86 replies to this topic

[Rstheant]

After, put the entire nest in a fluon coated tub, so to prevent further escapees.

Edited by Rstheant, April 8 2019 - 2:29 PM.

[ANTdrew]

Alright, I'm at it again. I read how much Crystals' Crematogaster liked this type of formicarium, so I designed one for my rapidly growing colony. I wanted it to be very escape proof, so I actually cut off the hinged lid and sunk the whole thing in a bed of hydrostone. I used sponge yet again for the hydration chamber.

What do you think, Crystals?

Also, how long should I let the hydrostone cure? I poured it on Friday 8/16.

 

[Antennal_Scrobe]

Alright, I'm at it again. I read how much Crystals' Crematogaster liked this type of formicarium, so I designed one for my rapidly growing colony. I wanted it to be very escape proof, so I actually cut off the hinged lid and sunk the whole thing in a bed of hydrostone. I used sponge yet again for the hydration chamber.

What do you think, Crystals?

Also, how long should I let the hydrostone cure? I poured it on Friday 8/16.

 

So you filled up the lid with hydrostone and put the container on it, upside down? Smart. I just got a container like that and I think I know what my Tetramorium will live in next year. Or maybe even before then.

I just gotta get some hydrostone.

[Crystals]

Alright, I'm at it again. I read how much Crystals' Crematogaster liked this type of formicarium, so I designed one for my rapidly growing colony. I wanted it to be very escape proof, so I actually cut off the hinged lid and sunk the whole thing in a bed of hydrostone. I used sponge yet again for the hydration chamber.

What do you think, Crystals?

Also, how long should I let the hydrostone cure? I poured it on Friday 8/16.

I've never used hydrostone. I could never find any, although, if memory serves me right, check with Drew since I think he ran into issues with it eroding over time wherever it was watered.

I've always used grout. Nice touch with flipping it upside down. If you wish to be really paranoid, silicone a tile on the bottom and put a tiny bead of silicone along the joints (use masking/painters tape to contain it while spreading).

 

For my grout, I always allowed at least a week before even siliconing the glass on. Since the air inside is stagnant, see if you can get some airflow in it. (Attach tubing to a funnel in front of a fan or breezy window.)

[ANTdrew]

Thank you! My Cremas have shown no interest in moving in, though. They’re still living in the completely dry tube the colony started in in February! I’m not going to force the issue since they seem happy.

[TennesseeAnts]

Yea Crematogaster just don't move no matter what you do. I just dump mine into a tub with fluon and the new nest attached.

[jcisopodgang]

Nice, i should try this soon.

[Hightlyze]

Hold on I don't have a drill

[Crystals]

Hold on I don't have a drill

Many people sell used ones very cheap. Even a dremel can use most drill bits. Or borrow a friend's.

[David19]

Crystals, what kind of grout do you use? Brand, sanded, non sanded, etc?

[Crystals]

Crystals, what kind of grout do you use? Brand, sanded, non sanded, etc?

I prefer unsanded. (Just avoid the ones with fibreglass fibres).

Polyblend is the type I can find easily around my location.

[David19]

 

Crystals, what kind of grout do you use? Brand, sanded, non sanded, etc?

I prefer unsanded. (Just avoid the ones with fibreglass fibres).

Polyblend is the type I can find easily around my location.

 

Thank you so much! I will give it a shot!

[Hightlyze]

Where to get that green thing in the tutorial
Also the gray thing

Edited by Hightlyze, September 12 2019 - 6:18 AM.

[Crystals]

Where to get that green thing in the tutorial
Also the gray thing

The green thing is just an average piece of sponge (make sure it is a plain sponge, without any added chemicals for 'super-cleaning powers'). The cheapest dollar store ones are usually a safe bet.

[Pumpkin_Loves_Ants]

Highlytze I don’t think you need to be looking into making any other nests, out worlds or formicarium. After that whole “Finally got plaster” thread do you really think it’s a good idea to be purchasing all these supplies with no intent of using them for an actual colony? If you do end up buying anything else I honestly don’t want to hear a single word about “Ugh I wasted my money.”

[Hightlyze]

Highlytze I don’t think you need to be looking into making any other nests, out worlds or formicarium. After that whole “Finally got plaster” thread do you really think it’s a good idea to be purchasing all these supplies with no intent of using them for an actual colony? If you do end up buying anything else I honestly don’t want to hear a single word about “Ugh I wasted my money.”

Tbh I agree.

[ANTdrew]

Please don’t hijack this thread. Crystals, you may want to lock it before it goes down the sewer like similar threads recently.

[DDD101DDD]

Quarantine time

[MrPurpleB]

Glad this seems to be good for Crematogaster. My Crematogaster only has a few workers but compared to any other colony I have and had it seems to be growing faster.

[Manitobant]

Highlytze I don’t think you need to be looking into making any other nests, out worlds or formicarium. After that whole “Finally got plaster” thread do you really think it’s a good idea to be purchasing all these supplies with no intent of using them for an actual colony? If you do end up buying anything else I honestly don’t want to hear a single word about “Ugh I wasted my money.”

Tbh I agree.

I would recommend buying formicariums rather then get these unnecessary things. Its probably cheaper anyways.

Edited by Manitobant, September 12 2019 - 2:18 PM.