13 replies to this topic

[The_Gaming-gate]

I found an interesting tutorial on using plaster to make ant nests and decided to cast my own formicaria. I'm planning to use PerfectCast for this purpose. My first design is a 4" x 6" shaped formicarium, with a pretzel shaped carving. In the middle of it, there is a central chamber. I imagine some harvester species would use it to store to store seeds. To the side of the nesting area, will be a standard hydration chamber with foam which you could pour water into. I'm going to make a prototype as soon as I can, although this will be my first time using PerfectCast to create a formicarium.

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Edited by The_Gaming-gate, April 4 2024 - 3:33 PM.

[GOCAMPONOTUS]

looks like a good design, but I would add two ports to go in and out.

[The_Gaming-gate]

looks like a good design, but I would add two ports to go in and out.

There are already two ports. Any other problems you see with this design?

[GOCAMPONOTUS]

I would make the tunnels a little wider 1-2cm wider.

[The_Gaming-gate]

I would make the tunnels a little wider 1-2cm wider.

Got it.

[Artisan_Ants]

Just a little tip (I made this mistake before). Make sure the water reservoir is next to the hydration chamber (not that the design lacks that of course). Good luck!

[The_Gaming-gate]

Just a little tip (I made this mistake before). Make sure the water reservoir is next to the hydration chamber (not that the design lacks that of course). Good luck!

Thanks! I’d hate for the poor ants to dry out!

[ANTdrew]

I do not recommend directly watering nests. Make water towers with mesh and plastic cups instead.

[The_Gaming-gate]

I was intending on using some sponge or foam or something. Does that still count as direct hydration?

[ANTdrew]

Yes. Direct hydration is a very antiquated and inconsistent hydration method. Making water towers is very easy and far more consistent.

[The_Gaming-gate]

Yes. Direct hydration is a very antiquated and inconsistent hydration method. Making water towers is very easy and far more consistent.

I'll look into it.

[The_Gaming-gate]

Yes. Direct hydration is a very antiquated and inconsistent hydration method. Making water towers is very easy and far more consistent.

How exactly do the towers work? Are they removable, or is there a hole for syringes?

[Flu1d]

Yes. Direct hydration is a very antiquated and inconsistent hydration method. Making water towers is very easy and far more consistent.

How exactly do the towers work? Are they removable, or is there a hole for syringes?

You basically put it into the nest where you want it, and pour the Plaster around it. Yes, you can make a tiny hole for a syringe, which is what most folks do.

I use a 1/16 in bit for my syringe holes, syringes fit perfectly.

Edited by Flu1d, April 11 2024 - 5:46 AM.

[The_Gaming-gate]

Yes. Direct hydration is a very antiquated and inconsistent hydration method. Making water towers is very easy and far more consistent.

How exactly do the towers work? Are they removable, or is there a hole for syringes?

You basically put it into the nest where you want it, and pour the Plaster around it. Yes, you can make a tiny hole for a syringe, which is what most folks do.

I use a 1/16 in bit for my syringe holes, syringes fit perfectly.

Thanks! I think I’ll try adding water towers to one of my other designs (a Mini Hearth looking thing).