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Back In Stock on Amazon.com! - - - Dirt Box Starter Formicarium v1.2 (2019)

Started By drtrmiller , Jun 16 2017 12:38 PM

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76 replies to this topic

#21 Offline Antking117 - Posted June 30 2017 - 3:49 AM

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I got to be honest, i did not and could not read that. i need pictures xD I am a child xD


#22 Offline Antony - Posted July 18 2017 - 7:45 AM

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does it come with digging media?


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#23 Offline drtrmiller - Posted July 18 2017 - 7:46 AM

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does it come with digging media?


Yes, exactly as pictured, but shipped in a bag that you add yourself.
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byFormica® is the manufacturer of the iconic nectar feeders and Sunburst Ant Nectar.
byFormica ant products always deliver consistent performance, convenience,
and reliability, making them among the most beloved ant foods and kit enjoyed by
ant keeping enthusiasts worldwide. For more information, visit www.byFormica.com.

#24 Offline T.C. - Posted July 18 2017 - 11:06 AM

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It said it was out of stock on amazon when I went to buy one.

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  High Quality and Affordable Ant Keeping Gear

 

#25 Offline drtrmiller - Posted July 18 2017 - 11:17 AM

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It said it was out of stock on amazon when I went to buy one.


It was out of stock a couple days ago for a day or two, but it is back in-stock now.


byFormica® is the manufacturer of the iconic nectar feeders and Sunburst Ant Nectar.
byFormica ant products always deliver consistent performance, convenience,
and reliability, making them among the most beloved ant foods and kit enjoyed by
ant keeping enthusiasts worldwide. For more information, visit www.byFormica.com.

#26 Offline soulsynapse - Posted July 18 2017 - 11:20 AM

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I don't find the metrics posted useful to quantifying viability other than a basic mechanical explanation, but the product looks great and is vetted by some of the best keepers around and that's enough for me


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#27 Offline drtrmiller - Posted July 18 2017 - 11:23 AM

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I don't find the metrics posted useful to quantifying viability other than a basic mechanical explanation, but the product looks great and is vetted by some of the best keepers around and that's enough for me


Can you elaborate on that?

Have you understand my Technical Explanation of a Self-Regulating Hydration System?


Edited by drtrmiller, July 18 2017 - 11:26 AM.



byFormica® is the manufacturer of the iconic nectar feeders and Sunburst Ant Nectar.
byFormica ant products always deliver consistent performance, convenience,
and reliability, making them among the most beloved ant foods and kit enjoyed by
ant keeping enthusiasts worldwide. For more information, visit www.byFormica.com.

#28 Offline T.C. - Posted July 18 2017 - 11:31 AM

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It said it was out of stock on amazon when I went to buy one.

It was out of stock a couple days ago for a day or two, but it is back in-stock now.

Alright, thanks. I'm gonna get myself one or two of these.

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  High Quality and Affordable Ant Keeping Gear

 

#29 Offline drtrmiller - Posted July 18 2017 - 11:33 AM

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Fantastic! Happy to help.

The smallest (1 ml) Galileo Liquid Feeders work great in these boxes if you have them already.  Few other feeders will fit, given the less than 2 inches of clearance.


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byFormica® is the manufacturer of the iconic nectar feeders and Sunburst Ant Nectar.
byFormica ant products always deliver consistent performance, convenience,
and reliability, making them among the most beloved ant foods and kit enjoyed by
ant keeping enthusiasts worldwide. For more information, visit www.byFormica.com.

#30 Offline T.C. - Posted July 18 2017 - 11:45 AM

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Oh nice. Also just noticed free shipping. Now I'm happy. :D

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  High Quality and Affordable Ant Keeping Gear

 

#31 Offline soulsynapse - Posted July 18 2017 - 11:57 AM

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Yes I have. It explains that the dirt moisture is regulated by the contrasting saturation and maximum absorbency of each material with the gypsum acting as a semipermeable transit medium. The problem I have with the explanation provided is that the inner tank and outer tanks aren't free floating materials so fluid mechanic principles don't apply.

 

Unless I'm missing something, won't water in the inside material will seep to the bottom over time (distorting osmotic pressure), and moisture in the dirt will be higher at the bottom in a non linear gradient extending towards the top since water can't make jumps in the gaps that ant tunnels create?

 

I think the idea is fantastic though, and a huge step forward in perfecting formicariums. Nobody claimed there aren't problems left to resolve anyway.

 

I didn't want to comment more because I don't have constructive criticism or suggestions, I'm not entirely certain I have a full understanding of the construction itself, and it's fun watching drew and yourself push the boundaries of the hobby.

 

all the best


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#32 Offline drtrmiller - Posted July 18 2017 - 12:01 PM

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The vermiculite holds onto water similar to a sponge.  If you were to add water to the top, it would stay at the top instead of falling to the bottom.  As you add more water, gravity pushes the water further down, but the top will continue to stay damp.

 

So no, it doesn't "seep to the bottom" quite like you'd expect, unless you add additional water, in which case gravity forces it down due to the added weight of water on top.


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byFormica® is the manufacturer of the iconic nectar feeders and Sunburst Ant Nectar.
byFormica ant products always deliver consistent performance, convenience,
and reliability, making them among the most beloved ant foods and kit enjoyed by
ant keeping enthusiasts worldwide. For more information, visit www.byFormica.com.

#33 Offline Connectimyrmex - Posted July 30 2017 - 12:34 PM

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This reminds me of my old "Anthill" Formicarium design.


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#34 Offline drtrmiller - Posted November 24 2017 - 3:54 AM

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NEW: Now shipping to over 100 countries worldwide!

 

Now shipping to over 100 countries including those in the US/Canada, Europe, Asia, Australia, and South America! The highly rated "Dirt Box" is back in stock, offering a natural founding setup for difficult ant species. Watch ants dig on all 4 sides with this incredibly low-maintenance work of modern engineering. A fantastic gift idea for every ant lover!
 
 
 

Check out byFormica products on Amazon for additional photos and product details.


Edited by drtrmiller, November 24 2017 - 4:53 AM.



byFormica® is the manufacturer of the iconic nectar feeders and Sunburst Ant Nectar.
byFormica ant products always deliver consistent performance, convenience,
and reliability, making them among the most beloved ant foods and kit enjoyed by
ant keeping enthusiasts worldwide. For more information, visit www.byFormica.com.

#35 Offline YsTheAnt - Posted November 28 2017 - 7:02 AM

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Where can I get liquid feeders? I can't find them on the byformica Amazon page.

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#36 Offline drtrmiller - Posted November 28 2017 - 7:03 AM

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Where can I get liquid feeders? I can't find them on the byformica Amazon page.


byFormica liquid feeders are currently sold out in the US and Europe until January, 2018.  They remain available on Amazon.ca and Gamergate.com.au at the time of this writing.


Edited by drtrmiller, November 28 2017 - 8:16 AM.



byFormica® is the manufacturer of the iconic nectar feeders and Sunburst Ant Nectar.
byFormica ant products always deliver consistent performance, convenience,
and reliability, making them among the most beloved ant foods and kit enjoyed by
ant keeping enthusiasts worldwide. For more information, visit www.byFormica.com.

#37 Offline sgheaton - Posted November 28 2017 - 8:12 AM

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Edit:

I can't read...............


Edited by sgheaton, November 28 2017 - 11:25 AM.

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#38 Offline Diesel - Posted November 28 2017 - 11:00 AM

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you should do a xmas giveaway on 1 of these bad boys. ;)


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#39 Offline T.C. - Posted November 28 2017 - 11:27 AM

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I pulled the vermiculture out of one of mine. I had a few ants go into the hydration spot and die which I believed to be causing mold issues. Would filling it with cotton be fine?


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  High Quality and Affordable Ant Keeping Gear

 

#40 Offline drtrmiller - Posted November 28 2017 - 11:31 AM

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I pulled the vermiculture out of one of mine. I had a few ants go into the hydration spot and die which I believed to be causing mold issues. Would filling it with cotton be fine?


How were they getting inside it? You should contact Drew via PM or chat with him.


byFormica® is the manufacturer of the iconic nectar feeders and Sunburst Ant Nectar.
byFormica ant products always deliver consistent performance, convenience,
and reliability, making them among the most beloved ant foods and kit enjoyed by
ant keeping enthusiasts worldwide. For more information, visit www.byFormica.com.
Back to byFormica (byformica.com)


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