11 replies to this topic

[dean_k]

Hello.

 

I've been trying to build my first formicarium for my Camponotus pennsylvanicus which has a few nanitics at this point.

 

This project started 2 weeks ago but the first concept began with Crystal's container and EVA foam. Unfortunately, I was lacking proper tools to manipulate the EVA foams, so I moved to a different idea.

 

Original thread for it is here.

 

Long story short, you can see the container and white sand for substrate below.

 

 

But working with EVA foam proved to be not easy without hot wire cutter.

 

 

 

 

And July 3rd, I got a pooltec pumice stone which I found very workable. I wasn't able to source ytong, so this was the closest thing I could find that was similar to ytong.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Using a dremel with an engraving kit, I started to work on it last night.

 

 

 

 

Above is the first version. And this morning, I worked on it further.

 

 

 

 

I think this is the final version, so I am going to let it dry for a day before gluing it.

 

 

 

 

Once glued, I am going to pour grout to fill the rest of the container.

 

Hydration is simple. I am not going to cover the block with grout entirely. The top surface will be left open and dropping water on top will be enough to hydrate the whole block. The block was still yet after 10 hours in open, so I believe it will hold water well for prolonged time.

Edited by dean_k, July 4 2015 - 5:45 AM.

[dspdrew]

That pumice looks so much like granite.

 

Is that adhesive silicone? If it is, you better hope it's designed to stick to plastic, because naturally silicone won't the way it does with glass. I didn't see plastic other than vinyl in the list of what it sticks too, so you might want to check that. And when I say stick, I don't mean the way peanut butter will stick to things. I don't know how they did it, but Home Depot has some "100 percent" silicone that actually does stick to plastic really well.

[dean_k]

I bought two. Decided to use Eco-bond because it says it's going to stick to vinyl.

 

The other one I bought is this and it says nothing about what it sticks to but I suppose it will stick to glass for sure.

 

 

Whether it glues or not, it's not my big concern. I just need to to fill the cracks on bottom and give some sort of cushion on sides before filling it up with grout. I am also wanting non-toxic one which Eco-bond is clearly advertising of. What is the silicon you used? Care to share the link ?

[AntTeen804]

Great idea!

[dspdrew]

I haven't actually used it for anything yet, but here it is. The reason I know it works so well is because I saw a video on Youtube where some guy put different types of silicone adhesives to the test, and it was pretty clear how well it held.

 

http://www.homedepot...GE-55/202038071

 

For anyone who has a Home Depot near you, finding this in the store can be difficult if you aren't aware that they put this over with their sheets of acrylic and glass instead of with all the other silicone adhesives. Makes sense, but not at least putting some of them on the shelf with all the other silicone adhesives doesn't.

[dean_k]

I am unable to find the same thing in Canadian version of Home depot. I will just go ahead with Eco-bond. The block is taking a looong time to dry out though.

[dean_k]

I ruined one of the containers during the next step. Well, learned what I'd call know-how, I guess.

 

 

 

 

Once I applied the silicon, I simply attempted to put it in the container which resulted ...

 

 

 

It turns out that I need to smear it with my finger for a better result which I did.

 

 

 

I will pour grout in tomorrow.

The eco-bond is completely odor less and seems to stick very well to the stone. For the ruined container, I will let the silicon dry and try to peel it off later.

[PTAntFan]

Why do you need to glue it at all? Just curious.

[dean_k]

And it is done !

 

 

 

 

I will let it cure for a week before putting ants in.

 

 

Why do you need to glue it at all? Just curious.

 

In order to create a seal between the nest block and outside. It will also help with moisture retention.

Edited by dean_k, July 5 2015 - 3:00 PM.

[AntsNY]

Good job Dean!

 

I found a large Pumice like stone on the beach last week. I saved it for just such an idea.

 

It came from a lake Ontario so it is probably just severely water logged concrete but it looks and feels like pumice.

 

It is very light weight.

 

If anyone has any ideas of what this actually is I would love to hear them.

 

Edited by AntsNY, July 5 2015 - 7:07 PM.

[dean_k]

The curing process has begun and the grout is radiating heat now which has caused condensation. The whole thing is warm to touch right now.

 

[Miles]

http://www.homedepot...GE-55/202038071

 

For anyone who has a Home Depot near you, finding this in the store can be difficult if you aren't aware that they put this over with their sheets of acrylic and glass instead of with all the other silicone adhesives. Makes sense, but not at least putting some of them on the shelf with all the other silicone adhesives doesn't.

This is very helpful. Thanks!