11 replies to this topic

[TheDoctor]

I really want a glass fish tank as an outworld, and I've been thinking of ways to ant proof it.  I was thinking a custom cut piece of a acrylic, with a smaller square cut out in the middle, would be the optimal solution.  I could cover the lid with fluon, as I imagine walking across fluon upside down would be near impossible for ants.  The lid could have a hole drilled into it near the side of the tank, so that I could attach some type of connector that tubing could easily connect to.  My question is, does anyone know of a place online that could do something custom like this?  I searched around, and I've found places that cut custom dimensions, but nothing that would meet my needs specifically.  If there are no such websites, what kind of tools would I need to do this myself?

This is what I'm talking about: 

[Vendayn]

I highly recommend plexiglass (much better quality) and NOT acrylic. Every time me or my dad have used acrylic lids for formicariums (and fish tanks that he used it for), the acrylic warps and is no longer usable as a lid.

 

Plexiglass however does not warp at all.

[Miles]

For yours and other's reference, acrylic vs plexiglass isn't an either-or. Plexiglass is a kind of acrylic: eHow Acrylic Vs. Plexiglass

Edited by Miles, April 2 2016 - 11:29 PM.

[drtrmiller]

I'm going to have a few of these made for 10 gallon aquariums and will sell them as cheaply as I can. It will be as early as this week that I can get them made. I'll offer a version with, and one without, double lids as are in the GlassBox arenas.

Any lid will need to be sealed with silicone along the inside ledge, as Vendayn is correct, the material would otherwise warp.

Miles is also correct, that plexiglass vs acrylic is a distinction without a (substantial) difference. The material warps in this instance because the weight is unsupported in the middle. If the inside is kept humid but the outside dry, that can also lead to warpage, since the material absorbs some water. You would need a somewhat dry aquarium setup anyways for Fluon to work properly.

[TheDoctor]

*drtrmiller

If I sealed it with silicone, then how could I apply more fluon?  I thought the fluon had to dry before it was non-toxic or something.  That's why I liked the lid Idea.  I could have two of them made.  Apply fluon on the one not currently being used and then just switch them out once the fluon was dry.  Maybe some type of clamps would work?  I don't actually own a fish tank yet, so I don't know if there is a substantial lip around the top of the tank.

I have a separate Formicarium already, so I imagine I could keep the out world bone dry.

Edited by TheDoctor, April 3 2016 - 6:23 AM.

[drtrmiller]

All standard 10 gallon aquariums have a plastic frame at the top. Only specialty tanks do not.

Fluon is nothing but plastic particles in aqueous solution. It is non-toxic.

I will likely cut tiny pilot holes along the perimeter, so individuals may optionally drill holes in their ledge to secure it with screws.

Alternatively, I may have a separate way for the Fluon barrier to be easily removed and replaced, which will require a redesign.

In any case, lots of people have contacted me wanting a solution for this. So that is why I'll make one.

[TofuPower]

A while ago I needed a custom piece of glass cut to replace a friend's tabletop I broke.  There turned out to me numerous local places who could do this.

 

***I couldn't help but notice that they also dealt with plexiglass/acrylic.  One place had a "scrap bin" out in the reception where one could buy the plexiglass leftovers from the custom-cuts of others.

 

I plan to make some custom plexiglass lids for 10g tanks as well.  Once I have the exact dimensions I need, I'm going to take my drawings to different local places and see what kind of services they can offer me.

[dspdrew]

Reapplying Fluon to an out world is always a tricky problem. You should not let the ants get to the Fluon while it is still wet, because as far as I know, until it is dry it can harm them. I've been trying to think of a solution for this, but have not come up with any good ideas yet. If your colony is not too large, you can always wait until they are all inside the nest, and then plug the entrance while you reapply the Fluon. I have had multiple lids setup in advance that I was able to just swap out quickly.

[dspdrew]

Miles is also correct, that plexiglass vs acrylic is a distinction without a (substantial) difference.

 

As far as I know, Plexiglass is just the name of one (probably the most known) of the manufacturers of Acrylic. I think Vendayn might have been talking about polycarbonate. His dad was talking about this while he and Vendayn were picking up ants from me one time.

[drtrmiller]

Yes, PC is less prone to warping. Precision cutting must be done with water jet, so I don't use it.

[Vendayn]

Ah, sorry. Yes I meant polycarbonate. I got it mixed up. Sorry about that.

[iXvXi]

I used the reptile screen lid that came with my 10 gallon tank. I picked up some steel mesh at home depot and clued it to the inside of the lid since the ants could simply climb through the original holes. The weight holds it in place and I haven't had any escapes other than trying to induce springtails into their nest.

Works for now and doesn't look half bad, but it is temporary until I find a more permanent solution or just decide to leave it the way it is as it seems to work just fine.