48 replies to this topic

[William. T]

Update on my search: I have just found a well rated seller who has offered this: http://item.taobao.c...ucket=15#detail

 

The best part about this is that it has a layered flooring to absorb any formic acid. The chambers are closeable. If I have a small colony, I will seal some parts off. Since my target is Camponotus, this is ideal, as I like acrylic formicariums. Any thoughts? This is on my shopping list. This guy seems very knowledgeable.

[drtrmiller]

What does it say the floor is made of?

 

The design is similar in some ways to the one I'm working on debuting in a few days.  One thing I really don't like is the stairs that lead to the foraging area, because many ants are poor climbers, and even ones that aren't may have problems transporting garbage back up the stairs once it makes its way into the nest.

 

I also found it amusing that they had a heat pad under the nest, but there was no condensation forming on top.

[William. T]

Sorry, Dr. Miller. I thought it had wood layering on the bottom. Either way, I can just add coconut fiber to the formicarium to absorb any formic acid. I'm looking forward to your new formicarium, Dr. Miller. Can you give me some more details?

[Foogoo]

Has anyone looked into the mold-seceptibility of coconut coir? I just realized it would be a perfect substrate, assuming it doesn't mold easily since it holds moisture well.

[kellakk]

Coconut coir does mold, but only if there's something for the mold to eat.  This is true for most substrates that you could use though.

[Foogoo]

Coconut coir does mold, but only if there's something for the mold to eat.  This is true for most substrates that you could use though.

 

Good point as sand/grout has the capability to mold as well. I wonder how coir compares to traditional substrates. Maybe that'll be an interesting experiment to try after I'm tired of playing with agar...

 

Edit: I also wanted to add that I have ordered two Chinese formicariums (from aliexpress since I can't read the OP's links!). I don't have the links at the moment but one was a large acrylic nest with foraging box and the second was a small Omni-lookalike. I don't intend on buying these regularly, I just want to see how the quality and build compares.

Edited by Foogoo, March 16 2015 - 8:15 AM.

[William. T]

 Coconut fiber does not mold easily, especially if other substrates are mixed in with it. In my terrarium I have a bioactive substrate of sand, coconut fiber, and all organic potting soil. Even is my crab drags around a dead guppy (for treats), I just find a skeleton. A pure skeleton. No mold, just a skeleton. There has never been a single smell. My substrate is mostly coco fiber, and even though my terrariums very humid,  there is never mold.

[bbulkows]

Buying off Taobao usually requires an agent, like bhiner. There's an agent fee plus shipping which is usually around $50.

This is why people usually buy a "haul" of items, to make the shipping cost worth while. 

[William. T]

I have friends coming over. That's how my parents get things over to America.