So, you’ve caught a queen ant—great! Now, she needs a place to settle down and start her empire. In the ant-keeping world, a test tube setup is the go-to method for housing a queen during her founding stage. It’s simple, effective, and mimics the humid, enclosed spaces queens would naturally seek out in the wild.
But as easy as it sounds, plenty can go wrong—mould, leaks, dehydration, or even queens rejecting the setup entirely. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to create the perfect test tube setup, troubleshoot common problems, and keep your queen comfortable until she’s ready for the next stage.
1. Why Use a Test Tube Setup?
Before we get into the how, let’s talk about the why. A test tube setup is:
✅ Secure & Escape-Proof – Queens can’t run off like they would in a larger container.
✅ Self-Hydrating – The built-in water reservoir provides long-term moisture.
✅ Stress-Free – The confined space helps the queen feel safe, just like in a natural founding chamber.
Simply put: it’s cheap, reliable, and works for nearly every species. If you’re still deciding on the right species to keep, check out our Best Australian Ant Species for Beginners.
2. Setting Up the Perfect Test Tube
What You’ll Need:
- Test tube (Glass or plastic, 16mm–20mm wide)
- Cotton balls (Soft and clean)
- Water (Distilled or tap water left to sit for 24 hours)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1️⃣ Fill one-third of the tube with water. This will serve as the hydration source. Be careful not to overfill—it’s a nest, not an aquarium.
2️⃣ Insert a cotton ball just above the water line. This keeps the water contained while allowing humidity to pass through. Push it in firmly but not so tight that water can’t reach the queen’s space.
3️⃣ Gently introduce the queen ant. If she’s uncooperative, let her walk in on her own rather than forcing her in. (Queens, like royalty, don’t appreciate being shoved into places.)
4️⃣ Seal the open end with another cotton ball. This provides ventilation while keeping the queen secure.
5️⃣ Store the test tube in a dark, quiet, and warm place. A drawer or covered shelf works well. Avoid vibrations and direct sunlight.
For more details on handling a newly captured queen, check our guide on What to Do with a Queen Ant After Capture.
3. Common Problems & How to Fix Them
Even when you follow the steps perfectly, things don’t always go according to plan. Here are some common issues and how to fix them:
🚨 Problem: The Water Dries Up Too Fast
💡 Fix: If the water disappears within a few weeks, the cotton barrier might be too loose, allowing evaporation. Next time, push the cotton in slightly tighter or store the tube in a more humid environment.
🚨 Problem: The Test Tube is Leaking
💡 Fix: If water is escaping, the cotton plug is either too loose or you overfilled the tube. Try reducing the water level slightly and repacking the cotton barrier.
🚨 Problem: Mould is Growing on the Cotton
💡 Fix: This is common if the test tube is too humid or the cotton wasn’t clean to begin with. Move the queen to a fresh test tube if mould is spreading near her. To prevent this, use clean cotton balls and avoid placing food inside the tube. Learn more about keeping your ants safe in How to Keep Your Ants Safe from Mites and Pests.
🚨 Problem: The Queen is Rejecting the Setup
💡 Fix: Some queens (especially semi-claustral species like bull ants) prefer to roam. If she refuses to settle, try covering the test tube with black paper to make it feel more like an underground chamber. You can also consider giving her access to an outworld, as discussed in Moving Your Queen Ant from the Founding Stage to a Formicarium.
4. Alternative Test Tube Setups
While the classic setup works for most queens, some species (like bull ants and sugar ants) may prefer alternatives.
🔹 Plastic vs. Glass – Glass test tubes are easier to clean, but plastic tubes are less likely to break if dropped.
🔹 Hydration Chambers – Some advanced ant keepers use 3D-printed nests or Ytong blocks that provide humidity without direct water contact.
🔹 Outworld Connection – If you have a semi-claustral queen, you can connect the test tube to a small outworld so she can forage while still having a safe nest.
5. When to Move the Queen to a New Setup
Queens don’t stay in test tubes forever. Here’s when to move her to a new setup:
✔ If the water dries up or becomes mouldy.
✔ If workers (nanitics) have arrived and are foraging.
✔ If the colony has outgrown the test tube.
When moving a queen, do it gently and with minimal disturbance. A good method is to place the old test tube next to a fresh one inside a dark space—the ants will move when they’re ready. For a detailed guide, check out Moving Your Queen Ant from the Founding Stage to a Formicarium.
Conclusion
A well-made test tube setup can make or break the success of a founding queen. By following these steps, you’ll provide a stable, safe environment where your queen can lay eggs and start her colony stress-free. Just remember—patience is key. Queens don’t need constant checking, and they definitely don’t need redecorating.
Get the setup right, and soon enough, you’ll have a thriving colony on your hands! 🐜
