7 replies to this topic

[jsg994]

So I was interested in making my own grout nest.  I read that it was better for humidity to do the unsanded grout (if anyone has any input on this that would be awesome).  Also, should I just mold into a solid block and then carve out tunnels and rooms or take something like putty (not really sure whether to use regular putty or blu tack or what) and place that material in the shape of the tunnels/rooms and then pour grout?  First time doing this so any input would be great!  This would just be a nest that I would vinyl tube to an out world!

 

p.s. this is for tetramorium tsushimae

 

Thanks,

Jeff

[Penguin]

Check out this Thread by Crystals 

[CNewton]

So, I just did this with my formicarium. You can probably find it in there somewhere, I need to update it. Unsanded grout absorbs water better than Sanded grout (though it's still slow to wick). I carved as well as molded rooms. Molded rooms are smooth and clean. I did not like the look. It just -looks- manufactured. I think it also is hard for water to wick because of the texture or maybe the residual oils, but this is unproven. The carved rooms give you a ton of freedom to decide how you want them to look and lets you change on the fly. I think it looks nicer and and has a texture for grip and maybe better wicking. Make sure you carve before it fully cures or your grout block could crack. Penguin just pointed out CrystalS's tutorial, and it's great.  

 

 

TL:DR, I think clay molding is easy, but carving looks nicer.

[jsg994]

What would you recommend to carve?  I have a dremel but have seen videos with people just using flathead screwdriver and hammer.  How long after pouring can I start to carve? I have seen that tutorial before of Crystals but I must have forgotten.  Thanks for pointing it out!

[jsg994]

I was thinking something like this... https://imgur.com/iVa4C2v

[KBant]

http://www.formicult...ut +formicarium

 

here is the guide i made. 

[jsg994]

UPDATE!  So decided to use the dremel instead of the clay and think it turned out ok!  Some bubbles in the grout but other then that I am pretty happy with it!  Thanks for the help  https://imgur.com/rYICG4S

[jsg994]

So I was wondering if there is a safe adhesive to use for the vinyl tubing that will connect to the grout nest?  I have tried the aquarium silicon but if you just wiggle the tubes a tiny bit the silicon unsticks.  Should I just use some hot glue, super glue, epoxy?  I used the aquarium silicon to great effect on attaching the glass to the front of my nest but it just doesn't seem like enough and I don't want to get ants in there and have the route to their outworld fall off!  Thanks for any advice!