Jump to content

  • Gallery
  • Members
  • Member Map
  • Chat
  •  
  •  

Welcome to Formiculture.com!

This is a website for anyone interested in Myrmecology and all aspects of finding, keeping, and studying ants. The site and forum are free to use. Register now to gain access to all of our features. Once registered and logged in, you will be able to create topics, post replies to existing threads, give reputation points to your fellow members, get your own private messenger, post status updates, manage your profile and so much more. If you already have an account, login here - otherwise create an account for free today!

Photo

Plaster

Started By The_Gaming-gate , Apr 3 2024 2:27 PM
plaster formicarium materials help advice

  • Please log in to reply
16 replies to this topic

#1 Offline The_Gaming-gate - Posted April 3 2024 - 2:27 PM

The_Gaming-gate

    Advanced Member

  • Members
  • PipPipPip
  • 501 posts
  • LocationOrlando, Florida. USA.

I am looking for a good plaster to make formicaria with. I know some will mold and that others may be too soft and will be easy for ants to tunnel in. In these regards, what would be the best plaster to use? Preferably one that won't be too expensive. I was thinking PerfectCast, will that work?


Edited by The_Gaming-gate, April 3 2024 - 2:28 PM.

  • GOCAMPONOTUS likes this

Ants are small creatures... but together... they can rule the world.

 

 

 

#2 Offline GOCAMPONOTUS - Posted April 3 2024 - 2:41 PM

GOCAMPONOTUS

    Advanced Member

  • Members
  • PipPipPip
  • 929 posts
  • LocationRocklin,CA

I like using grout,firebrick,and perfect cast . Perfect cast is my favorite one so I would recommend it.


Currently keeping: 2 C.vicinus colonies.2 C.sansabeanus. 1 C.leavissimus. 2 C.Ca02. 1 V.pergandei. 4 T.immigrans.1 F.pacifica. 1 C.hyatti

1 M.ergatognya

 

 

 

 

Trying to get my hands on :C.modoc,A.vercicolor, and Any Honeypots

  

 

 

#3 Offline The_Gaming-gate - Posted April 3 2024 - 2:56 PM

The_Gaming-gate

    Advanced Member

  • Members
  • PipPipPip
  • 501 posts
  • LocationOrlando, Florida. USA.

I like using grout,firebrick,and perfect cast . Perfect cast is my favorite one so I would recommend it.


Alright, perfect!
  • GOCAMPONOTUS likes this

Ants are small creatures... but together... they can rule the world.

 

 

 

#4 Offline GOCAMPONOTUS - Posted April 3 2024 - 3:15 PM

GOCAMPONOTUS

    Advanced Member

  • Members
  • PipPipPip
  • 929 posts
  • LocationRocklin,CA
And I use magnets.to connect the glass.

Currently keeping: 2 C.vicinus colonies.2 C.sansabeanus. 1 C.leavissimus. 2 C.Ca02. 1 V.pergandei. 4 T.immigrans.1 F.pacifica. 1 C.hyatti

1 M.ergatognya

 

 

 

 

Trying to get my hands on :C.modoc,A.vercicolor, and Any Honeypots

  

 

 

#5 Offline Flu1d - Posted April 3 2024 - 3:20 PM

Flu1d

    Advanced Member

  • Members
  • PipPipPip
  • 454 posts
  • LocationPensacola, Florida
Ultracal-30 is what I use. It absorbs moisture well and I haven't had a single issue with mold.
  • GOCAMPONOTUS likes this

#6 Offline GOCAMPONOTUS - Posted April 3 2024 - 3:50 PM

GOCAMPONOTUS

    Advanced Member

  • Members
  • PipPipPip
  • 929 posts
  • LocationRocklin,CA
I have used both and they perform equally but perfect cast seems to be a little bit cheaper

Currently keeping: 2 C.vicinus colonies.2 C.sansabeanus. 1 C.leavissimus. 2 C.Ca02. 1 V.pergandei. 4 T.immigrans.1 F.pacifica. 1 C.hyatti

1 M.ergatognya

 

 

 

 

Trying to get my hands on :C.modoc,A.vercicolor, and Any Honeypots

  

 

 

#7 Offline The_Gaming-gate - Posted April 3 2024 - 5:42 PM

The_Gaming-gate

    Advanced Member

  • Members
  • PipPipPip
  • 501 posts
  • LocationOrlando, Florida. USA.
Do you think a 3” x 3” nest is good for founding?

Edited by The_Gaming-gate, April 3 2024 - 5:50 PM.

Ants are small creatures... but together... they can rule the world.

 

 

 

#8 Offline GOCAMPONOTUS - Posted April 3 2024 - 6:51 PM

GOCAMPONOTUS

    Advanced Member

  • Members
  • PipPipPip
  • 929 posts
  • LocationRocklin,CA

can work as founding but what species will you keep inside?


Currently keeping: 2 C.vicinus colonies.2 C.sansabeanus. 1 C.leavissimus. 2 C.Ca02. 1 V.pergandei. 4 T.immigrans.1 F.pacifica. 1 C.hyatti

1 M.ergatognya

 

 

 

 

Trying to get my hands on :C.modoc,A.vercicolor, and Any Honeypots

  

 

 

#9 Offline Flu1d - Posted April 3 2024 - 7:21 PM

Flu1d

    Advanced Member

  • Members
  • PipPipPip
  • 454 posts
  • LocationPensacola, Florida
3x3 is kinda big for founding to be honest. I've found the best way to found is the test tube method, however some folks swear by the petri dish method as well.

That being said, if you can make it a tight 3x3 with tunnels and such, it's a fine size. But an open floor plan 3x3 would be a little too open and large.

Edited by Flu1d, April 3 2024 - 7:24 PM.

  • Artisan_Ants and GOCAMPONOTUS like this

#10 Offline GOCAMPONOTUS - Posted April 3 2024 - 7:44 PM

GOCAMPONOTUS

    Advanced Member

  • Members
  • PipPipPip
  • 929 posts
  • LocationRocklin,CA

I depends on the size of the colony too if it is a large type like camponotus it could work, but smaller type of and a test tube setup is optimal.


Currently keeping: 2 C.vicinus colonies.2 C.sansabeanus. 1 C.leavissimus. 2 C.Ca02. 1 V.pergandei. 4 T.immigrans.1 F.pacifica. 1 C.hyatti

1 M.ergatognya

 

 

 

 

Trying to get my hands on :C.modoc,A.vercicolor, and Any Honeypots

  

 

 

#11 Offline Flu1d - Posted April 3 2024 - 10:06 PM

Flu1d

    Advanced Member

  • Members
  • PipPipPip
  • 454 posts
  • LocationPensacola, Florida

I depends on the size of the colony too if it is a large type like camponotus it could work, but smaller type of and a test tube setup is optimal.


It could work, absolutely, but it isn't optimal. Even larger species, especially Camponotus, prefer tighter areas where they can feel safe and secured.
  • GOCAMPONOTUS likes this

#12 Offline The_Gaming-gate - Posted April 4 2024 - 2:26 AM

The_Gaming-gate

    Advanced Member

  • Members
  • PipPipPip
  • 501 posts
  • LocationOrlando, Florida. USA.
Oh wow, I thought that would work, guess not.
  • GOCAMPONOTUS likes this

Ants are small creatures... but together... they can rule the world.

 

 

 

#13 Offline GOCAMPONOTUS - Posted April 4 2024 - 6:28 AM

GOCAMPONOTUS

    Advanced Member

  • Members
  • PipPipPip
  • 929 posts
  • LocationRocklin,CA

 

I depends on the size of the colony too if it is a large type like camponotus it could work, but smaller type of and a test tube setup is optimal.


It could work, absolutely, but it isn't optimal. Even larger species, especially Camponotus, prefer tighter areas where they can feel safe and secured.

 

This is also true ants don't't even need that much founding space. I found a C.sp queen who could barley move in her founding chamber. Even test tubes are like luxury to ants.


Currently keeping: 2 C.vicinus colonies.2 C.sansabeanus. 1 C.leavissimus. 2 C.Ca02. 1 V.pergandei. 4 T.immigrans.1 F.pacifica. 1 C.hyatti

1 M.ergatognya

 

 

 

 

Trying to get my hands on :C.modoc,A.vercicolor, and Any Honeypots

  

 

 

#14 Offline ANTdrew - Posted April 4 2024 - 6:32 AM

ANTdrew

    Advanced Member

  • Moderators
  • PipPipPip
  • 9,944 posts
  • LocationAlexandria, VA

I buy PerfectCast at Hobby Lobby. It is $7.99 for a four pound bag, which is a very good price. 


  • GOCAMPONOTUS likes this
"The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer." Prov. 30:25
Keep ordinary ants in extraordinary ways.

#15 Offline GOCAMPONOTUS - Posted April 4 2024 - 6:33 AM

GOCAMPONOTUS

    Advanced Member

  • Members
  • PipPipPip
  • 929 posts
  • LocationRocklin,CA

That is were I buy my perfect cast, always in my budget.


Currently keeping: 2 C.vicinus colonies.2 C.sansabeanus. 1 C.leavissimus. 2 C.Ca02. 1 V.pergandei. 4 T.immigrans.1 F.pacifica. 1 C.hyatti

1 M.ergatognya

 

 

 

 

Trying to get my hands on :C.modoc,A.vercicolor, and Any Honeypots

  

 

 

#16 Offline The_Gaming-gate - Posted April 4 2024 - 11:21 AM

The_Gaming-gate

    Advanced Member

  • Members
  • PipPipPip
  • 501 posts
  • LocationOrlando, Florida. USA.
Can you just stick the magnets in the plaster before it hardens?

Ants are small creatures... but together... they can rule the world.

 

 

 

#17 Offline ANTdrew - Posted April 4 2024 - 12:41 PM

ANTdrew

    Advanced Member

  • Moderators
  • PipPipPip
  • 9,944 posts
  • LocationAlexandria, VA

Can you just stick the magnets in the plaster before it hardens?

Yes. Look up all the great tutorials for making formicaria found in the archives.
"The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer." Prov. 30:25
Keep ordinary ants in extraordinary ways.
Back to General · Next Unread Topic →



Also tagged with one or more of these keywords: plaster, formicarium, materials, help, advice

1 user(s) are reading this topic

0 members, 1 guests, 0 anonymous users