202 replies to this topic

[OhioAnts]

When creating the mold do you oil the test tube before? Or do you just place it in deep enough so it does not stick more than halfway in? 

 

And what do you cap the test tube with when you place it in the container?

 

Thanks!

[StopSpazzing]

Nurbs uses test tube rubber plugs. Believe he also oils them. I used cotton and mineral oil

[nurbs]

When creating the mold do you oil the test tube before? Or do you just place it in deep enough so it does not stick more than halfway in? 

 

And what do you cap the test tube with when you place it in the container?

 

Thanks!

 

Hydrostone isn't an adhesive, no need to oil the test tubes. Just place it about a quarter of the way down.

 

You can cap it with a rubber plug.

[Jamiesname]

Yeah, they rock. Takes time to make, but makes maintenance such as feeding and cleaning so much less painful.

Had a hard time keeping up with demand, but should have enough for all my colonies for this season now.

What do you do in your spare time, when you're not feeding ants?

Edited by Jamiesname, April 24 2019 - 9:15 AM.

[Acutus]

Really great idea!! Wonder if there's somewhere to get these in the US where I am. Thanks for posting!!

[JenC]

You can get pencil cases from Daiso. The one bad thing about them is that they’re hard to find since everyone buys them...if you live in the Bay Area I raided most of the Daiso’ around already. Sorry!

[Acutus]

Never heard of Diaso guessing it's a West Coast thing here in the US? Is there a way to order these online?

[nurbs]

Never heard of Diaso guessing it's a West Coast thing here in the US? Is there a way to order these online?

 

Read the thread.

[Acutus]

 

Never heard of Diaso guessing it's a West Coast thing here in the US? Is there a way to order these online?

 

Read the thread.

 

 

Yeah you're right was being lazy. LOL but how in the heck do you have time to manage so many colonies? I can't even imagine.

[JenC]

You just lose time.

[nurbs]

Started making a lot of version 3.0 nests. They hold much larger colonies and ants. Prepping for CA02!

 

 

The molds hold 25x200mm test tubes. Here is a comparison next to a 16x150.

 

[nurbs]

Whew done. Season 2019 nests, V1. Made about a hundred.

 

Instagram post on the setup and transfer:

https://www.instagra.../p/BzjS1nggP0D/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[BugFinder]

I found these, but look like volume only prices:

https://www.pioneerp...container/160c/

https://www.pioneerp...container/082c/

 

I would buy 10 of those, but i can't use 100.  Anyone want to split an order with me?  Or does anyone have 5 they can part with?  

[Luke925]

Made a few more. This time with hydrostone instead of grout. Been making and using these for years with much success, but this is the first time I've made so many in one sitting.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hello, 

 

It has been a few years since you made this post and I am wondering what your favorite material is to use now:

 

• Grout
• Hydrostone
• Something else

 

Thank you, 

 

Luke

[Bobby_Hill]

You sell the pencil case formicariums I would love a few!

[StopSpazzing]

Nurbs has moved on to newer versions. These cases are hard to come by. I have a few I could sell. Check out: https://www.antkeepi...lding_Materials
For newer containers if interested.

[alwayslearning]

I loved this post! Thanks a lot for sharing it!

 

After 4 years of its creation, are you still comfortable? Any new reflexion or advice?

Which is your preferred material... Grout, hydrostone, ...? 

 

My colonies are mostly Camponotus. I will try to replicate this DIY formicariums. 

 

Again, thanks!

[alwayslearning]

Nurbs has moved on to newer versions. These cases are hard to come by. I have a few I could sell. Check out: https://www.antkeepi...lding_Materials
For newer containers if interested.

 

Is returning an error. Do you have another link, please? Thanks

 

July 5 update: It is working now! Thanks for sharing it! Great resource!

Edited by alwayslearning, July 5 2021 - 4:59 PM.

[nurbs]

I loved this post! Thanks a lot for sharing it!

 

After 4 years of its creation, are you still comfortable? Any new reflexion or advice?

Which is your preferred material... Grout, hydrostone, ...? 

 

My colonies are mostly Camponotus. I will try to replicate this DIY formicariums. 

 

Again, thanks!

 

 

Thanks, I still make them. In fact just made some two days ago. The Daiso pencil cases come in and out of stock online, and when they are in stock it is ordered in bulk.

 

Hydrostone is the preferred material. Also keep in mind the pencil case nests are interim nests between test tube and a full blown nest. It allows for easy feeding and storage. The gaps near the hinge of the pencil cases are not ideal for small ants, but you can still use if you tape it.

 

 

 

 

[alwayslearning]

Thanks for your answer!

Yes, sadly...!

I went to a couple of Daiso last Friday and none had them. However, I asked an employee if she could order more after showing her the Daiso Japan Post (shared in this thread), and she ordered a new batch. We will see in a few weeks.

 

I really like this idea (the more I see the implementation, the more I like it hahaha). 

For when you have time, I have 2 questions... Well... Maybe 3 hahahaha.

 

1. How do you handle the temperature in your setup?

2. Obligatory question... Do you have more photos of your setup? I checked your Insta And YouTube channel

3. Do you have a preferred formicarium for common use for as you well said full blown nest or next stage?

 

Thanks a lot.

Here is a really grateful newbie! 

 

 

 

 

I loved this post! Thanks a lot for sharing it!

 

After 4 years of its creation, are you still comfortable? Any new reflexion or advice?

Which is your preferred material... Grout, hydrostone, ...? 

 

My colonies are mostly Camponotus. I will try to replicate this DIY formicariums. 

 

Again, thanks!

 

 

Thanks, I still make them. In fact just made some two days ago. The Daiso pencil cases come in and out of stock online, and when they are in stock it is ordered in bulk.

 

Hydrostone is the preferred material. Also keep in mind the pencil case nests are interim nests between test tube and a full blown nest. It allows for easy feeding and storage. The gaps near the hinge of the pencil cases are not ideal for small ants, but you can still use if you tape it.