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Best "Digging" Substrate

Started By T.C. , Sep 6 2024 1:42 AM

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4 replies to this topic

#1 Offline T.C. - Posted September 6 2024 - 1:42 AM

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I've been experimenting with various types of substrates and soils for about a month now to find the best option for ideal digging conditions for ants that won't collapse. Most sands tend to not be the best option but I am still working with it. Does anyone know of good options? So far my best success has been with a clay/soil mixture.

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#2 Offline Ants_Dakota - Posted September 6 2024 - 4:40 AM

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LocationSioux Falls, South Dakota

I've been experimenting with various types of substrates and soils for about a month now to find the best option for ideal digging conditions for ants that won't collapse. Most sands tend to not be the best option but I am still working with it. Does anyone know of good options? So far my best success has been with a clay/soil mixture.

Por Amor uses this, although you can only decern the substrate type from the photos. I read on discord that one of their employees spent like 2 years experimenting to improve it from their old mixture..

Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest. -Proverbs 6: 6-8

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#3 Offline mbullock42086 - Posted September 6 2024 - 11:58 AM

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mix fine sand and some kind of clay powder by hand and you will have very stable substrate.

ants really like it because they can easily carve their way through the sub

#4 Offline ANTdrew - Posted September 6 2024 - 4:56 PM

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LocationAlexandria, VA

My native is soil is fortunately/unfortunately a pure brick making like clay. I just mix dried dust of it into sand and get a perfect digging substrate.

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