Test Tube → Test Tube Transfer & First Outworld Setup
Beginner-proof workflow: no flooding, no escapes; clean water plug, safe bridge, and calm week-one care.
Why this guide
Many new colonies arrive in test tubes. When water runs low, mold appears, or you need an outworld, moving the colony or refreshing the setup safely is crucial. This guide shows a repeatable process using a clean water plug, a short silicone bridge, and a low-disturbance transfer.
Tools & materials
| Item | Spec | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Test tubes | Ø 16–20 mm, length ≥ 100 mm | One current tube; one new tube with fresh water plug |
| Cotton | Untreated, tight fibers | For water plug and front stopper |
| Water | Clean, room-temp | Avoid additives; no wet wipes |
| Silicone tube | Inner Ø matches tube tips (e.g., 6–8 mm) | Short length 2–4 cm to form a bridge |
| Tweezers & swabs | Fine tips; 2–5 ml dropper | Brood pickup; tiny liquid control |
| Outworld (optional) | Small food container with lid | Drill connector hole; add barrier on rim |
Prep both tubes (water plug & cotton)
- Make a fresh water plug: fill ~1/3 tube with water → insert tight cotton to create a moist reservoir (no free water beads).
- Front stopper: a smaller cotton piece for the entrance; press firm but breathable.
- Label new tube: date + species. Keep it ready and darken with paper on 3 sides.
Bridge / outworld connection
- Tube-to-tube: push both tube tips into a short silicone sleeve (2–4 cm). Ensure a flush, airtight fit.
- Tube-to-outworld: fit one tube tip to the box wall connector; the outworld rim gets a 10–15 mm barrier band.
- Light & humidity contrast: darken the new tube; keep the current one brighter and slightly drier → ants relocate by choice.
Transfer methods (pick one)
| Method | Best for | How it works | Caution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bridge (walk-over) | All sizes | Connect tubes; dark new tube; brighten old tube; wait 1–24 h | Keep tubes level; avoid vibration |
| Tap-assist | Small colonies | Tilt old tube 45–60°, gentle taps; brood moved with slightly damp swab | No shocks; protect queen |
| Cool-assist | Larger species | Briefly cool old tube a few minutes → low activity → move quickly | Stay within safe temps; not for fragile micro species |
No-flood feeding
- Serve a tiny droplet 3–5 mm on a foil square at the tube mouth or in the outworld.
- For tube setups, keep liquids 2–3 cm away from the water plug.
- Remove liquids in 2–4 h; protein pieces ≤ 6 h.
Week-one rhythm
| Day | Action | Why |
|---|---|---|
| D1 | Sugars/water only; quick check ≤ 1 min | Avoids stress & mold |
| D2–3 | Single tiny protein; clean next day | Supports brood without residue |
| D4–7 | Protein 2×/week; sugars always | Steady intake; low disturbance |
| After D7 | If still in old tube, increase contrast | Dark/humid new tube; light/dry old tube |
Troubleshooting
| Symptom | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Flooding | Overfill or loose cotton | Use tighter plug; droplet on foil only; keep level |
| Won’t cross bridge | No contrast / gap | Darken new tube; brighten old; ensure sleeve is snug |
| Mold near plug | Food residue, stagnant zone | Serve outside tube; strict time limits; plan timely transfer |
| Escapes at outworld | No barrier or wet rim | Dry rim; paint 10–15 mm barrier; let cure fully |
ASCII diagrams
A) Tube-to-tube bridge (dark →)
[ old tube ]====( short silicone 2–4 cm )====[ new tube (darkened) ]
B) First outworld
┌────── lid ──────┐
tube → │ ● food foil │ ← barrier band on rim (10–15 mm)
│ (3–5 mm) │
└──────────────────┘
Responsible keeping
Never release captive ants. Check local regulations. If you can’t continue, please rehome responsibly.
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