5 replies to this topic

[Mettcollsuss]

        So I recently caught a Camponotus queen and am hoping to catch many more queens of various species as I will be spending a lot of time in nature soon. I would prefer that my colonies be housed in homemade formicaria, preferably one made from AAC. I live in Chicago, Illinois, and I can't find a place that sells AAC, online or at stores. If anyone here knows where I can get some AAC, I would be very grateful. Thanks!

[Kevin]

AAC is actually not a good nesting material in most cases because of its extremely porous structure. It is weak and does not retain water, however does absorb it. AAC is difficult to obtain in the US at a reasonable quantity and price for an individual's ant keeping hobby. I do not recommend attempting to buy, sample, or use AAC in the US. because there are other materials that will work better and are more abundant in the US. It is simply not worth the effort to get AAC for only a few nests.

[Civz]

what materials are you suggesting then? i also have been looking for AAC and was planning to use it

[Kevin]

I suggest you look into some of dspdrew's formicaria threads. They are linked in his signature under "My Projects". A very good and informative read that will solve many problems before you have to.

[MaxGen]

I love the smaller outworlds dspdrew has.  Are they acrylic? 

[Kevin]

I love the smaller outworlds dspdrew has.  Are they acrylic? 

 

No, they are polystyrene.