21 replies to this topic

[DrygonKing]

I designed this formicarium and was wondering if it was any good. The species I will be housing with this is Formica podzolica and it is 8 by 10 inches

http://imgur.com/foSyz8W

Edited by DrygonKing, May 24 2018 - 6:29 AM.

[T.C.]

I designed this formicarium and was wondering if it was any good. The species I will be housing with this is Formica podzolica and it is 8 by 10 inches

Do we have to guess what it is? Got an image or link?

[DrygonKing]

There i was just uploading it

[T.C.]

Should work fine assuming hyrdation works. Is that ytong or?

Edited by T.C., May 24 2018 - 6:35 AM.

[DrygonKing]

Cork. Would that work? I’m using it because It’s cheap and easy to work with.

Edited by DrygonKing, May 24 2018 - 6:43 AM.

[StayLoki]

hmmm I'm new to the game and have plans for making my own diy formicariums, but I'm not so sure about cork?
You're going to seal glass on top I assume? I'm not sure what kind of cork your working with, but I think you'll find when you start cutting and chipping, it will have chunks that weaken walls or make cracks they can get into.
I suggest you practice on a small chunk and see how your chamber walls actually look. Then maybe make it a tad smaller, take a away a chamber or 2 in your next sketch and leave more of a border of an inch or more?
Just some suggestions, in all my researching of designs so far, I haven't seen anyone really use cork.
Good luck -loki

[DrygonKing]

Ok thanks for the suggestion. I’m going to add a extra inch to the border to so that will fix the border issue. I’m cutting it in small layers with a box knife so that should give a better border and edges to.

[StayLoki]

Just a thought but maybe you should consider sealing it? There are some ant friendly grouts and dyes, or sand/plaster coats you could 'paint' the inside chambers and tunnels with, and maybe leave spots of cork exposed for them to drink off of and maintain humidity..which you would water..
Just a thought. Not sure if you've considered hydrating or maintaining humidity throughout the cork.

[DrygonKing]

I will consider that. I have thought of a way to hydrate the formicarium through a chamber at the top or bottom (depending if I need more or less water) that is full of water that will soak through the cork. I think that sealing it would be a good idea, I will see how that will affect it and it it is required for my species. Can Formica podzolica chew through cork wood?

[T.C.]

I would never use cork, when it gets wet it swells and molds easy. It's also easy to chew through. Feel free to give it a go though.

[DrygonKing]

What would you suggest then?
What is easiest to use?

[Mortamir]

I would use a test tube. You don't need anything else unless you have about 10 to 15 workers buddy.

Maybe link up two test tubes with a straw if you want more space.

Its pretty hard to make a suggestion without more info.

[DrygonKing]

This is for when I need to move them into a formicarium. I just want to plan it all out now and have it ready instead of rushing and making mistakes. What info do you need?

Edited by DrygonKing, May 24 2018 - 8:04 AM.

[T.C.]

This is for when I need to move them into a formicarium. I just want to plan it all out now and have it ready instead of rushing and making mistakes.

I recommend grout or hydrostone. I also like soil nests for Formica sp.

[DrygonKing]

Ok. I have heard of all sorts of problems the soil nests cause. Is there a way to prevent this? Or should I use grout?


Edit: I’m just going to use grout

Edited by DrygonKing, May 24 2018 - 8:51 AM.

[DrygonKing]

Thanks for all the feedback and help!

[StayLoki]

It's like some little kids vid(forgive me) but it's a great idea..



Kind of like the tarheel founding chambers. I was going to elaborate on this..but it's one version...as opposed to laying clay as a mold with grout.

But grout ones turn out great too!. Just that this can double as an outworld on top and founding area below if done properly...

[DrygonKing]

Oh ok! I will definitely look into that!

[StayLoki]

If you're going to try this route there's a better idea of what I mean and how to hydrate it better here... The post was from a few weeks ago, and more closely to what I was going to try to replicate myself

http://www.formicult...ign/#entry88989


Edit: *mons ago

Edited by StayLoki, May 24 2018 - 9:55 AM.

[StayLoki]

but smares and this little kid both have great ideas.!!