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Alternative to AC test tube portal?


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9 replies to this topic

#1 Offline sirjordanncurtis - Posted April 15 2018 - 6:30 AM

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The title pretty much sums it up; it's way to expensive



#2 Offline YsTheAnt - Posted April 15 2018 - 6:43 AM

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Here's what I think:
1. 3D print your own
2. Drill some holes in any plastic container
3. Give them an outworld, or make something like nurbs' pencil case formicarium, they work great. There is a thread on this, just can't find the link.
4. Use any container large enough for a test tube with a lid, and drill a hole in the top for air and plug it with cotton or secure a mesh. I like the container store boxbox containers, many other users here use them as well: https://www.containe...ductId=10032168
Personally, I prefer the shallow one as you can have more of them in less space, which helps when you have a lot of colonies or queens.

Hope this helps!

Edited by YsTheAnt, April 15 2018 - 6:44 AM.

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#3 Offline AntsMaryland - Posted April 15 2018 - 6:53 AM

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Or do it nurbs style!

 

Dump them into a new testube :D


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Aphaenogaster cf. rudis 

Tetramorium immigrans 

Tapinoma sessile

Formica subsericea

Pheidole sp.

Camponotus nearcticus


#4 Offline SpikeyOls - Posted April 15 2018 - 7:06 AM

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www.antzforall.co.uk - Test Tube Outworld (£5)  :)


Edited by SpikeyOls, April 15 2018 - 7:07 AM.


#5 Offline noebl1 - Posted April 15 2018 - 7:54 AM

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I bought a couple official ones, then I used to print my own (takes about 2hrs per), however found:

1. Many of my smaller ants didn't like the huge openings for the test tubes into the portal area (guessing due to humidity dropping as wide open vs enclosed end)

2. They are PITA to keep clean as ants will try to escape (newer one being injected molded plastic vs 3D printed, may be able to use fluon, not sure)

3. Have to get the perfect sized test tubes or use tape around tube to adjust thickness if smaller

4. Limited to plastic test tubes as they flex better when inserting, glass ones will shatter if not the perfect size 

 

 

Here's my clones:

x7e0vsG.jpg

 

None of my colonies at this point are big enough to need to use one for the bridging multiple nest/outworlds together.  I think personally they make terrible starter colony outworlds, but just my opinion.

 

Instead I've been doing this based on seeing what other's do:

W50YMLe.jpg

X3Y4sJv.jpg

 


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#6 Offline T.C. - Posted April 15 2018 - 8:35 AM

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www.antzforall.co.uk - Test Tube Outworld (£5)  :)

Best bang for your buck. By a few when you get them though since shipping can be a little pricey.


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“If I am killed for simply living, let death be kinder than man.” -Althea Davis

#7 Offline Dnail - Posted April 15 2018 - 8:37 PM

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is it for outworld or for moving colony to other test tube?

 

if u want to move queen to other test tube u can simply duct tape new test tube to old one, then wait until she moved. it work for me


Edited by Dnail, April 16 2018 - 8:55 PM.

Colony:

2 Odontomachus aciculatus 

2 Polyrachis Dives

3 Camponotus sp


#8 Offline T.C. - Posted April 16 2018 - 8:15 AM

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is it for outworld or for moving colony to other test tube?

 

if u want to move queen to other test tube u can simply duct tape new test tube to old one, then w8 until she moved. it work for me

 

Please use proper english.

 

Rule 7. Post in legible, coherent English, without excessive use of emoticons, slang, chat acronyms, or instant messenger shorthand.


“If I am killed for simply living, let death be kinder than man.” -Althea Davis

#9 Offline Hunter - Posted April 16 2018 - 9:34 AM

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Welcome to AC where we make you want to buy expensive things you will use one time and [censored] you over buy needing more things.



#10 Offline Dnail - Posted April 16 2018 - 8:54 PM

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is it for outworld or for moving colony to other test tube?

 

if u want to move queen to other test tube u can simply duct tape new test tube to old one, then w8 until she moved. it work for me

 

Please use proper english.

 

Rule 7. Post in legible, coherent English, without excessive use of emoticons, slang, chat acronyms, or instant messenger shorthand.

 

sorry i will edit it


Colony:

2 Odontomachus aciculatus 

2 Polyrachis Dives

3 Camponotus sp





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