52 replies to this topic

[M_Ants]

I bought some k-23 firebrick for making formicariums. It is super soft but it works okay. The problem I'm having is that it is a water vacuum. If you squirt and water on it it instantly disappears. It also doesn't really change color. How do I make it work more like y-tong nests where the water slowly disperses evenly throughout the nest and turns darker so you can see if it needs water? 

[TechAnt]

I bought some k-23 firebrick for making formicariums. It is super soft but it works okay. The problem I'm having is that it is a water vacuum. If you squirt and water on it it instantly disappears. It also doesn't really change color. How do I make it work more like y-tong nests where the water slowly disperses evenly throughout the nest and turns darker so you can see if it needs water? 

I am having this issue too.. 

I hope somebody will help.

[Ants_Dakota]

Exactly same issue! Is there any good firebrick? Or any better hydration system?

[TechAnt]

Exactly same issue! Is there any good firebrick? Or any better hydration system?

Maybe a water tower set-up?

[Ants_Dakota]

 

Exactly same issue! Is there any good firebrick? Or any better hydration system?

Maybe a water tower set-up?

 

Maybe. I do have the supplies for that.

[M_Ants]

Just had an idea. Would adding a layer of hydrostone on the inside and outside work? With hydrstone it is much easier to tell if its hydrated or not. Also a layer on the outside might keep the water in better?

[ANTdrew]

Yeah, it’s a big guessing game with hydrating firebrick. Incorporating a water tower would take the guess work out. A hybrid with hydrostone and firebrick could also be cool.

[M_Ants]

I'm definitely going to make a hybrid.

Yeah, it’s a big guessing game with hydrating firebrick. Incorporating a water tower would take the guess work out. A hybrid with hydrostone and firebrick could also be cool.

If you use a water tower then what is the point of making it out of firebrick? 

[TechAnt]

I'm definitely going to make a hybrid.

Yeah, it’s a big guessing game with hydrating firebrick. Incorporating a water tower would take the guess work out. A hybrid with hydrostone and firebrick could also be cool.

If you use a water tower then what is the point of making it out of firebrick? 

Two words: Easy. Carving.

[ANTdrew]

Valid point.

[TechAnt]

Valid point.

Who's? M_Ants or mine?

[ANTdrew]

Actually both.

[Ants_Dakota]

Also, you need something to hold the water. like i use grout, but firebrick would work.

[M_Ants]

Problem with hydrostone firebrick hybrid. When you put the hydrostone on the firebrick it instantly sucks all the water out of the hyrdostone. 

[dspdrew]

If you want to pour Hydrostone onto something that is very absorbent, it needs to be saturated with water first.

[M_Ants]

If you want to pour Hydrostone onto something that is very absorbent, it needs to be saturated with water first.

The only problem is then the hydrostone doesn't cure at least when I tried it.

[M_Ants]

Anyone think a firebrick mini hearth would work? I'd just carve out a chamber, coat it in sand/hydrostone, add a water tower and plexiglass and boom a mini hearth. Let me know if this won't be as easy as it seems.

[ANTdrew]

I think it would work great for species that don’t chew through stuff.

[M_Ants]

My hope is that the hydrostone coating will strengthen it. 

[M_Ants]

Finally finished my fake mini hearth. Wondering if it's Crematogaster proof. I coated the inside in hydrostone.