10 replies to this topic

[Huch]

As some of you have read already, I had printed up some useful pieces for 18 X 150mm test tubes.

 

I can print pieces up readily on demand, but the pieces involving acylic take more time. Here is what I will be making more of:

 

 

I have test tube caps to .5 Outer diameter caps (for vinyl tubing), test tube racks with slots for a heat cable, and the chamber piece made with acrylic.

 

I have about 8 of them in the works, and want to sell the whole setup for $35 each. If you are interested, post here, else I will them up on amazon, but I have to increase the price there because they charge quite a bit in referral fees. Oh yea, I expect the post office to charge $5-7 shipping. I do plan on making some changes for the better.

 

If you only want certain parts, let me know, I can make them for you.

 

Here is a link to the topic where there is a fuller explanation of it.

[Ants4fun]

Looks interesting. BTW I don't believe you provided the link.

[Foogoo]

I love the rectangular arena. Would it be possible to exclude the rack, test tube caps, and connector tubing and have an arena which the test tubes plug directly in to?

 

And why Amazon and not just direct sales? Unless you are able to secure fulfillment by Amazon (and Prime shipping and all that jazz), then I can see the advantage.

[Huch]

Darn, I am so tired lately I can't even remember to post a link. http://www.amazon.co...ube formicarium

 

I really have no good reason why I put it on Amazon. I am fine with direct sales, but I have no website. I have a paypal setup for this.

 

But anyways, I could just sell the Arena. It requires the most work and I would sell it for $15. I could also redisgn the Arena to fit test tubes, but then it wouldn't fit the vinyl tubing into those slots. I designed it for the vinyl tubing becuase at some point, people may want to connect multiple outworlds, formicariums, and test tubes to the arena using the vinyl tubing. Last night I tried to redesign the ports to fit both a test tube and/or the vinyl tubing, It wasnt right and I need more time to think about how to do it.

 

Foogoo, do you want me to print one up that can fit test tubes into the 5 ports (and keep the single one vinyl tube port)? I can print the plugs as well, but I have to design them, and though it sounds easy, it could take a couple attempts to get right.

Edited by Huch, July 16 2015 - 4:15 PM.

[BugFinder]

I love the opportunity to support new vendors in our industry, I think we need more vendors selling foriaria, but I'm wondering about this piece, maybe I'm too new to the hobby but I can't visualize it.  What would you use this for?

[Huch]

I think the best use is for giving the option of connecting multiple formicariums, test tubes, or outworlds in any combination to a central observable point. You could just do that by drilling multiple holes in an outworld or formicarium, but I think this piece does that in a more organized and tidy fashion.

 

For a small colony, I would just use the test tubes and outworld. For large colonies, I imagine connecting a couple formicariums and outworlds.

Edited by Huch, July 17 2015 - 6:27 PM.

[Huch]

Ok, so I reprinted some of the parts to make a better fit. I have 6 of these:

 

 

These are prototypes and I will sell them for $15 (not including shipping) as you see it. I am changing up the design to use inserts and screws for more durability and a tighter fit. Ok back to work.

[Huch]

Ok, so another iteration that I had posted previously:

 

 

 

The good:

 

The screws and inserts look better and make a tighter fit.

 

The bad:

 

About 25% of the inserts become loose because they are so difficult to angle, that the screws do not screw correctly into them, thus jarring them loose. It can be put togethor with ease, but taking it apart is a little difficult when the insert just turns with the screw. I had to pull on  the piece while using a electric screw driver turning in reverse. I just glued the insert back in. This has not been tested with small ants, ie Tetramorium capsicium

 

The Ugly (Price):

 

$15 + Shipping and handling

 

 

What is included:

 

6 plugs, the chamber.

 

Specifics:

1. The chamber will connect to 18mm test tubes  that are not flared, rimmed, or have a drip edge. They must terminate with a diameter of 18mm and the glass wall thickness should be ~1.8mm.

2. The chamber fits .5 inch outer diamater vinyl tubing. This is found at hardware stores.

 

 

If you are interested or have questions, post here or message me.

Edited by Huch, July 31 2015 - 7:30 PM.

[Foogoo]

Shoot, I would be but I just checked and most of my tubes are 20mm or 15mm. Is it a big effort to adjust the tube size? If it is, 18mm tubes are inexpensive anyway so not a big deal.

[Huch]

The work is pretty easy, but I have to buy 20mm and 15mm test tubes to test it to make sure it works. So I can do it, but it will take some time. I do plan on ordering 20mm and 16mm just for this purpose. Also, the thickness of the test tube is important as well, though I don't expect much variance between manufactures. Thickness should be ~1.8mm. Let me add that to the original post.

 

 

Actually, I will just send you 5 test tubes along with the piece if that makes things easier.

Edited by Huch, July 31 2015 - 7:43 PM.

[Foogoo]

The work is pretty easy, but I have to buy 20mm and 15mm test tubes to test it to make sure it works. So I can do it, but it will take some time. I do plan on ordering 20mm and 16mm just for this purpose. Also, the thickness of the test tube is important as well, though I don't expect much variance between manufactures. Thickness should be ~1.8mm. Let me add that to the original post.

 

 

Actually, I will just send you 5 test tubes along with the piece if that makes things easier.

PM on the way!