2 replies to this topic

[Lazarus]

As my local library provides me with free access to laser cutters capable of cutting through sheets of acrylic, I've been tinkering with a design I want to try out.

 

As these formicarium designs are popular from a number of vendors, I notice that most of the larger designs employ the use of sponges in separated chambers for hydration. These hydration chambers are not directly open to chambers accessible to the ants and, as I understand it, rely on capillary action for the moisture to seep through to the other areas.

Is the capillary action such that it can creep right between two sheets in full contact or are there very small grooves etched into one of the sheets to assist the capillary action? As I've noticed the gaps between the sponge chambers and ant chambers varies between designs, is that a factor in the moisture transfer? Are there any guidelines on gap spacing, or other things I need to keep in mind in designing such a hydration system?

 

Thanks...

 

[T.C.]

The ones I got from Ant Topia, didn't appear to have any "spacing" or "grooves." I think he just avoided screwing the sheets together too tight.

And really? Libraries have that now... really stepping up their game I guess.

[Lazarus]

The ones I got from Ant Topia, didn't appear to have any "spacing" or "grooves." I think he just avoided screwing the sheets together too tight.

 

I was wondering if 'tightness' of the plates was a factor but I was hoping that that wasn't the case. It would be tough if one had to control humidity that way

 

And really? Libraries have that now... really stepping up their game I guess.

 

Yep. And 3D printers too. It is a bit of a challenge getting to use them because there is such a high demand. The way it works at our library is that the opportunity to book opens exactly 30 days in advance of any given date. So the bookings fill up by the end of the availability date. Tricky!