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Where to buy Grout or Plaster

Started By Ants4ever7 , Oct 13 2024 5:24 AM
grout plaster

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9 replies to this topic

#1 Offline Ants4ever7 - Posted October 13 2024 - 5:24 AM

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I want to start making some small grout or plaster nests and I want to know where to buy so that it is non-toxic. Also, does anyone recommend one over the other?


#2 Offline 1tsm3jack - Posted October 13 2024 - 5:32 AM

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I would also like to know where to buy haha. I know nothing about it.


#3 Offline cooIboyJ - Posted October 13 2024 - 6:37 AM

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Hobby lobby perfect cast
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“You’ll survive” -wise man.
Currently keeping:
Brachymyrmex patagonicus

Solenopsis invicta

Crematogaster sp.

#4 Offline GOCAMPONOTUS - Posted October 13 2024 - 7:58 AM

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Home Depot has some plasters but I would definitely go for the perfect cast.


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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 ANTdrew - Posted October 13 2024 - 9:13 AM

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Order on Amazon or eBay, buy grout at Home Depot or Loewes, or Perfect Cast at Hobby Lobby.

Edited by ANTdrew, October 13 2024 - 9:14 AM.

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

#6 Offline Ants_Dakota - Posted October 13 2024 - 10:11 AM

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Menards is the best place to buy grout, as they are really affordable, have both sanded and unwanted grout, and have multiple sizes. That had been my go to area for 7 years. I would recommend grout over plaster as it molds less.

Edited by Ants_Dakota, October 13 2024 - 10:15 AM.

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#7 Offline Ants_Dakota - Posted October 13 2024 - 3:35 PM

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I know the general consensus is that perfect cast is better than grout, but I encourage those who are quick to post perfect cast as the answer to the users questions about grout and plaster to be less hasty. A guide to building a grout formicarium can be found here, created by one of the most influential DIYers on this forum. 


  • RushmoreAnts and rptraut like this

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

My Nationwide Ant Shop Here I have PPQ-526 permits to ship ants nationwide

Attention Ant-Keepers in South Dakota! Join the SoDak(Society Of Dakotan Ant Keepers)

My Formica sp. Journal

My Lasius sp. Journal

My Micro Ants Journal

My Pogonomyrmex occidentalis Journal

#8 Offline rptraut - Posted October 13 2024 - 5:10 PM

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Hello Ants4ever7;

I buy tile grout at my local hardware store. I can get different colours, light or dark, that contrast nicely with the colour of the ants, making them easier to see. Instead of sand, I add vermiculite (available at garden centres) to the grout because it absorbs water, making hydration easier and longer lasting.
RPT
My father always said I had ants in my pants.

#9 Offline Ants4ever7 - Posted October 16 2024 - 6:55 AM

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My father has lot's of leftover grout from projects that are unsanded. Vermiculite is at most garden enters, right? Thanks all for info.


#10 Offline Ants_Dakota - Posted October 16 2024 - 7:44 AM

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My father has lot's of leftover grout from projects that are unsanded. Vermiculite is at most garden enters, right? Thanks all for info.

Yup, I prefer sanded grout for its strength. Vermiculite is indeed packaged as a garden product, and Menards is your best bet for the lowest price.


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

My Nationwide Ant Shop Here I have PPQ-526 permits to ship ants nationwide

Attention Ant-Keepers in South Dakota! Join the SoDak(Society Of Dakotan Ant Keepers)

My Formica sp. Journal

My Lasius sp. Journal

My Micro Ants Journal

My Pogonomyrmex occidentalis Journal

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