9 replies to this topic

[mete]

I see there are posts about alternative barriers, other than fluon. Is there a particular reason for alternatives ? Fluon does not seem to be expensive for the quantity used.

[ANTdrew]

Cost is the main reason many youngsters don’t want to buy fluon. Talc mixed with alcohol is a great alternative. Some keepers have success with mineral oil as well.

[Ants_Dakota]

Cost is the main reason many youngsters don’t want to buy fluon. Talc mixed with alcohol is a great alternative. Some keepers have success with mineral oil as well.

Agreed. At least a few years ago when I purchased mine, it was a 4 dollar baby powder bottle vs. 40 dollars of fluon. That is pretty deterring. I think it is better now though.

[AntsGodzilla]

I see there are posts about alternative barriers, other than fluon. Is there a particular reason for alternatives ? Fluon does not seem to be expensive for the quantity used.

It depends, fluon from THA is $9-$600. https://tarheelants....roducts/fluon-1

Edited by AntsGodzilla, September 15 2024 - 7:38 AM.

[cooIboyJ]

Talc powder mixed with rubbing alcohol is cheaper for the amount you get, and can sometimes work better than fluon, unless you have a massive colony that is always trying to escape. 

[Barristan]

Talc powder is also an excellent escape barrier.

You can also apply it dry with your finger. A little bit messy, but works fine too.

Edited by Barristan, September 15 2024 - 11:47 AM.

[mbullock42086]

Go with fluon if you want your hands to be free of skin tags

[ReignofRage]

Aside from price, fluon isn't always the best option for where you live and/or the setup you keep your ants in. PTFE barriers breaks down relatively quickly in higher humidity, which means using a setup that has a lid will lead to it breaking down faster than other options. Additionally, it's difficult to "patch" or "touch up" spots in PTFE barriers that are breaking down, whereas with other barriers you can directly apply over top of the original barrier. The upsides to PTFE is that for very large colonies, it's much tougher for the ants to wear down the barrier because the ants slip off of it, unlike with talcum powder. 

[cocdeshijie]

other than stuff mentioned above

talc is easier to clean than fluon

[mete]

Aside from price, fluon isn't always the best option for where you live and/or the setup you keep your ants in. PTFE barriers breaks down relatively quickly in higher humidity, which means using a setup that has a lid will lead to it breaking down faster than other options. Additionally, it's difficult to "patch" or "touch up" spots in PTFE barriers that are breaking down, whereas with other barriers you can directly apply over top of the original barrier. The upsides to PTFE is that for very large colonies, it's much tougher for the ants to wear down the barrier because the ants slip off of it, unlike with talcum powder.

Good to know, I didn't know its property changes with humidity. Is there a certain number for higher humidity ? >70% ?