Javascript Disabled Detected

You currently have javascript disabled. Several functions may not work. Please re-enable javascript to access full functionality.

Welcome to Formiculture.com!

This is a website for anyone interested in Myrmecology and all aspects of finding, keeping, and studying ants. The site and forum are free to use. Register now to gain access to all of our features. Once registered and logged in, you will be able to create topics, post replies to existing threads, give reputation points to your fellow members, get your own private messenger, post status updates, manage your profile and so much more. If you already have an account, login here - otherwise create an account for free today!

Formicarium Hydration

Started By Tspivey16 , Mar 27 2014 3:08 PM

Please log in to reply

3 replies to this topic

#1 Offline Tspivey16 - Posted March 27 2014 - 3:08 PM

Advanced Member

Members
186 posts

LocationColumbus, OH

How fast do your grout formicariums soak in the water from the water reservoir? Just did a test run and it has just been sitting in there about 30 min.

I did mix the grout with Perlite.

Current Colonies:

Aphaenogaster tennesseensis (50 Workers)

Formica subsericea (5+ Workers)

Tetramorium caespitum (50+ Workers)

Parastic Lasius (15 Accepted Host Workers)

Crematogaster cerasi (10 + Workers)

Temnothorax sp. (70 + workers)

#2 Offline Crystals - Posted March 28 2014 - 7:51 AM

Advanced Member

Moderators
2,048 posts

LocationAthabasca, AB (Canada)

Depends on the type of grout and the company that made it.

As well as the ratio of perlite.

Some of mine absorb within 15 min, others slowly absorb over hours.

Did you use sanded or un-sanded grout? How much perlite did you add?

I also find if you take some sandpaper to the water tunnel it absorbs better - maybe the oils soak in while it is drying and make it a bit water resistant. I have also used a drill to deepen the water tunnels with good results.

"Always do right. This will gratify some people, and astound the rest." -- Samuel Clemens

List of Handy Links (pinned in the General section)

My Colonies

#3 Offline Tspivey16 - Posted March 29 2014 - 7:38 AM

Advanced Member

Members
186 posts

LocationColumbus, OH

Looks like it soaks in in about a day- not sure where though as the tunnels didn't look any different.

I used unsanded grout with perlite next to the tunnels, with sanded grout in the back like your video.

Current Colonies:

Aphaenogaster tennesseensis (50 Workers)

Formica subsericea (5+ Workers)

Tetramorium caespitum (50+ Workers)

Parastic Lasius (15 Accepted Host Workers)

Crematogaster cerasi (10 + Workers)

Temnothorax sp. (70 + workers)

#4 Offline Crystals - Posted March 29 2014 - 7:46 AM

Advanced Member

Moderators
2,048 posts

LocationAthabasca, AB (Canada)

Yes, it usually absorbs pretty slowly. And the tunnels don't look different either. It is almost impossible to overwater these nests, which is nice.

If you place the nest on a heat source (heat cable/mat,any warm object) you should see condensation on the glass in 3-5 hours if it was watered enough.

All of my nests need a heat source due to the temperature in the room, so I judge humidity by the condensation on the glass. If it isn't on a warm object, just water until it doesn't want to absorb it - at that point it will be pretty hydrated.