5 replies to this topic

[shaky33]

Hello All,

I have seen in many videos of colony's started in containers of dirt or soil. I would very much like to try this but am stuck on one aspect of it, hydrating. 

 

If anyone could give me tips on how to do this, general tips, anything really. Everything will be appreciated.

Cheers.

[CamponotusLover]

Well I... Can start off by saying since dirt is not a substrate that is all connected to form 1 big piece so idk if capillary action would work.

I would probably say make one side of the nest a bit moist or something... But its a natural dirt nest you want so that won't work...

 

Well first of all, what species are you gonna put in it ?

[Antyman]

I've kept a bunch of queens in jars filled with sand, when I was still making grout formicariums for them.

 

All I did to hydrate was use a syringe with water, and spray the water slowly into the sand until I could see the sand changing colour on the side of the jar.  It's just something I sort of eye-balled. 

 

You obviously don't want it too wet to flood, or too dry so that it will collapse that way. 

 

I've had no problems with doing that, and in fact the ants were always pretty reluctant to move into the grout once it was complete. 

[Kevin]

Drew, the owner, has an entire build thread. His project links are listed in his signature, and are probably posted on the List of Handy Links.

[dspdrew]

Well I... Can start off by saying since dirt is not a substrate that is all connected to form 1 big piece so idk if capillary action would work.

I would probably say make one side of the nest a bit moist or something... But its a natural dirt nest you want so that won't work...

 

Well first of all, what species are you gonna put in it ?

 

Of course capillary action works in dirt.

 

 

Drew, the owner, has an entire build thread. His project links are listed in his signature, and are probably posted on the List of Handy Links.

 

It's in my signature--formicarium #9.

[sgheaton]

The BoxBox is the BestBest!