15 replies to this topic

[Dirt_rider09]

need ideas on what i can fill my farm with it is 5'X2'x1"

 

 

i am putting Pogonomyrmex badius in it. 

 

hopping someone has some opinions i am open to everything 

[dspdrew]

I'll just post what I told you already. I am planning to make something similar for Pogonomyrmex subnitidus, and I plan to fill it with clay dirt. I am going to soak it all down and allow it to dry leaving it very hard and sturdy to prevent any collapses. Now, if I'm not mistaken, I think P. badius live in very sandy soil, so I'm not sure if this would be the best option for you, but a mixture of dirt and sand might work.

 

Also, I think an inch might a little bit too thick, because that's going to give them enough room to dig their tunnels away from the glass on either side, which will kill your visibility.

[Dirt_rider09]

I'll just post what I told you already. I am planning to make something similar for Pogonomyrmex subnitidus, and I plan to fill it with clay dirt. I am going to soak it all down and allow it to dry leaving it very hard and sturdy to prevent any collapses. Now, if I'm not mistaken, I think P. badius live in very sandy soil, so I'm not sure if this would be the best option for you, but a mixture of dirt and sand might work.

 

Also, I think an inch might a little bit too thick, because that's going to give them enough room to dig their tunnels away from the glass on either side, which will kill your visibility.

 

Yeai thought about that but i figured i can put cardboard on the sides so they will be more prone to dig on the glass

[Crystals]

I never had luck with sand, but I have heard of re-inforcing sand with small amounts of hydrostone to prevent collapses.  If the right ratio is acheived, the ants can dig, but collapses do not occur.

 

My favorite medium is grout (as it is about all I can find locally), and that would make a nice nest.  But you wouldn't be able to see them digging.  Grout can be made very porous with perlite in the mix, making it much lighter and more absorbant.

 

I am a bit nervous about the wooden frame warping as it is constantly in contact with the damp soil.

 

I look forward to seeing what you will eventually do with it.

[Dirt_rider09]

if i used dirt do i need to do anything to id to make sure it has no toxins or mold or such in it?

[dspdrew]

if i used dirt do i need to do anything to id to make sure it has no toxins or mold or such in it?

What I do with any dirt that I use for pets or plants is bake it in the oven at around 300 degrees for an hour or so.

[Dirt_rider09]

okay that is what i was thinking about doing, i was planning on making mayers of different material so it didn't look like a black wall. i was thinking of mixing some substraits with vermiculite or perlite so add stability and moisture control... what ya think of that idea?

Edited by Dirt_rider09, October 14 2013 - 5:40 PM.

[Dirt_rider09]

 

So this is the framework to the big thing!!!!

 

I think i will dress it with redwood i have laying around but i don't want to till i find i good soil mixture and such. 

 

i am very satisfied with how it turned out! I was thinking though.... it is 1 inch think; think i will be able to see the tunnels?

[dspdrew]

i am very satisfied with how it turned out! I was thinking though.... it is 1 inch think; think i will be able to see the tunnels?

That looks really nice. Do I think you'll be able to see the tunnels? In some places, but a lot of them will be hidden I'm sure.

[Crystals]

Another thought, you could lay it on its side and pour a half inch of grout along the "back wall".  Which will limit them to the front half inch.  It will also help with moisture control if you use un-sanded grout and perlite.

Then you can add your soil mix to the front half.

[Dirt_rider09]

Another thought, you could lay it on its side and pour a half inch of grout along the "back wall".  Which will limit them to the front half inch.  It will also help with moisture control if you use un-sanded grout and perlite.

Then you can add your soil mix to the front half.

 

Thankyou that is a good idea i will keep that in mind!

[Crystals]

What are you going to use for an outworld?  Where are the tubes going to connect?

I think it would be way too hard to clean inside the glass panels.

[AntCzar]

Looks like the setup I first built in Highschool! They work good but beware of the wood + moisture. If you're using dirt/clay/sand - DO NOT OVERWATER.

[Dirt_rider09]

how did yours turn out AntCzar? i love to hear more about it!

[nepenthes]

Definitely invest in some "excavator clay" its a little pricey, but I think the ants could handle it if you include it in your substrate mix. It will definitely help maintain tunnels. I use it with my scorpions, 3/4 sand and 1/4 of the excavator clay and the tunnels hold up fine, even when I move there enclosures around. 

[Dirt_rider09]

Definitely invest in some "excavator clay" its a little pricey, but I think the ants could handle it if you include it in your substrate mix. It will definitely help maintain tunnels. I use it with my scorpions, 3/4 sand and 1/4 of the excavator clay and the tunnels hold up fine, even when I move there enclosures around. 

 

i have thought about it i mean i really don't need much cause it is only a in thick i not even a cubic foot of dirt.

 

I planned on making different layers though... how much does it change the color of the sand?