4 replies to this topic

[Shrike311]

What do you do to connect tubing to the outworld to keep it secured?

[rptraut]

Hello Shrike311;

 

In my DIY formicaria, I use 1/2-inch OD tubing inserted into a connector made from a small piece of 3/4 inch OD tubing (1/2-inch ID) which goes through the side of the container.  When you asked your question, I was actually going to replace the longer piece of connector tubing with a smaller piece in the formicarium shown below, so the two modules connected together would fit on the Styrofoam tray.    

 

 

 

The above photo shows most of the drill bits I use to make holes in acrylic.   Top right are Forstner bits for larger holes, top left is a Step Drill which drills ever larger holes as you drill deeper - the trick is to stop at the right level, so I use marker to remind me where I want to stop.   I use the Step Drill bit for the 3/4 inch holes because it leaves a nice clean edge.   Below them is a Brad Point Drill Bit which has a prominent point that can be put into a pilot hole for accurate drilling.   The pilot hole is necessary for accurate hole location and the point on most of these bits will fit into it for accurate hole placement.   I use a rechargeable drill or drill press and I always place the hole one inch up from the bottom of the container.  Accuracy is paramount as I want the connector to be as tight as possible when fitting into the hole in the container.   The hot glue I apply is merely to hold the connector in place, there should be no space between the hole and the connector where even the smallest ant could escape.   

 

 

 

 

 

It only takes a one-inch piece of 3/4 inch tubing to make the connector.   Half inch tubing fits tightly enough into the connector to be ant proof, sometimes I have to wet the tubing to get it to slide in and I had to wet the tubing and connector here to get it apart.   It also helps to wiggle the tube back and forth and then with a slight twist - the tubes usually separate.  

I use rubber stoppers to plug unused connectors.   

 

 

 

 

 

Here it is, job done.   By using the same system on all my formicaria, the modules are interchangeable.  I've found that 1/2 inch tubing has been a satisfactory size for all my ants, including Camponotus.   I usually insert the tubing into the connectors about 3/4 of an inch at each end.   I use pieces of smaller diameter tubing to step down the size of tubing, if required for smaller ants going a long distance.   

 

Good Luck with your project!

RPT

 

 

[ANTdrew]

I cannot recommend the tubing dual port connectors from PorAmor Art highly enough. They are worth their weight in gold, and will solve all your issues. 

The Tubing Dual-Port | Ant Shop

[Ants_Dakota]

I cannot recommend the tubing dual port connectors from PorAmor Art highly enough. They are worth their weight in gold, and will solve all your issues. 

The Tubing Dual-Port | Ant Shop

I completely second this. Here is what they look like in use: Ants_Dakota's Ant Shop.

[Full_Frontal_Yeti]

I either have a fit tight enough i feel fine without adding anything to secure it.

Or i apply a little ring of bluetak around it if i feel it needs something to secure it in place.
I also have easy ants, so your mileage may vary on my path.
 

But i'd say for the majority of the time i've not had anything securing the tubes, they stay put on their own for me.

These connections between the outworlds are now year+ old with nothing securing them but a tight fit.

Here is a while back when the colony moved out of a mini-hearth into a fallen fortress.

I hooked it up and left it in place for them. The tube into the nest was not a real tight fit so some bluetak secured it.
Comes right off anytime you want, but keeps the tube in place well. A much smaller ring of it can be used, this was fast and lazy cause i knew it was temporary.


But currently all of my tube connections are fairly short, and often have a slight up/down angel to them, which pinches them in place a bit. A straight on would fit have likely been looser and i might have bluetaked them in place then.