5 replies to this topic

[Saltynuts]

I've got a couple of very small colonies that will soon be to the point where I want to move them out of their test tube setup into something kind of cool, i.e. build my own formicarium.  Can we all try and contribute to what items/materials that might be useful?  Both the containers to use, and the substrate or what not to fill them with?  

 

For example, I know you can use plaster of paris.  Pros I believe - cheap.  Cons I believe - heavy.  Not transparent of course.

 

I've also read people mention hydrostone, but have no idea how it works.

 

Links to clear containers that fit inside other clear containers with a little space in between the walls so ants can nest in dirt there and be viable would be helpful.

 

Anything and everything that might help build a sweet formicarium!

 

Thanks!

[AntswerMe]

Ytong (AAC)

Firebrick

Hydrostone (brand name of special type of plaster that is mold resistant)

Pumice

Grout

Gypsum

Plaster of Paris

Soil (obviously)

Those are some I know.

Edited by AntswerMe, June 28 2017 - 10:26 AM.

[Saltynuts]

Thanks AntswerMe!  A lot of those are the kinds of things where I just have to buy what's out there, as its pretty difficult to "cast" into the shape I want, no?  Firebrick, Pumice, etc., is that correct?

 

Thanks!

[Cameron C. Thomas]

This post started by user Crystals, which is also linked under "Important Topics" on the home page, is a list of handy links with tutorials on pretty much every kind of building medium, all with photos, a thread specifically on pros and cons of building materials, and, again, generally helpful links.

 

http://www.formicult...of-handy-links/

 

And here is the specific post on building materials, also started by user Crystals, and titled "Substrates and Materials For Building Your Formicarium."

 

http://www.formicult...ium/#entry11018

Edited by Cameron C. Thomas, July 10 2017 - 4:28 PM.

[Ants_Texas]

I usually get a container that fits the size of the ant, for example a small one for ghost ants or a large one for pogonomyrmex. Then ill fill it with soil, and plant a couple plants and put in some rocks. Then I put on a barrier of vaseline or fluon. That's a pretty straight-forward natural nest tutorial.

[Saltynuts]

Thanks a ton guys!