8 replies to this topic

[AntPhycho]

So I recently built a formicarium out of sanded grout.  I thought all grouts could absorb water quite well so I just took the sanded grout from the hardware store without really thinking. After this formicarium was finished I started hearing that sanded grout doesn't really absorb water. Now that is extremely annoying because I have already built it and I don't want drowning ants. My question is, is it true that sanded grout is all that bad or did I just hear mindless rumors?

[CamponotusLover]

Not sure if its true since i know alot of people that use sanded. What i do know is unsanded is way more preffered and works better. There are many ways to add better hydration like adding pinches of sand on the grout as you pour layer by layer. Or get really creative and test out some sponge hydration techniques. Be warned though i don't know if these will work, never tried with sanded so don't take my words too legitimately .

[AntPhycho]

Not sure if its true since i know alot of people that use sanded. What i do know is unsanded is way more preffered and works better. There are many ways to add better hydration like adding pinches of sand on the grout as you pour layer by layer. Or get really creative and test out some sponge hydration techniques. Be warned though i don't know if these will work, never tried with sanded so don't take my words too legitimately .

Haha, I honestly think there is not too much to worry about. Especially when I found some posts about sanded grout absorbing water too much in wet places such as showers http://www.johnbridg...read.php?t=5672. I just need to keep it dry enough to prevent ants from drowning and to prevent mold.

[StopSpazzing]

Main difference I have researched, is that sanded grout doesn't expand as much when wet and is better used for larger gaps between tiles. Honestly, they both absorb water fine, enough for use with ants. I use unsanded cause it was cheaper. I will eventually move to hydrostone tho, cause it's what all the cool kids are doing.

[AntPhycho]

Main difference I have researched, is that sanded grout doesn't expand as much when wet and is better used for larger gaps between tiles. Honestly, they both absorb water fine, enough for use with ants. I use unsanded cause it was cheaper. I will eventually move to hydrostone tho, cause it's what all the cool kids are doing.

 Ok, thanks for reassuring me  and it looks like hydrostone is cheaper than grout as well http://www.thecerami...6UaAoUPEALw_wcB

[noebl1]

Just be aware Hydrostone dissolves when water is constantly flowing thru it, I've seen it in under 6mos when a sponge is underneath hydrating it,

[AntPhycho]

Just be aware Hydrostone dissolves when water is constantly flowing thru it, I've seen it in under 6mos when a sponge is underneath hydrating it,

Really? How would you hydrate it then? Sponge is how I hydrate all my nests. Probably not gonna switch anyways, grout does the trick.

[noebl1]

Drew did a lot of research on it, here's some of it:

http://www.formicult...8-5-2016/page-2

 

I only use Hydrostone for outworlds now; areas that won't have water moving thru them constantly.

 

I saw the same thing, this was after 6mos of a sponge underneath:

[AntPhycho]

Woah, I wouldn't think that hydrostone would be a great choice for formicariums if they can't handle water. Maybe it isn't a good idea to use what "the cool kids are using" after all.