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Safe Materials for Ants?

safe material safe medium

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6 replies to this topic

#1 Offline AntFlex - Posted November 18 2016 - 1:52 PM

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Hello,

 

I am looking to create my own formicarium for future ants, I was looking through the garage and happen to have these materials. Can I please be informed if they are safe for ants? If so, are they a good medium for the formicarium? Why or why not?

 

Materials in question:

 

  • Tile Mortar with Polymer
     
  • Sanded Grout with Polymer
     
  • Unsanded Grout with Polymer


#2 Offline Kevin - Posted November 18 2016 - 2:06 PM

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Unsanded grout is favored for making formicaria, however I'm not sure what polymer will do in the equation.


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#3 Offline AntFlex - Posted November 18 2016 - 3:03 PM

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Unsanded grout is favored for making formicaria, however I'm not sure what polymer will do in the equation.

 

I am unsure as well, I have tried searching for an answer with no avail.

 

 

If decide to go with the tile mortar, how hard would it be? I am just curious to try new materials :)


Edited by AntFlex, November 18 2016 - 3:23 PM.


#4 Offline CallMeCraven - Posted November 18 2016 - 3:05 PM

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Grout is the preferred medium for formicaria, with polyblend being a popular brand. I do not believe the polymer inside the grout will affect your results. It is important to note that unsanded grout absorbs water better than sanded, and when mixed with perlite, is a good medium to make sections of your formicarium more absorbent to help create more or less humidity depending on your needs.

 

Crystal has a great guide here that you can borrow tips and tricks from:

http://www.formicult...icture +journey


Edited by CallMeCraven, November 18 2016 - 3:18 PM.

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Current Colony:

 

4x Camponotus (hyatti?)

 

 

____________________________________________________

 

Harmony with land is like harmony with a friend; you cannot cherish his right hand and chop off his left.

-Aldo Leopold


#5 Offline Kevin - Posted November 18 2016 - 3:11 PM

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Grout is the preferred medium for formicaria, with polyblend being a popular brand. I do not believe the polymer inside the grout will affect your results. It is important to note that sanded grout absorbs water better than unsanded, and when mixed with perlite, is a good medium to make sections of your formicarium more absorbent to help create more or less humidity depending on your needs.

 

Crystal has a great guide here that you can borrow tips and tricks from:

http://www.formicult...icture +journey

I think you've got it the other way around. Sanded grout is almost water proof, while unsanded grout absorbs water when mixed with sand or perlite.


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#6 Offline CallMeCraven - Posted November 18 2016 - 3:16 PM

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I think you've got it the other way around. Sanded grout is almost water proof, while unsanded grout absorbs water when mixed with sand or perlite.

 

Yep you are right, I will fix this in my post thanks :D.


Edited by CallMeCraven, November 18 2016 - 3:17 PM.

Current Colony:

 

4x Camponotus (hyatti?)

 

 

____________________________________________________

 

Harmony with land is like harmony with a friend; you cannot cherish his right hand and chop off his left.

-Aldo Leopold


#7 Offline AntFlex - Posted November 18 2016 - 3:23 PM

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Grout is the preferred medium for formicaria, with polyblend being a popular brand. I do not believe the polymer inside the grout will affect your results. It is important to note that unsanded grout absorbs water better than sanded, and when mixed with perlite, is a good medium to make sections of your formicarium more absorbent to help create more or less humidity depending on your needs.

 

Crystal has a great guide here that you can borrow tips and tricks from:

http://www.formicult...icture +journey

 

 

Thank you, taking a good read at her guide.







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