3 replies to this topic

[evanmancini2011]

I have decided to connect an outworld to my ant crematogaster colony with 100 to 115 workers test tube portal because it is getting very hard to feed and clean the test tube portal. I want to pour cement into the world so they don't use it as a nesting place. Does anyone have any idea what cement I should use to pour into the outworld? I was also wondering what clear container I should get to make this outworld?

[cooIboyJ]

hobby lobby perfect cast as floor and you can use almost any container

[Ants_Dakota]

I have decided to connect an outworld to my ant crematogaster colony with 100 to 115 workers test tube portal because it is getting very hard to feed and clean the test tube portal. I want to pour cement into the world so they don't use it as a nesting place. Does anyone have any idea what cement I should use to pour into the outworld? I was also wondering what clear container I should get to make this outworld?

Good evening. My recommendation is to scout around the forum for other DIY outworld builders. An example would be this thread or this one. Personally, I use a container from hobby lobby, and use grout instead of concrete as the base. Grout is less heavy, easier to pour, and does not contain as many fumes as concrete in my opinion. Furthermore, grout can be covered in vermiculite which helps moderate humidity and provides an aesthetically pleasing ground layer. I also drill holes in the lid using a step drill bit and cover it in mesh with epoxy. Here are some pictures of my setups:
 

Edited by Ants_Dakota, September 5 2024 - 5:07 AM.

[ANTdrew]

If you have a Hobby Lobby near you, look for the display cases they sell. Be careful pouring a bunch of plaster, cement, or grout in the bottom as it can push out the sides of the container and make the lid no longer an airtight fit. Crematogaster will exploit gaps like that in a heart beat. Instead, I recommend just pouring a thin layer of dry sand in the bottom of the container. Cut a hole in the lid to create a rim and line the bottom of the lid with talc mixed with alcohol. I recommend buying two of the same container, so you can have multiple lids. This allows you to quickly swap out a new lid if the barrier starts failing on one of the lids. 

Here is a photo showing what my outworlds look like. I use a woodburning tool to easily cut through the plastic lid.