Help/FAQ
***New here***
I am a beginner. How should I start?
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You should inform yourself reading for example the brochure “Principals of keeping ants”
Which ant species is the best to begin with?
The species we sell are categorized into level classes (level 1, level 2, level 3). As a beginner, you should start with species with the level class 1 (level 1). You should start with a small colony (4-10 worker) where the workers care and for the queen and help feeding it. We would not recommend a beginner to start with only one queen or a colony of several hundreds of animals.
Which formicarium is the right one?
You should begin with a starter set. It has all the important things you will need at the beginning already included. Most of our formicariums are modular designed and therefor have one or more connection points. That way you can extend the arrangement whenever you want. A small selection of what we recommend is already included in the starter set. For more information about this subject please read the brochure “Principals of keeping ants” which is available in the shop.
Should I start with a very big formicarium?
If the formicarium is too big it is very difficult to see the ant colony developing. That is why you should start with an extendable, small arrangement.
***Hibernation***
How long is hibernation?
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Middle European species from the beginning of November till middle/ending of march at 5-8°C
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South European species from the beginning of December till end of january / beginning of February at 12-15°C
Can I purchase ants while they are in hibernation?
Yes. Due to their less active metabolism the transport is even less stressful for them. Just be sure to continue the hibernation period until its end.
What is important during hibernation?
Enough moisture so the animals won´t dry up. If the colony is inside a test tube with a water reservoir then it is ok to keep them like this until the hibernation period is over.
Two weeks before hibernation you should not give the animals any food, because they empty their intestines before hibernation starts.
What happens when European ant species don´t get their hibernation?
Hibernation is very important for the development of the colony. If you don´t let the animals get their hibernation by not dropping the temperature, it could have negative effects on the development of the colony in the long term.
***Gel Formicariums***
What about gel formicariums?
Usually they are only used for short time observation. If you intend to keep your colony for a long time you should rather use natural materials.
Why gel formicariums are not suitable for keeping ants?
- The animals cannot hide from the light – That means stress for them.
- Waste (food leftovers and excrements) get stuck within the gel and can mold.
How long can I use a gel formicarium?
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Our recommendation is: No longer than 14 days.
***Custom-made product***
Can you make a formicarium if I give you the measures?
We can make glass basins up to size of 200x100x100 cm. We only need an engineering detail drawing with all details to avoid any misunderstanding. Just send it via email, fax or mail and we will give you a calculated prize which has to be paid before manufacturing the basin.
Note: We deliver within 1 or 2 weeks. Cheap mailservice delivery is only possible for sizes up to 40x30x20 cm. Up to 60x30x30 cm we only ship with a shipping forwarder. For sizes bigger than that we ask you to pick up the basin in our store in Berlin by yourself because shipping and packaging costs would be higher than the prize of the basin.
***Shop, order***
Why can´t I pay per invoice or using debit entries?
Due to bad experiences with people who just purchase for fun and many unpaid bills, we only accept payment in advance, Sofort, Credit Card and PayPal.
Why can I pay only with VISA or Mastercard and not with American Express?
That is because we are only active in Europe and Visa and Mastercard are mostly used here.
Do you accept payment in installments for expensive products?
No.
When is an item available if the status is set “unknown”?
Like the word says, it is unknown when it will be available. The supplier could deliver within days or months.
Why there is an extra fee for package material for some items?
For breakable items like glass we need extra or special package material to make sure the transport will not break the item. That makes it more.
How long can the colony survive within the test tube?
That depends on the species. If the tube is shut (not in hibernation period and with enough food) Myrmica rubra e.g. can survive a few days only but Lasius niger several months. If the tube is open and the animals have aenough water and food there is no time limit.
Do you ship outside the EU?
No, we don´t do this anymore because beside the paperwork there are always problems with the duty. Due to this there are incalculable costs and delivery time.
Can I purchase by telephone?
Only if you have ordered online once before. For your order we need your customer number (you can find it on your bill).
Can I change the set up of a starter set?
No, but you can buy all the items separately (not in a set). That is how you can set up your own starter set.
***Reservation***
Can I reserve available products?
After we receive payments, you can retard the delivery up to 30 days. For living animals we charge the costs for the care requirements. (see AGB § 5)
Can I order not available products in advance?
No, we don´t have a waiting list for non available products.
***Vaouchers***
How can I use my voucher?
First of all you can use your voucher to buy whatever you want in our shop.
It is not possible to change the voucher into cash money or to use it in another shop.
***Shipment/ Delivery***
What´s the difference between GLS and DHL?
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Usually GLS delivers a bit faster than DHL.
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The advantage of DHL is that they also deliver on Saturdays (GLS only from Monday to Friday). There is also the possibility to get your package at the nearest DHL station.
I am waiting for my delivery but it is not arriving. Why?
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Please keep in mind that every parcel service has its delivery time.
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If you transfer your money from your bank to ours it can take up longer.
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An Item was marked with a longer delivery time.
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We deliver delicate ant species only at the beginning of each week. We will inform you befor.
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If none of these facts apply, than please contact our customer service:
https://www.antshop.at/shop/shop_content.php?coID=0
It could be that we could not assign the money we received to your order or the form was not filled out properly so we could not send the item.
How can I track my package?
As soon as the parcel service picks up your package, we send you a tracking number. With this tracking number you can locate your package using the website of the parcel service.
What is important when receiving the package?
- If you are not at home you should let a note at your door where the parcel service can could call you or where he should drop your delivery (e.g. neighbor).
- If you are awaiting a delivery through a forwarding agency, you should be sure that there is always someone at home to receive the delivery. If not there are additional costs for every additional kilometer.
- If the package is damaged from the outside, please let the deliverer confirm that in written form. Otherwise the insurance will not pay for the damage.
Complaint: Item is defect or it is not the item I ordered. What should I do?
Please follow the instructions of the complaints form that is delivered with the package. If you cannot find this form than please contact the customer service at: https://www.antshop.at/shop/shop_content.php?coID=0
If I have further questions about keeping ants, who can I ask?
Please use our forum at: http://www.antshop.at/index.php