Hobbies And Interests
Basics
All ant habitats require some basic supplies to work effectively. Sand or dirt is required so the ant colony can burrow underground, which is natural ant behavior in nature. For viewing purposes, sand that highlights the color of the ants is recommended. For example, if the ants are black ants, white sand or dirt should be used.
Novelty Items
Many ant habitats are built as novelty items. For example, since many people call ant habitats ant farms, many pre-bought ant habitats have tiny plastic farm memorabilia lined at the top of the dirt within the habitat. However, anyone can create or purchase any novelty objects for the ant habitat. One popular novelty is to have space-like memorabilia since many NASA missions have had ant habitats on board for experimental purposes.
Openings for Air and Food
Most bought ant habitats come with ant feed. The owner can drop food into the habitat through an opening in the top of the habitat. The ants will distribute and eat the food. For water, ant farm enthusiast websites like Ant Farm Universe recommend regularly dropping moist cotton balls into the ant farm. The ants will drink from the cotton ball and suck up enough water to distribute across the colony. It is recommended to remove the cotton once it seems enough moisture has been captured in the habitat, otherwise mold could form.
Unique Ant Habitats
New ant habitats are coming into the market that do not have dirt in them. NASA scientists, thanks to studies in space, developed nutrient-rich gels that serve as both shelters, food and moisture for the ants. Commercially, there are now a few ant habitats that utilize this artificial gel. The owner can watch as the ants burrow through the gel and also use the gel as a water and food source. The owner may have to regularly add more gel, as the ants will continue to consume it.