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Leaf Cutter Fungus Pod - 2024 Verion

Leaf Cutter Fungus Pod - 2024 Verion
Leaf Cutter Fungus Pod - 2024 Verion
Leaf Cutter Fungus Pod - 2024 Verion
Leaf Cutter Fungus Pod - 2024 Verion
Leaf Cutter Fungus Pod - 2024 Verion
Leaf Cutter Fungus Pod - 2024 Verion
Leaf Cutter Fungus Pod - 2024 Verion
Leaf Cutter Fungus Pod - 2024 Verion
New 7 - 10 Days
Leaf Cutter Fungus Pod - 2024 Verion
Leaf Cutter Fungus Pod - 2024 Verion
Leaf Cutter Fungus Pod - 2024 Verion
Leaf Cutter Fungus Pod - 2024 Verion
Leaf Cutter Fungus Pod - 2024 Verion
Leaf Cutter Fungus Pod - 2024 Verion
Leaf Cutter Fungus Pod - 2024 Verion
Leaf Cutter Fungus Pod - 2024 Verion
Leaf Cutter Fungus Pod - 2024 Verion
£109.99
Ex VAT: £109.99
  • Stock: 7 - 10 Days
  • Model: Leaf Cutter Fungus Pod 2024 Version
  • SKU: HTA-LC-POD-2024

This is our 2024 version leaf cutter ant fungus pod.

We have been developing this pod since 2021 and this is the latest iteration featuring one main benefit, a new hydration system.

The plaster base on the previous version worked well, but once colonies grew large, 3 fugus pods or more, the colony started the chew the plaster base and make a mess. This new version stops that from happening by using clay balls in the base, covered in water, and then covered in metal mesh and acrylic to stop the ants from being able to get to them. You can add and remove water if needed via a tube in the rear of the pod using a syringe.

An external temperature and moisture monitor accurately monitors the variables within the fungus pod, and also allows batteries to be replaced without opening the fungus pod at a future date. The monitor also can connect via an app to a phone for monitoring.

Keeping leaf cutter ants is not for a beginner ant keeper and careful thought should be taken before investing in a colony. The species are generally quite hardy, but the fungus needs specific conditions to enable it to grow well. The optimum temperature and humidity level for fungus growth are about 24.5°c and 90%-100% humidity.

The easiest way to achieve this is to have the room they are kept in at 25°c and add water to the plaster slowly to achieve 95-100%. In most cases having a room at 25°c all year round isn't possible, practical or desirable. If this is not an option, you are then faced with the issue of heating the pod to 25°c. Our pod is designed to be used with a heating box, as heating it externally is not easy due to its shape. The shape however is great for viewing the colony through a flat surface.

If you do manage to heat the fungus pod to 25°c and the room they are in is lower than this temperature, you will run into a condensation problem. Condensation will start to form on the inside of the pod due to the temperature difference between the pod, and the room. Condensation itself isn't a huge problem, it will just obscure the view and if it comes into contact with the fungus, can damage or kill it. We didn't want these issues so we designed and built a heating box for the fungus pod.

If the heating box is kept at 25°c the fungus pod in it is also at roughly the same temperature. This minimises condensation, although you can still get some. In our full setup, if condensation starts to accumulate on the sides of the fungus pod, an optional 40mm USB fan and holder can add cooler air into the feeding pod which then slightly cools the air in the fungus pod and clears the condensation.


Key Features

  • Accurately monitor temperature and moisture within the pod
  • Clay Ball hydration system not accessible by the colony
  • 32mm OD and 28mm ID Acrylic tube connectors on either side for expansion.
  • Designed to fit in our heating box for optimal heating control and condensation management
  • Slanted lid to encourage any condensation to run away from the fungus
  • Constructed from 3mm Perspex® and glued
  • Removable lid with brass screw inserts
  • If bought individually this comes with two blockers until any expansion is needed
  • Secure, clamped tube connectors for expansion


Perspex

All acrylic used in this pod is Perspex®.



Components on Amazon for the Setup

We try to source as many products as we can, but sometimes it's just cheaper to purchase them on Amazon. Optional products we use for the full Leaf Cutter Setup are these. *** Please note, we are not responsible for any defects/issues with these products, these are just what we are using with our setup. Other options are available ***

40mm USB Variable Speed Fan

Digital LED Heating and Cooling Thermostat

4-Port Powered USB Hub with Switches

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Nest Information
Included Connectors 32mm OD and 28mm ID Acrylic Tube Connectors
Moisture Source Clay Balls Covered by Mesh
Nest Colour White
Temperature and Moisture Monitor included Yes
Leaf Cutter Specifics
Pod/Box Dimensions Overall 257mm x 232mm x 190mm (H x W x D)

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Tags: leaf cutter