6 replies to this topic

[Seadogrun]

Hello all - I bought and love DSPDrew's Dirt Box Formicariums.  I really like the design of having the nest under the outworld and all one piece. Unfortunately I've been made aware that due to small ant size that this formicarium might not be suitable for my ants.

 

So I decided to try to build a formicarium of my own.  I got some small plastic boxes, some clay, and some hydrastone.  

 

I'm fairly happy with my design, but I am really unsure about the hydration aspect.  I built in a "water reservoir" but it doesn't seem right. Do I need to fill the reservoir with sponge material or some other absorbent material?

 

I suppose I will want some ports which I will drill in.

 

What else different would you do?

 

Heres the pictures:

 

 

 

[Seadogrun]

One more question:  With the hydrastone, how close should the "watter shaft" be to the chambers?

 

Thanks again,

[T.C.]

Is that the hydration on the left side there? How do you plan on keeping ants out of it? But anyways,I would just fill it with cotton or sponge and moisten it. That should work.

[Seadogrun]

Is that the hydration on the left side there? How do you plan on keeping ants out of it? But anyways,I would just fill it with cotton or sponge and moisten it. That should work.

Yes it is the shaft on the left.  I was thinking a little screen or cotton to keep the ants out.  I just want to make sure that the nest gets enough water.

[Seadogrun]

Now I'm having trouble with the lower "chamber" flooding.  It floods even after adding sponge like material to the water shaft.  Any suggestions?  

 

[sgheaton]

Due to your design, that is always going to happen. Research hydrostone a bit more and try again. 

[Seadogrun]

Due to your design, that is always going to happen. Research hydrostone a bit more and try again. 

Unfortunately, I am not finding much info other than seeing what others are doing on this site.  

 

What do you think if I make the water shaft "L" shaped running down on side across the bottom?  Then I would build the chambers and tunnels above that?  Would it work if I then just filled the lower horizontal part of the reservoir with water and allow it to wick up? 

 

I'm trying to get it to a point where I can leave it for a week or two without watering.  I am in South Florida where humidity is quite high.

 

Thank you - I appreciate the help.