8 replies to this topic

[AntPhycho]

I was just wondering what soil would be good for an outer world, I do not want the ants digging in the outer world, could I fill it with mud and then when it dries it will become a hard dry clay like substance that I do not think the ants will want to dig through?

[Bryce]

Grout,hydrostone or plain bottom. Don't use soil unless you want them nesting there.

[Cameron C. Thomas]

If you're going for the aesthetic look of soil, I recommend using grout with a dirt overlay. Take some of whichever soil you like to the nearest hardware store with a decent selection of grout, find a decent color match, pour grout into your outworld, let it set just a little to keep shape, and then top it liberally with your soil. Press the soil into the grout just a little, and dump the excess after the grout sets completely. You'll have the look you want, and they can't dig into it. 

[drtrmiller]

I've also seen a lot of European antkeepers use aquarium gravel. It seems like a decent idea to keep a foraging area clean, since the trash falls down in between the voids, and there's no small particles for the ants to play with.

[Cameron C. Thomas]

I've also seen a lot of European antkeepers use aquarium gravel. It seems like a decent idea to keep a foraging area clean, since the trash falls down in between the voids, and there's no small particles for the ants to play with.

 

If you feel like maxing out on creativity, check out drtrmiller's outworlds!

[StopSpazzing]

 

I've also seen a lot of European antkeepers use aquarium gravel. It seems like a decent idea to keep a foraging area clean, since the trash falls down in between the voids, and there's no small particles for the ants to play with.

 

If you feel like maxing out on creativity, check out drtrmiller's outworlds!

 

That is drtrmiller, bro.

Edited by StopSpazzing, August 24 2017 - 11:03 AM.

[Cameron C. Thomas]

 

 

I've also seen a lot of European antkeepers use aquarium gravel. It seems like a decent idea to keep a foraging area clean, since the trash falls down in between the voids, and there's no small particles for the ants to play with.

 

If you feel like maxing out on creativity, check out drtrmiller's outworlds!

 

That is drtrmiller, bro.

 

 

I was suggesting that the topic originator, AntPhycho, check out Terry's designs. I quoted Terry in my thread as a courtesy.

[AntPhycho]

So the reason I ask if dried mud would work is because my soil has a great amount of clay in it, it dries hard as a rock, I mean if I was an ant I wouldn't wanna dig in hardened clay... I kinda live in the middle of no were so I do not have things like grout readily available.

Edited by AntPhycho, August 24 2017 - 4:51 PM.

[Cameron C. Thomas]

I suppose it just depends on the ants and the soil, which I know isn't really a helpful answer. In some of the areas I work, the soil is heavy clay, but ants use it all the same. It wouldn't hurt to try it out and see. Worst case scenario: you have ants digging around a bit in the outworld and you have to try something else.