12 replies to this topic

[Ants Galore]

I got my Mini hearth May 19, 2017 and when I put the heating cable under it, the paint starts to melt a little and it white wax like thing started forming on it. So I thought it was because of the heat. I wipe it off and all that and remove the heating cable and leave it over night. The next day there is more white stuff. I wipe it off again. Overnight. No heating cable. Next day, it forms again. So what is it? Here is the picture. https://m.imgur.com/a9Gecyb
Trust me it isn't sand

[Miles]

Please contact Tar Heel Ants directly. They are always fast to help with any issues or questions.

[Rick54]

Ouch! I hope you post a follow-up of your findings, as I just ordered some of their product!

[ctantkeeper]

Yeah, THA doesn't disclose as to what the "Type 2" formicariums are made of. Although I do understand why they would be hesitant to release that kind of information, it would be nice to know what my formicariums are made of.

[drtrmiller]

While I've no experience with these products, I would speculate that it's just mineral crystals that sometimes appear after gypsum has had contact with water.

Per the work performed by dspdrew, the gypsum or other components "dissolve," and those mineral crystals form a crust on surfaces exposed to air.

[Jelly]

While I've no experience with these products, I would speculate that it's just mineral crystals that sometimes appear after gypsum has had contact with water.

Per the work performed by dspdrew, the gypsum or other components "dissolve," and those mineral crystals form a crust on surfaces exposed to air.

 

I have also seen this thread and posts other places about this same issue. Seems to happen with hydrostone based formicariums, from what i've read it eventually just stops appearing.

[hendicott]

I've seen that before from using tap water.

[Martialis]

That's probably calcification.

[Ants Galore]

Thanks a lot guys! Btw I don't know what the follow up will be about

[nurbs]

Have they contacted you back with a response on this?

 

I know about hydrostone sweating, but curious as to what their response is. I own a few mini hearths.

[Socalfireants]

Make sure you're using bottled water to keep everything clean and un-calcified. 

[Ants Galore]

thanks! That is probably why! I've been using tap water to clean it!

[drtrmiller]

Both tap water and bottled water contain minerals.  Only distilled and deionized water are mostly mineral-free.

Edited by drtrmiller, May 25 2017 - 2:52 PM.