3 replies to this topic

[CoolColJ]

I saw someone on Facebook using this polymer orbs for hydration in his Ytong formcariums in place of sponge.

They suck and hold water, while expanding in size and then slowly wick into the nest.

Without wicking they can hold the water for a long time.

 

Apparently invented way back in the ’60s to irrigate crops during droughts.

Plants can grow on them

 

They do evaporate water into the air, so can be used in water tower type nests to hold water without it spilling everywhere when the nest is tilted

 

https://www.ebay.com...ar=413455307159

 

 

I put them in dry and then add the water so they fill up the hole space if you put them in a cup they get quite big

 

dry and fully hydrated, difference

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A pingpong ball sized amount can keep his nest hydrated for at least 2 weeks or more

 

Edited by CoolColJ, November 27 2018 - 10:32 PM.

[CoolColJ]

I wonder if this can be used in a test tube? Could fix water leaks

 

Anyway I will order some and experiment.

 

Could fix a lot of formicariums that have standing water that overflow and leak...

Edited by CoolColJ, November 27 2018 - 10:26 PM.

[drtrmiller]

I used it for over a year in formicaries, and found that the polymer decomposes into a liquid form under certain conditions.  I won't be using it again, and based on my experience, would recommend against using it as a hydration medium except in experimental cases.

Edited by drtrmiller, November 27 2018 - 10:36 PM.

[GeorgeK]

I used it for over a year in formicaries, and found that the polymer decomposes into a liquid form under certain conditions.  I won't be using it again, and based on my experience, would recommend against using it as a hydration medium except in experimental cases.

Under which conditions?