Jump to content

  • Chat
  •  
  •  

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!

Photo

How to bind sand to hydrostone


  • Please log in to reply
4 replies to this topic

#1 Offline mike.omeg - Posted October 17 2017 - 1:16 PM

mike.omeg

    Member

  • Members
  • PipPip
  • 29 posts
  • LocationThe Dalles, OR, USA
As much as I love Tarheel and other commercial formicariums I have the itch to make my own. The many posts about DIY units are great here on the forum and I truly appreciate members taking the time to post. But I can't seem to find a post here or Youtube demonstrating how to bind sand inside the chambers of a hydrostone/grout/plaster formicarium. I really prefer the more nautral, less smooth look of sand-lined chambers. Please advise. Many thanks!

#2 Offline Kevin - Posted October 17 2017 - 1:55 PM

Kevin

    Advanced Member

  • Members
  • PipPipPip
  • 833 posts
  • LocationSouth Jersey

Coat the brick with grout or resin and sprinkle sand onto it. Let it cure. Done.


  • mike.omeg likes this

Hit "Like This" if it helped.


#3 Offline JasonD - Posted October 17 2017 - 1:58 PM

JasonD

    Advanced Member

  • Members
  • PipPipPip
  • 57 posts

Sprinkle the sand onto your clay that you use for the mold. 

Alternatively use 50% grout 50% sand. Then use a file to sand down the chambers to expose the sand. 

 

Edit: You can also get interesting results by using natural clay/mud for the mold, if you have access to local clay. 


Edited by JasonD, October 17 2017 - 2:00 PM.

  • mike.omeg likes this

#4 Offline Bryce - Posted October 17 2017 - 3:34 PM

Bryce

    Advanced Member

  • Members
  • PipPipPip
  • 101 posts
  • LocationPhoenix Az
What Kevin said. I honestly don't sand coat mine anymore. I place a small pinch of sand on the bottom and let them move it as they like.
  • mike.omeg likes this

#5 Offline mike.omeg - Posted October 17 2017 - 5:42 PM

mike.omeg

    Member

  • Members
  • PipPip
  • 29 posts
  • LocationThe Dalles, OR, USA

Thanks all!






0 user(s) are reading this topic

0 members, 0 guests, 0 anonymous users