13 replies to this topic

[BugFinder]

I prefer Drews dirb box by far, one because it's local, another becuase it's made in the USA, and also because it seems like it's built better/more solit, but.....   If you need one, and Drew is out of them and doesn't know when they will be avaialable again, this nest looks like a good alternative.  I think I may buy one and do a review on it so everyone can know what it's like. 

 

https://www.ant-shac...h-cube-ant-nest

 

What do you guys think?

[Zeiss]

Not a fan from just looking at it.  No point in having open space in the digging area if there is going to be an out-world attached anyways.  If you were to only use the digging chamber solely for your colony, the amount of free space at the top doesn't seem like it's enough.  Also not sure how you are supposed to hydrate the ytong in the center, I couldn't read anything about that.

[Broncos]

I prefer Drews dirb box by far, one because it's local, another becuase it's made in the USA, and also because it seems like it's built better/more solit, but..... If you need one, and Drew is out of them and doesn't know when they will be avaialable again, this nest looks like a good alternative. I think I may buy one and do a review on it so everyone can know what it's like.

https://www.ant-shac...h-cube-ant-nest

What do you guys think?

Yes I completely agree! But the only thing is if you don’t set it up PERFECTLY the bottom connector parts will open and the ants can get out every once in a while. If anyone wants to support me when it comes to buying there... just use this link: https://ant-shack.com?ref:isaac

[dspdrew]

Being someone who has obviously done a lot of research and development on this type of setup, I can point out a few potential problems. Like Zeiss said, I have no idea how it's actually hydrated. Also, I tried going with a solid core made of an absorbent material for a while, and #1, you don't get the moisture gradient that you do with a liquid-tight inner tank that only allows water to flow through the bottom and up the thin digging space on the sides, and #2 for the same reason, the water evaporates a lot faster. You essentially just have a box of substrate (ironically the way mine are named).
 
This type of acrylic container is definitely not the best choice for a dirt nest. Those pieces of acrylic are snapped together and are not going to hold liquids in. I know from experience, that even the slightest crack will slowly start to leak out nastiness, so I can't imagine what will happen on all the corners of this thing. If I'm not mistaken, it even looks like they have an array of holes purposely built into the sides, which is even worse.

 

BugFinder is right though, there aren't any of mine available right now, and I am not sure when I will have more made. There definitely will be more though. I am actively working on some small upgrades to the design.

[RushmoreAnts]

I looked at the site, and there's a block of Y-tong in the middle through which it's hydrated.

[Zeiss]

I looked at the site, and there's a block of Y-tong in the middle through which it's hydrated.

We asked how we hydrate that block of y-tong.  The site shows or says nothing about how to make that y-tong wet to hydrate the rest of the nest.

[RushmoreAnts]

Oh, ok.

[FSTP]

I would not use that if it was given to me. As said above the unsealed nature of the cube is a mess waiting to happen. You're going to get the substrate slowly sifting through no matter how large a grain sizae you usue there will always be some smaller particles that will get through. If I had to guess this dirt formicarium has had little testing. 

[BugFinder]

thanks for the feedback.  Due to your comments, I've decdied not to buy it.  I'll just wait for drews lol.

[RushmoreAnts]

Drew's research vs. theirs probably looks like calculus vs. long division.

[Broncos]

Overall for me... it is good but my only problem is the ants escaping if you don’t glue it together. (Which I didn’t)


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[BugFinder]

It's crazy how many new products are available since I left the hobby.   When I left, AC's Hybrid nest was brand new (I bought one just to check it out).  Now there are tons of ant supply vendors - its great!!

Edited by BugFinder, May 2 2020 - 12:31 PM.

[RushmoreAnts]

I hope this means the hobby's growing.........

[dspdrew]

I hope this means the hobby's growing.........

 

It doesn't. It just means manufacturers in China found more stuff to copy.