16 replies to this topic

[Devi]

Quick question:  I have looked EVERYWHERE and can't find AAC. (Ytong)  I know it's not made in the US and was created in Sweden, but it seems like they should be able to import it or something??  I am interested in making some formicaria, and that seemed like a good option.  My brother is really into 3D printing, and he has one, so I might look into that.  Is it possible to import AAC?  And what is "hydrostone"?

[ANTdrew]

Hydrostone is a gypsum based plaster. You can pour into any mold to shape a formicarium.

[KitsAntVa]

Basically aac is a aired out brick that most people just buy on eBay but you can also get firebrick which is made in the us and is softer than ytong and you can also get that on eBay

[Devi]

I talked to my brother and we started designing something.  The only issue is the hydratation.  I don't really know how I could hydrate it.  I thought of two sponges one on each side and then a tiny hole drilled into the side so you could stick a small syringe into it and hydrate that way.  The plus side to that is that they can drink from the sponges.  And if there is two sponges, then you could alternate them when you hydrate so there is less chance of mold outbreak.  How else could I hydrate it?  You guys will probably have some insight.

[KitsAntVa]

It’s very easy to hydrate them I’ve had many nests being made with sponges but either a water tower ( small paint cup from hobby lobby) with mesh over it or sponges work even just sticking a syringe in a place the ants can’t fit in works I will be making a firebrick nest very soon with many materials and inspired by many company’s and I will document my progress throughout making it.

Edited by KitsAntVa, September 26 2020 - 6:49 AM.

[KitsAntVa]

Also all the things I am using cost a little less than a fortress but mine are like half the size so I’m calling them mini fortresses.

[Ants_Dakota]

sponges would work probably the easiest for 3d and firebrick nests.

[AleeGuy]

You can use mesh with not too small holes if you want, and pva sponge that is mold proof because it's not organic or something(btw it's non toxic)(I linked them just in case if you decide use them)
Mesh: https://www.amazon.c...i_RX1BFbRJ0A0HV
Pva sponge: https://a.aliexpress.com/_m0yISXZ

It’s very easy to hydrate them I’ve had many nests being made with sponges but either a water tower ( small paint cup from hobby lobby) with mesh over it or sponges work even just sticking a syringe in a place the ants can’t fit in works I will be making a firebrick nest very soon with many materials and inspired by many company’s and I will document my progress throughout making it.

I'm making with water tower too but in plaster formicarium do you think it will prevent mold outbreak? I will even sand-coat chambers so food leftovers won't touch the plaster.

[KitsAntVa]

Yes that should be fine if your basically copying THA design.

[AleeGuy]

Yes that should be fine if your basically copying THA design.

Basically yes lmao, but initially I got this idea about sand-coat in some guys journal, he was making a lot of different types of formicariums in that journal

[KitsAntVa]

.

Edited by KitsAntVa, September 26 2020 - 8:53 AM.

[KitsAntVa]

That’s basically what THA does but I’m pretty sure Mack has a special mold for all his formicaria and he puts sand in his to make the sand stick while it forming.

[KitsAntVa]

Also mold has a hard time forming in anything other than a test tube unless there is decaying matter on the surface of the nest.

[AleeGuy]

That’s basically what THA does but I’m pretty sure Mack has a special mold for all his formicaria and he puts sand in his to make the sand stick while it forming.

That's what I was planning to do with play-doh, and I will take plaster early to add some more sand to it

[KitsAntVa]

THA doesn’t add sand into the plaster first Mack forms the chambers with the sand, he makes the sand wet then forms the chamber with that because it keeps the sand on the inside, clay or playdoh also works but the chambers then cannot have sand in them. I hope this makes sense and if you need more help there are tutorials on here that detail this whole thing perfectly.
Also don’t make the plaster early it’s best to get everything set up before making the plaster especially if your using plaster of Paris.

[Barristan]

Could you link a detailed tutorial pls? But this makes sense. I tried adding sand myself but it won't stick if you add it to the moist plaster... adding non toxic glue to the plaster and sand add some sand also works.

[steelplant]

You can also make a plaster insert for hydration, eg for 3d printed nests. Esthetic Ants' latest YouTube vid has a great example of this. Sorry can't link at mo but you can search it.

 

Edit: here's the link ...

 

Edited by steelplant, September 28 2020 - 7:00 AM.