8 replies to this topic

[theproperway1]

I live in Colorado and have recently started looking into making my own ant nests. I decided on Ytong/AAC as the material of choice but am having the devils time finding it. Any Advice?

[TheMicroPlanet]

Unfortunately, you cannot access Ytong/AAC in the US too easily (if at all). BUT DON'T FRET! There are many other options! You could make a plaster nest, a natural setup, a grout setup, OR, like me, you could build a nest from ceramic firebrick. I'm pretty sure Lowes carries ceramic firebrick, so it shouldn't be hard to obtain. There are also videos on youtube on making nests from ceramic firebrick.

[Somethinghmm]

Hydrostone is probably the best material for formicaria in the US.

[theproperway1]

Thank You TheMicroPlanet for your suggestions I am also considering Pumice. Do you have any advice about that?

[TheMicroPlanet]

Thank You TheMicroPlanet for your suggestions I am also considering Pumice. Do you have any advice about that?

Hmmm... I myself don't have any advice, but  i'm sure there's someone on this forum who'd know what they're talking about.

[theproperway1]

Ok

[Ants4fun]

If you can find pumice, it’s a pretty similar option. But like Ytong, it can be hard to find in the size required.

[ANTdrew]

Pros and cons of various materials:
https://www.formicul...ium/#entry11018

[zantezaint]

Go to alibaba.com They sell ytongs from China there. Have one of the manufacturers that sell a minimum of 1 cubic meter write you up an electronic invoice. Communicate through chat. Some manufacturers will try to sell you machinery. Ignore those manufacturers. There are a few that will actually sell ytongs. Make sure to ask where they can deliver near you. They will only deliver to ports. Make sure you have a truck that can carry the heavy load of ytong.

Edited by zantezaint, January 31 2020 - 7:19 PM.