13 replies to this topic

[rdurham02]

So after putting my ants up for hibernation I decided I needed a new project to cheer myself up and wanted it to be something different. Thus the "Ant Bomb" was born!

 

I found these at my local dollar store and thought they might make an interesting formicarium. 

 

https://www.dollartr...53571/index.pro

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

More updates coming as I figure out what I am going to do for a hydration solution. I am thinking building a reservoir at the bottom with a wicking mechanism such as a piece of sponge. 

Edited by rdurham02, November 6 2017 - 7:18 AM.

[Hunter]

cool

[T.C.]

How did you get the tunnels in there? The sand? How did you get it out? Looks really good though.

[Hunter]

looks like he drilled holes to let it out

[rdurham02]

looks like he drilled holes to let it out

You are correct Hunter! Drilled a hole at to the side of the interconnected sand tunnels to flush the sand out under the facet. The tunnels are connected with the airline tubing that goes from the bottom to the top of the nest. I formed the tunnels by pouring in sand in the opening at the top directed by a small funnel on top of each layer of hydrostone. Then I pushed the sand toward the surface of the plastic so they would be visible once the hydrostone dried.

Edited by rdurham02, November 6 2017 - 9:41 AM.

[Hunter]

lol i see them

[dspdrew]

Awesome. Are you going to hang them on your Christmas tree?

[rdurham02]

Awesome. Are you going to hang them on your Christmas tree?

HA! I did think of doing that! However, we have some naughty cats that would most definitely knock them to the floor, plus they are a bit heavy with all the hydrostone I packed in there. 

[KBant]

you just gave me a great idea for a formicarium! it may have been done already? idk

 

instead of taking the sand out, why not leave it in? 

 

 

idea: insert vinyl tubing covered in vegetable oil from top to bottom of a clear container, layer a sand/clay mixture and hydrostone or grout. let the hydrostone dry and then take out the vinyl tubing. add sand/clay mixture to the hole the tubing leaves behind as well as a thin top layer of sand/clay. leave plenty of room on top for the sand/clay that the ants will be digging out. other tubes, possibly perforated, or several thin tubes that lead to the different levels can be inserted for hydration, if not this a water tower or two! also, a tube that enters and exits from the side into one of the sand layers through which a heating cable can be inserted for warmth . wallah! perfect for ants that love to dig!

Edited by KBant, November 7 2017 - 3:25 PM.

[T.C.]

instead of taking the sand out, why not leave it in?

 

Because, then why not just fill it with sand in first place? It also doesn't work well visually speaking.

[KBant]

Because if it were simply all sand, you can run into the issue of chambers and tunnels collapsing.

[Lazarus]

Doh! I saw those clear plastic Christmas balls at my dollar store today and didn't think of doing that. Now I have to go back and buy some.

[rdurham02]

...and finished with the 1st one! 

 

 

[AntsCalifornia]

You should find some way to integrate the hydration into it so you could hang them on your christmas tree connecting them and wrapping the tubing around the tree to decorate it..