14 replies to this topic

[Loops117]

Hello all. Lately i havent been too happy with the overall aesthetics and functionality of the formicaria i have been creating. They work, but they could be better.

Couple of weeks ago i started testing a new style of nest i have not seen done yet. It combines a bit of new age 3D printing with some old school grout/plaster nests and it has really been a fun journey. I've tested a lot of different formulas of grout and plaster mixes, and i've finally come up with a mix of 117 different ingredients (actually like 5)...which i don't know what to call? A Formula? Hard Mix? idk..

 

Nest Walls - Grout based using proven methods and materials. All natural additives. Ant Safe.

Hydration chamber - Easy to fill. Hydrates nest walls with channels designed specifically for the hard mix and supplies humidity to the nest.

Maintenance - Nest can be removed from base for easy cleaning and disassembly. Customer will receive product fully assembled.

Size - Outer dimension. 90mm x 41mm x 7mm

 

 

Nest is still in testing and should be available around the new year.

Also, expect new Nanitic, Callow, and Minor nests in the upcoming weeks!

 

The pics

 

Edited by Loops117, December 23 2016 - 6:18 AM.

[Connectimyrmex]

I'm going to buy it. How can I buy it (next year)?

This would be perfect because my first Ochetellus workers eclosed recently.

Edited by Hawaiiant, December 22 2016 - 9:51 PM.

[dspdrew]

That looks really nice!

 

You've come a long way since the Panera Farm.

 

[Loops117]

hahahaha. Thank you drew. The panera farm still lives on =D

[FSTP]

Looks really nice. I especially appreciate the combination in interior nest materials. The ants aren't on straight plastic. 

 

 

I didn't know the Panera cup was yours, I think I remember seeing a youtube video on something like that 

[CallMeCraven]

Now I want Panera.... but the formicaria looks great! Great idea for coating the 3D printing with a more "natural" material. How does the nest connect to the outworld? Do you use magnets similar to THA or a different method. I am mainly interested in learning if the tunnels connecting the nest to the outworld are easy to block when you need to separate them for cleaning.

[Loops117]

Thank you.

The entrance to the outworld is a slotted entrance designed to simulate the opening from under a rock or log. Can easily be blocked with 1 ball of cotton. As for the nest itself, it is permanently attached to the outworld. The cover uses a pressure fit which hasnt given me any trouble unless your colony decides to try lifting it from inside.

 

The tunnel connectors on the side are getting Hydrator packs for extra hydration as well. Hydrator Packs will slide in to the side of the nest via the spare tunnel connectors creating another nesting cavern with a removable external water source. Whole pack will be removable for tunnel access. 

[Kevin]

It definitely looks good. I wish I would have thought of that, haha.

[noebl1]

This is a similar in the direction I was going to try out as well.  3D printed, but left about 30% of the bottom of the nest area open, and was going to fill it with either grout or hydrostone:  http://www.formicult...042016/?p=45551   

Edited by noebl1, December 23 2016 - 9:15 AM.

[Loops117]

I'm still working on the hydration for my stand alone nests. I am hoping to cover more area while keeping my hydration chamber.

[noebl1]

I'm still working on the hydration for my stand alone nests. I am hoping to cover more area while keeping my hydration chamber.

 

I do really like the look of the 3D printed and grout mix you did; get the best of both worlds there.  

 

Have you thought about caps to cover the holes of the hydration chamber to cut back on evaporation?

[Kevin]

This is a similar in the direction I was going to try out as well.  3D printed, but left about 30% of the bottom of the nest area open, and was going to fill it with either grout or hydrostone:  http://www.formicult...042016/?p=45551   

I like that idea. I think I will use that for inspiration in the future.

[benjiwuf]

I've actually done the ones on thingiverse that are half open. Silicone mesh down and hydrostone the floor. My Formica have lived in there for a few months now.

Edit: for my build I've also been playing with a water resevoir without sponge connected with hydrostone. Then hydrostone is spread in the nest itself. So far it's a tricky thing. All in all this looks good though loops. I quite like it.

Edited by benjiwuf, December 23 2016 - 10:43 AM.

[Loops117]

 

I'm still working on the hydration for my stand alone nests. I am hoping to cover more area while keeping my hydration chamber.

 

I do really like the look of the 3D printed and grout mix you did; get the best of both worlds there.  

 

Have you thought about caps to cover the holes of the hydration chamber to cut back on evaporation?

 

 

I gave it a try with another nest i made and didn't care for it. The one nest i used caps with started to have a little discoloration on the sponge while all of the open hole hydration chambers retained their color. On the downside of having the open chamber, dust would slowly build up in the circle opening. It has not caused me any issues, just can be unsightly for some.

[Goldsystem]

That looks great loops you continue to Impress