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Sanded vs Unsanded Grout.

Started By DrygonKing , May 28 2018 11:57 AM
grout formicarium help substrate

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#1 Offline DrygonKing - Posted May 28 2018 - 11:57 AM

DrygonKing

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The name pretty much explains it. Which is better, pros cons, and whotch should I use for my Formica and mermica colonies?
Current Queens:
Formica argentea (1)
Camponotus modoc (1)
Camponotus herculeanus (1)

Queens I Have Found:
Lasius alienus
Lasius subumbratus
Formica podzolica
Formica argentea
Formica (parasitic)
Camponotus sp.
Myrmica sp.


Queens currently looking for:
Myrmica spp.


Queens once more experienced:
Carebara diversa
Myrmecocystus
Odontomachus Sp.

#2 Offline YsTheAnt - Posted May 28 2018 - 12:23 PM

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Unsanded grout is smoother, looks more polished, more water absorbent, but softer, and is often used to paint the exterior of a nest due to it's smooth finish.

Sanded grout is rough, doesn't really absorb water, and is typically used for making the base of the nest, which is then painted with unsanded grout or paint.

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#3 Offline DrygonKing - Posted May 28 2018 - 12:36 PM

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Ok thanks. So which has better humidity?
Current Queens:
Formica argentea (1)
Camponotus modoc (1)
Camponotus herculeanus (1)

Queens I Have Found:
Lasius alienus
Lasius subumbratus
Formica podzolica
Formica argentea
Formica (parasitic)
Camponotus sp.
Myrmica sp.


Queens currently looking for:
Myrmica spp.


Queens once more experienced:
Carebara diversa
Myrmecocystus
Odontomachus Sp.

#4 Offline YsTheAnt - Posted May 29 2018 - 3:09 PM

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Ok thanks. So which has better humidity?


By humidity I assume you mean what material provides a more stable humidity gradient (What ants like)? If that is your question, it is unsanded grout :).

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#5 Offline Rattus - Posted May 29 2018 - 3:20 PM

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Hmm, what about layering both, sanded and unsanded grout?


#6 Offline YsTheAnt - Posted May 29 2018 - 3:27 PM

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Hmm, what about layering both, sanded and unsanded grout?


That's also a great method. It helps control humidity at the base of the nest, and changing it going up. Crystal has a great guide on that.
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