306 replies to this topic

[CrazyLegs]

Hey Guzzer, I used tea on the first couple of fish tank style ones but it has since faded. It still looks naturally weathered though.

All of the newer models are clay coated.

[CrazyLegs]

Just thought I'd post some shots of the crocodilian as it looks today.

It's looks as though it keeps ants quite well. I have lost two workers since it all began leaving five workers and two queens still inside.

The moss has anchored to the hebel but hasn't spread any further that I can tell. If anything it has probably pulled back a bit from the dryer edges.

Not sure if I've posted shots of the back since I upgraded to black acrylic covers. They are much more aesthetically pleasing and make less noise than velcro strips.

The problem I have with these designs is the degree of difficulty in picking it up. It's a little awkward to move around. Displaying it on top of a Lazy Susan would be beneficial. Otherwise it needs to be displayed in the centre of a room for 360 degree access.

The tea stain has faded a little but the hebel is still in good condition.

Edited by CrazyLegs, May 4 2017 - 12:28 PM.

[CrazyLegs]

There is still quite a pile of odds and ends in the unused part of the nest but no serious mould issues have arisen.

The only mould I can see is actually growing within the clay perimeter seal.

The winged queen is in the lower right chamber with two workers.

The other wingless queen is on the other side of the nest with the soldier caste right behind her.

She is actually the smaller of the two queens so I hope they don't decide to go to war with each other.

I will be removing whichever queen I see wandering around in the outworld but neither have left the nest while I've been on duty.

 

 

 

Edited by CrazyLegs, April 27 2017 - 3:16 PM.

[CrazyLegs]

I have finished a new creation I have called "the Crustacean 2.0" It is the first CrazyLegs Original to be available for purchase outside of Australia. If your serious about ants check it out on Ebay.

 

Couple of snaps of the tunnels during construction.

Edited by CrazyLegs, April 27 2017 - 5:30 PM.

[Martialis]

I've been unable to find the listing online... what is it called?

[Alabama Anter]

Its 450 AUD with 90 AUD shipping...                 

[CrazyLegs]

Here is a link to the sale. http://r.ebay.com/JctwUF

I'm sorry if it's beyond your price range but I couldn't possibly sell them for any less without sending myself broke.

My ants would be very happy if it doesn't sell.

[Jelly]

Your formicariums are definitely a work of art, I hope you end up selling it.

 

1AU = 0.75 USD, just in case someone asks

[Civz]

amazing work my friend

[Guzzer]

 

 

The tea stain has faded a little but the hebel is still in good condition.

 

 

 

Very nice - even faded I like it as it gives it that natural sun-burnt look.

I got to make a make Hebel nest this upcoming weekend (nothing as amazing as yours) but will try and do the tea staining.

 

I'm assuming its just rinse of the block from any dust and then dunk it in a back with some tea bags for a few hours?

[CrazyLegs]

I actually just use a pipette to squeeze the tea over the finished formicarium Guzzer. It will darken as it dries.

Edited by CrazyLegs, May 3 2017 - 2:06 PM.

[Guzzer]

I actually just use a pipette to squeeze the tea over the finished formicarium Guzzer. It will darken as it dries.

 

Awesome - will see how we go.

[CrazyLegs]

I've been at it again. You may have already seen this number on the Gamergate page. I call it the CBD "Crustacean Business District". I had a few requests for larger outworlds and this is the result.

 

 

[Guzzer]

Looks awesome!

 

Can give the little buggers some vertical climbing space.

[CrazyLegs]

That's it Guzzer. I leave them plain because decorating out worlds is something a lot of people take pride in and enjoy.

 

The Geode is proving to be a great little formicarium for starting Australia's bull ant queens. I've taken a quick couple of pics of my Myrmecia pilosula queen covering the last of her larvae for pupating.

You can see she has piled some sand up onto the water pot which has wicked a little water, possibly adjusting her own humidity.

 

Edited by CrazyLegs, May 9 2017 - 2:11 PM.

[Spamdy]

Her larvae or the ones you took?

[CrazyLegs]

I started this girl from scratch Spamdy. She had laid 11 eggs to begin with and 4 larvae have made it to the pupal stage.

[Antking117]

Update?

[Myrmidon]

I am so glad I just spent the last hour of my day reading this entire thread. It's amazing! Great work, CrazyLegs. Perhaps one day I'll be lucky enough to have one of your formicarium to display!

Edited by Myrmidon, May 28 2017 - 6:11 AM.

[Spamdy]

Oh lol, oops I got so excited that the queen actually laid eggs I immediately mistook it as the other species.