmentalized 18x180mm Model 831

Description

This refillable, compartmentalized 18x180mm tube, made in France, was developed for Fourmiculture using thick, high-quality glass. Numerous improvements allow for the long-term rearing of small to medium-sized drilling colonies with a higher success rate than traditional tubes.

A huge advantage over the plaster tube made in China: it lasts for several weeks! And it's rechargeable afterwards. No risk of losing the colony due to forgetfulness.

Gentle humidity: Lower humidity, easy to increase. Suitable for large species (Messor, Camponotus…).

Refillable tube – Compartmentalized to provide ants with a sense of security, improve development, and optimize space utilization (brood, food, waste, etc.). The washers are not completely resistant to Messor mites, and the tube does not have an integrated steel mesh (over-shielding), but it is suitable for developing a young, non-aggressive colony of up to several dozen workers. The washers are easy to replace.

The recurring problems with the tubes we tested are: static electricity, a water refill system but too short a battery life and dried-out dead ants, foams that are too fragile or a fragile resin plaster slab, cotton that gets moldy, poorly managed humidity, tubes that are too small for Messor, and a thin tube.

The refillable tube – 18x180mm compartmentalized – is a high-end, quality system for the success of your foundation:

• Tube sold with an empty reservoir. Lasts for several months when full!
• Refillable with water using an optional special syringe.
  
• Glass tube free of static electricity, which is harmful to ants
• 1. Non-toxic foam, healthier than regular PVA foam for water reservoirs
• Solid, improved, absorbent white slab for greater longevity, superior to resin plaster
  
• 3 black washers to define spaces in the tube and a humidity gradient.
  

Authenticated with our laser engraving.

Caution : Due to the compartments, air circulation is reduced. For optimal growing conditions, it is recommended to use the tube with the open end, without cotton, facing a harvesting area. Otherwise, use loosely packed cotton or a mesh screen.

Instructions for use:

Place the queen or colony in the tube with the water reservoir. Connect the tube to a foraging area and leave the end open for proper ventilation. To refill with water, order our special syringe or use 0.3mm needles. Seal the inlet hole with Scotch Crystal tape. Caution: thoroughly dry the glass to ensure the tape adheres properly, and use only Scotch Crystal tape for its long-term durability. Important: lift the tape or refill the reservoir every 15 days to create an air pocket, allowing the base to absorb the water.