3 replies to this topic

[T.C.]

Hello, I am working on a paludarium, for one of my ant colonies. This will have an island in water that the ants live on, with the water being the barrier between the island and the tank sides. However plants will eventually grow and touch the sides of the tank giving the ants access to the glass sides of the tank giving them a way to get out. Although the water in the paludarium wouldn't touch the fluon, the tank will put off a fog or mist every hour. My question is will the water cause the fluon to deteriorate or wash away?

[drtrmiller]

It's not the water that will be a problem so much as the relative humidity of that type of enclosure.  The surfactant is hygroscopic/hydrophilic, attracting water from the air in a way that renders the Fluon useless for insect escape prevention.  It is best used in an open enclosure that is kept relatively dry, and without sudden changes in temperature that might cause liquids to condensate on the surfaces to which the Fluon is applied.

[T.C.]

It's not the water that will be a problem so much as the relative humidity of that type of enclosure.  The surfactant is hygroscopic/hydrophilic, attracting water from the air in a way that renders the Fluon useless for insect escape prevention.  It is best used in an open enclosure that is kept relatively dry, and without sudden changes in temperature that might cause liquids to condensate on the surfaces to which the Fluon is applied.

Alright, thank you. I may have to try an alternative. Wonder how well canola oil would work?

[drtrmiller]

Despite a couple YouTube videos showing something similar to what you describe, the ants won't fare well being surrounded by water. Always conduct small scale tests prior to investing a lot of time and money on creative ideas that may not be compatible with one another.