29 replies to this topic

[Del]

Thanks to the feedback from users across the world, I've spent significant time redesigning and updating my nest designs. I'm confident this iteration is more effective and reliable than ever. Each nest blank is digitally sculpted and cast in durable, non-toxic ABS. Featuring:

• Syringe access hole for easy watering
• Updated hydration system
• Magnet and hex-bold disassembly
• Nest cover

https://www.aeacusan...om.au/stockists

 

UNBOXING AND WALKTHROUGH
https://www.youtube....h?v=nLkfBHrTEyA

 

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Some point in early 2016 I became frustrated with the formicaria available on the market at the time. I wanted something that a] did not have to be watered every few days b] could be adjusted to house a range of species and c] was nice to look at. This is what I came up with.

AEACUS produces unique, quality nests for new and experienced ant keepers alike. Over the years they have been fine tuned for uncompromising effectiveness, intuitive ease of use and unparalleled aesthetics.

These nests feature:

• Long lasting water tank (up to a month)
• Replaceable hydration tiles to fine-tune nest humidity
• Sculpted tunnel structure
   

FOR STOCKISTS AND MORE INFORMATION VISIT

https://www.aeacusants.com.au/

 

Edited by Del, November 7 2019 - 5:33 PM.

[Canadian anter]

Wow. I have to say that in my opinion, these may be some of the best looking formicaria so far. Do you plan on making larger ones? And do you plan on selling outworlds like the one pictured?

[T.C.]

Very nice, I may consider buying one in the near future.

[Del]

Wow. I have to say that in my opinion, these may be some of the best looking formicaria so far. Do you plan on making larger ones? And do you plan on selling outworlds like the one pictured?

 

Thanks, I'm definitely going to have to make some larger ones the rate my colonies are growing. Unfortunately outworlds are a pain to do properly, so no plans on anything like that yet

[skocko76]

Great looking formicaria!
Can the ants drink from the hidratation tiles, or a water source needs to be provided in the outworld? I am asking primarily for the queens in claustral founding stage. It would be convenient not havin an outworld in that stage.

[Del]

Great looking formicaria!
Can the ants drink from the hidratation tiles, or a water source needs to be provided in the outworld? I am asking primarily for the queens in claustral founding stage. It would be convenient not havin an outworld in that stage.

 

Many thanks! And yes, ants can drink from the hydration tiles no problem

[skocko76]

Hi! I got your Corinth small formicarium from antkeepingdepot and I have to say I am impressed with the looks and the fact that ants love it!

I had my queen with nanitics move to it within hours of connecting it to the AntKit founding chamber, which they simply did not like.

If you don't mind, I would like to give my comment on some things I think could be improved.

Functionality-wise, it is nearly perfect. 

The only thing I would like, is a way to refill the water tank without lifting/disturbing the nest.

There are a few nitpicks execution-wise, and those are all unavoidable consequences of making them by hand, so I shouldn't complain.

Did you have issues with the resin getting warped? Mine does not sit plush on the water tank. Three corners are in contact, yet the fourth is in the air.

The glass is a tad too small (or the resin expanded). If I slide the glass all the way to the edge, the opposite side makes a tiny opening, enough for the ants to try to get through.

The sponge holder tube broke off with touch, as it was too lightly glued. And lastly, the 3d printed connector looks pretty rugged and low quality, with tiny gaps between filaments, bringing the aesthetic appearance down a notch, especially for the pricetag attached.

 

These are all minor things, but having them resolved would add a lot to the "premium product" feeling that I believe these formicaria deserve.

The ants are giving it six thumbs up, and that is the most important, but due these imperfections, I am lifting only one.

 

Edited by skocko76, July 10 2018 - 6:19 AM.

[Del]

Hi shocko and thankyou for your comments, feedback is always appreciated.

 

All nests are checked thoroughly prior to sale, so I am sorry you have been having some issues! In reference to the glass size- there is a gap designed to go around the edge of the glass to accommodate slight variations in manufacturing, but not to allow a gap to form. The neodymium magnets will hold the glass in a central position, too. Despite this, I would recommend *not* pushing it to one side as far as it can go in an attempt to create a large gap. I should also mention that these nests are not recommended for species with workers <3mm as mentioned on the product listing.

 

I would be more than happy to post you a new water tank to replace the broken sponge holder! Just PM me your address and I will send one on the way for you

[skocko76]

I received the new water tank in the mail! Thanks Del!

Will definitely buy more of your nests in the future!

[skocko76]

Got an Aeacus Corinth medium nest from AKD - ON SALE!
Super cool nest! Arrived with an extra tile (blank) I did not expect - great!
I tested it with M.barbarus and they seemed to enjoy it. I won't keep them in it, as they get exponentially destructive with colony size.
They chew on everything and I fear they may destroy the beauty of the nest.
I will have to pair it with an outworld and move a dedicated colony in!
Excited!

The v2 of the nest addressed the minor issue of the tile holding bracket. It is great to see the nest keeps getting better!

Edited by skocko76, November 2 2019 - 7:29 AM.

[Del]

Design updated, see original post

[Mdrogun]

If you don't mind me asking, what's stopping you from being able to make these nests for <2mm species?  Many of the ant species I keep are sub 2mm, some are even right around 1mm, so that kind of puts me off from buying a nest from you, although they do look very nice!

[Del]

If you don't mind me asking, what's stopping you from being able to make these nests for <2mm species? Many of the ant species I keep are sub 2mm, some are even right around 1mm, so that kind of puts me off from buying a nest from you, although they do look very nice!

The recommendation is mostly to keep myself covered. I have certainly kept small species in these nests, but you have to be careful with escape prevention. It's the same issue with tar-heel, ants Empire etc- when surfaces (eg nest body and glass face) are held together by gravity or magnets only, you can't avoid 0.25-0.5mm gap. Unfortunately this can be enough for some tiny workers to squeeze through.

Edited by Del, October 11 2019 - 6:34 PM.

[Antennal_Scrobe]

WOW. I need one of these! My Myrmica would love it. Nice and small.

[Antennal_Scrobe]

What is the external diameter of the tubing?

[Del]

Thanks for the kind words
Tubing is 9/16mm OD

[Antennal_Scrobe]

For both the Macedon and Corinth versions? Do you make outworlds as well?

[Antennal_Scrobe]

Just ordered mine a few minutes ago.

[FSTP]

I think it looks nice

[Del]

For both the Macedon and Corinth versions? Do you make outworlds as well?

Nope, Corinth nests are for small ants and Macedon are for large. The tubing they take is 9/16mm OD respectively. Hope that helps and thanks for the support