It looks to me like your bromeliads are some type of Guzmania hybrid. The red tinge is perfectly normal. Many bromeliads have compounds called anthocyanins which contribute red to the leaf color in varying degrees, depending on the species involved. If your original plant was heavily fertilized when you received it (very likely), that would contribute to the chlorophyll (green pigment) dominating the color scheme. I generally don't use packaged potting soil. It tends to stay too wet for me, though others on the forum may have had other experiences using it. If you have any orchid bark and/or perlite to mix in, that might be better for the plants in the long run. Paul

I have heard of people wrapping cuttings in newspaper for the winter and starting them in the spring with no problems. It is hard to kill a brug cutting if it is from the woody part of the plant. Just put it in a pot of slightly damp soil and store it in a cool dark place and give it a small amount of water each month. In the spring, with a little light and regular water, it will take off like a champ Bill

ants.. in most parts of the country ... are an after effect.. rather than the original problem ... and that would be presuming they are ants ... more info please ken

That double-potted situation is creating humidity around the plant. Even though it's attractive, your plant would be better off without the outer pot so there is better air circulation around the pot. Even worse if your room is humid. Yes, putting it outside in the mornings or all day would be good, but not hours of direct sun. Some direct is good, but transition slowly to that amount of light. Your potting mix could be an issue as well. Purchased succulents are usually in a mix which retains too much water for the plant to live in it long-term. Succulents keep water in their leaves, stems, so if they are overwatered and in potting mix too wet, it's a recipe for disaster. Your plant probably needs to be repotted in a faster draining potting mix. Most often recommended here is commercial cactus and succulent mix mixed 50/50 with perlite or pumice from your nursery. If you can't get the perlite or pumice, at least get a commercial cactus/succ mix. You can tell when your plant needs water by sticking a wooden skewer (even a wooden pencil if you don't have a skewer) into the potting mix at least halfway, leave it several minutes. When you pull it out, if it's damp, don't water. OK? There are two issues which cause succulents distress and even death: lack of enough light and roots too wet.