I don't post as much as others here, so figured it's time I share some of my own experiences.
Here are some mini test tube foraging containers I made with pencil boxes.
Used grout and then poured fine quartz sand on top, but I have also used hydrostone as well and they all work fine (will try epoxy next once I run out of grout). This is mainly used to hold the test tube in place so it doesn't roll around but to also give the outworld a more natural look instead of the smooth plastic polystyrene feel for the ants.
It takes about 48 hours for the grout to cure. The mold is then very gently removed from the pencil holder (it's thin and can be fragile, especially grout) and then glued back onto the case with silicone.
They are compact, stackable, and great if you have a lot of species to care for but do not have space. The foraging area allows the ants to keep the trash outside of the test tube and gives them a foraging environment to move about in. Excellent for colonies that are starting to grow in worker size and generally inexpensive to build (but time consuming).
You can use water bottle caps or aluminum foil as a feeding tray.
It's not the prettiest thing, but it's practical and works quite well.
Edited by nurbs, October 15 2018 - 2:44 AM.