59 replies to this topic

[Mathiacus]

This will be somewhat of a mega build for me. I picked up a 4 foot aquarium for cheap ($40). Ill try to make a journal of the build if you guys and gals are interested 😉

Edited by Mathiacus, December 8 2014 - 5:22 AM.

[Mathiacus]

I have the block to carve already but I need to run to the dreaded bunnings for some more staples for the staple gun and 4 900mm lengths of pine to make the two lids. I already have the mesh from the last lid.

Off topic a bit but I have designed (in my head) a way to have a "stream" running through it but it is something ill have to do once I'm settled in my own house rather than a rental.

[dspdrew]

That's a huge tank! You should do what I plan to do, and put the nest down below the tank in that extra space. Mine will have a cabinet with doors so they will stay in the dark.

[Mathiacus]

I have one of those already...block is covered by that tea towel behind the tank.. is that huge one I likked ages ago.

[Crablord]

Id interested in a build guide.

[Mathiacus]

the carving is 95% done. Just have to test fit and smooth some surfaces. After that comes the chipping away to make the blocks look more organic.

[Mathiacus]

it fits well. All the carving was done with a flat bladed screwdriver. I have found this to be the absolute best tool for the job.

[Gregory2455]

That is a pretty genius design. Looks like Oz Ant's.

[Mathiacus]

Yes. Is heavily inspired by his one. A corner block is the most logical layout though.

[Oz Ant]

Nice one looking good mate! I'm honoured you've used my nest as inspiration and looking forward to see how yours turns out.

 

Have you got your watering system sorted?

 

I found setting up hydration to be the trickiest part. Be careful your surrounding substrate isn't too deep and/or gets wet as they're likely to start tunnelling outside the beautiful nest you've carved for them and you'll never see them!

[Mathiacus]

I an going to back fill the gap behind the block with soil, over the layer of soil will be a mesh layer then a bit more soil. I plan to grow grass on the mound.

[Oz Ant]

That sounds really cool!

 

Just keep in mind that they will prefer to nest in damp soil than a hebel block and they are very determined. If you get the mesh to be a really good fit it should work but I had to re-model mine 3 times because they found ways to nest in the dirt.

 

Eventually I made all of the landscape out of styrofoam and just did a thin layer of dirt on top of it.

[Gregory2455]

@Oz Ant, What do you use to stain your hebel/ytong?

[dspdrew]

Lookin' good so far. I definitely want to see how this turns out.

[dean_k]

Nice one looking good mate! I'm honoured you've used my nest as inspiration and looking forward to see how yours turns out.

 

Have you got your watering system sorted?

 

I found setting up hydration to be the trickiest part. Be careful your surrounding substrate isn't too deep and/or gets wet as they're likely to start tunnelling outside the beautiful nest you've carved for them and you'll never see them!

 

I am looking to make one like yours as well. But my problem right now is which spp I should put it in. I'd love bull ants but I have absolutely no access to bull ants, so I am considering my options.

[Chromerust]

I am ridiculously jealous :-o


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[Oz Ant]

@Gregory I used red ochre

[Mathiacus]

This nest will kow be for a better, bigger species. Once she is identified I can say what she is.

[Oz Ant]

Better and bigger than Myrmecia? How's that possible lol

[Mathiacus]

Bigger and better than M.nigrocincta. M.tarsata.