14 replies to this topic

[Jonathan21700]

Hello I am new to this forum so my question is, what type of formicarium do you prefer? Dirt or plaster?

 

Thanks!

[dspdrew]

Welcome to the forum.

 

There are advantages and disadvantage to all the different types of substrate. Personally, if I want to create an antfarm-style nest that allows the ants to dig, I would of course prefer dirt. If I wanted a fixed chamber formicarium, then I would go with something like plaster, except I don't think I would use plaster, and instead Hydrostone.

[Jonathan21700]

Thanks!

[Crystals]

There are many types of formicariums.

I do not like the vertical sand/dirt ones as tunnel collapse is fairly common.

I find plaster of paris molds too easily.

 

I have used, and like, nests made from grout mixtures, firebrick, and ytong.  I have seen positive results from hydrostone.

 

Perhaps these two links will interest you:

http://www.formicult...-and-outworlds/

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

[Antboy888]

I prefer dirt formicariums mainly because I can easily buy them from main land Europe but also because it adds another element to ant keeping in the way that ants are able to dig and create their nest to their own suiting. I have never really had a problem with tunnel collapse, I use a 3:1 sand loam mixture, the loam helps to hold the sand granules together with the help of the ant's saliva. I also make sure that my room never has an harsh vibrations. 

[Jonathan21700]

Thank you! I can move the ants if the nest gets mold but toxicity concerns me more. I do like dirt formicariums but the visibility is not that good.

[LAnt]

I also make sure that my room never has an harsh vibrations.

Just realized another reason to not have a dirt formicarium for myself. SoCal=earthquakes

[InsideAntz]

If you ask the ants, they would say the dirt  

 

Hard soil is what I use, it is natural, doesn't mold, the ants prefer it and oh yes, it's free. Dig down under and you will find hard soil. It looks lighter in color and holds together like rock when it dries and won't collapse. I run the hard soil thru a metal screen (like a window screen). This gets out the rocks and debris so you'll have the fine soft dirt that looks like gold. I use fish tanks so I can look under the tank anytime to see them in ridiculous numbers. I have used a ton of different housing types and always go back to the fish tank with light hard dirt. A little heat pad under the tank, feed them nice, let them do their thing and they will explode in numbers. Every ant enthusiast should have at least one fish tank formicarium. 

[Crystals]

If you ask the ants, they would say the dirt  

 

Hard soil is what I use, it is natural, doesn't mold, the ants prefer it and oh yes, it's free. Dig down under and you will find hard soil. It looks lighter in color and holds together like rock when it dries and won't collapse. I run the hard soil thru a metal screen (like a window screen). This gets out the rocks and debris so you'll have the fine soft dirt that looks like gold. I use fish tanks so I can look under the tank anytime to see them in ridiculous numbers. I have used a ton of different housing types and always go back to the fish tank with light hard dirt. A little heat pad under the tank, feed them nice, let them do their thing and they will explode in numbers. Every ant enthusiast should have at least one fish tank formicarium. 

The soil in every area will vary.

In my location we mostly have about 2 feet of rich black soil and then a clay/sand mix. 

 

I just started testing out a flat sand formicarium.  Because it is flat, there is no chance of tunnel collapses.  Made from aquarium sand (which I heavily rinsed), it has almost no dust.  This species doesn't dig very deep or long tunnels, so they are taking their time getting started.  Most are in the tubing by the sand.

[Jonathan21700]

Looks nice!

[LAnt]

Sixlegs, how is the visibility through the glass into dirt chambers?

[InsideAntz]

Hi Crystal, I had a flat sand formicarium that was pretty successful. I used a white very tight sand. You are off to a great start there. 

[InsideAntz]

Hi LAnt, not to good but I knew this going in. They dig out the entire bottom every time because I keep a heat pad under the tank.  

[Jonathan21700]

Which type of formicarium is better? Horizontal or vertical?

[InsideAntz]

For me I found the vertical a bit easier to water.