Find a container. Almost any size will do, ensure you can get your hand in without brushing against the escape prevention on the edge (fluon, talc, oil, etc).
I like to use clear food storage containers and fish tanks (small plastic betta fish tanks work well). Display cases also work very well (watch for tempered glass, you may have to replace it with regular glass or acrylic). Some people just use an empty plastic container as it is easier to clean.
Drill ventilation holes in the lid. Drill the proper sized entrance hole for your tubing (use drill or dremel). You can put it level with the bottom or raise it a bit. Put a bit of clay or cotton to plug the hole for when you pour the base.
Drill ventilation holes in the lid and cover them with mesh (I steal mesh from those dollar store frying pan splash covers). For smaller species, use smaller mesh that you can find online or at a hardware store. Use silicone or 2 part epoxy to secure the mesh.
Use silicone or 2 part epoxy to secure the mesh. Push the mesh into the silicone/epoxy and spread the excess out to cover all of the edges of the mesh so it doesn't snag on anything.
If you want you can add decorations: (This step is optional, you don't have to add anything to the outworld. Some people find it much easier to clean a plain plastic or glass outworld, but I prefer a more natural looking foraging area)
Get some grout, plaster, hydrostone, or anything pourable. Add enough water until it is the consistency of ketchup or a bit thinner. I like to mix mine in those cheap plastic cups with a skewer. If you have a really unstable ornament, you can silicone it to the bottom ahead of time (like I did for this piece of plant).
Pour enough of the mixture in to cover the bottom by at least 1 cm. I like to add 2-3cm so it isn't so easy to knock over later. Level it (lightly shaking side to side, or leveling with a skewer works well)
Add any decorations. Rocks, sticks, plastic plants, a lego town, whatever your heart desires. Add the sand last (the sand will also help hold your decorations upright if they want to fall over).
Lightly pat the sand down if you can, it will stick better. Any indentations you make will give you hills and valleys. If your entrance was low, push the sand down to create a nice sloped "Entrance". Or you can drill excess grout out of the entrance afterwards.
Let it dry. It may take 1-5 days depending on heat and humidity.
Pour out the excess sand.
Optional: Silicone or epoxy your tubing in and let it dry for 48 hours. I don't silicone mine as I often detach the outworld from the formicarium for a thorough cleaning.
You are done!
Video:
I also made a video on how to build a Foraging Area. (Yes, I sharpened the bit and pushed too hard with the drill 
)
Here is a thread on How to Clean Your Foraging Area.
Escape Prevention Barriers: http://www.formicult...-to-by-members/
Additional Escape Prevention:
I made an addition to most of my outworlds. I added a lip and coat it with fluon or olive oil. The ants cannot climb upside down on fluon, which was essential with my species who are accomplished escape artists. Most of them are made out of the stiffer clear page protectors, some are made out of scrap acrylic that I drilled out.
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Edited by Crystals, August 2 2017 - 5:05 PM.
