Neat! I'm not 100% sure if I understand to be honest though lol -- why doesn't just a single tube work, such as something like this: https://antessential...eptentrionalis/

wouldn't the plaster vent the air itself? Or am I just missing something very obvious lol 

Edited by mmcguffi, December 5 2020 - 4:09 PM.

That kind of looks like a nestmate to me actually...  That is an interesting formicarium.  There were some failed attempts before we realized this was necessary.  Think of it as a straw stuck in like, I don't know, something where there is no air flow at the bottom.  There is always air in the straw because it is exposed to air on the outside.  If you tried to put water in that straw, you wouldn't be able to, because there is already air in it and no way for the air to move.  The water would just spray everywhere.  By having another tube, it allows the trapped air to move out there, and the water takes it's place.  Does that make sense?

That kind of looks like a nestmate to me actually...  That is an interesting formicarium.  There were some failed attempts before we realized this was necessary.  Think of it as a straw stuck in like, I don't know, something where there is no air flow at the bottom.  There is always air in the straw because it is exposed to air on the outside.  If you tried to put water in that straw, you wouldn't be able to, because there is already air in it and no way for the air to move.  The water would just spray everywhere.  By having another tube, it allows the trapped air to move out there, and the water takes it's place.  Does that make sense?

That setup is for fungus growers so it'll be different. I think the reason it works is because there's no little chamber at the end, the water slowly goes from the tube to the material used.

 

That kind of looks like a nestmate to me actually...  That is an interesting formicarium.  There were some failed attempts before we realized this was necessary.  Think of it as a straw stuck in like, I don't know, something where there is no air flow at the bottom.  There is always air in the straw because it is exposed to air on the outside.  If you tried to put water in that straw, you wouldn't be able to, because there is already air in it and no way for the air to move.  The water would just spray everywhere.  By having another tube, it allows the trapped air to move out there, and the water takes it's place.  Does that make sense?

That setup is for fungus growers so it'll be different. I think the reason it works is because there's no little chamber at the end, the water slowly goes from the tube to the material used.

 

Ah, I see what you mean.  I was wondering about that, thanks!

Ah, I see! I didn't notice the air gap in the plaster. I think you could maybe simplify these by removing the air gap and just having one tube? Maybe I'm totally off base, I think founding formicariums are pretty similar to fungus growing setups (eg Drew sells his fungus-grower setups as "founding formicaria")

Huh. That's actually not a bad idea. Would that stay together though? I feel like it would fall down and not work very well. Clay is most certainly an idea...

Sand would be easier than clay. That way you arent trying to scrape it out; you can simply use a relatively high pressure water stream to flush all the sand out.

Sand would be easier than clay. That way you arent trying to scrape it out; you can simply use a relatively high pressure water stream to flush all the sand out.

I used sculpting clay to make a mold in my nest and it came out somewhat easily.

Ah, I see! I didn't notice the air gap in the plaster. I think you could maybe simplify these by removing the air gap and just having one tube? Maybe I'm totally off base, I think founding formicariums are pretty similar to fungus growing setups (eg Drew sells his fungus-grower setups as "founding formicaria")

The issue with that is that the needle forms an airtight seal when it's inserted into the tubing, meaning that air can't escape. My first prototype was exactly what you're describing, and it just sprayed water back out the wrong end of the tube. I actually like this design more though, because you can ensure that there's always water at the very top of the hydrostone. Plus, it doesn't make it any different to use, it's just more complicated to make.

The Fledgling Biochambers are for sale! In the future we hope to sell our products on sites in addition to Formiculture, but until then simply PM this account if you'd like to order any.

Do you think having a proper humidity gradient could be an issue? I feel like the hydrostone would get fairly wet if it was filled all the way and the container isn't very big.
 

Edited by DDD101DDD, December 5 2020 - 8:36 PM.

Do you think having a proper humidity gradient could be an issue? I feel like the hydrostone would get fairly wet if it was filled all the way and the container isn't very big.
 

It would likely depend on the species. But you can adjust the overall humidity level by adding more or less water, and the hydrostone doesn't even get as damp as Tarheel Ant's type 3 material.

 

Huh. That's actually not a bad idea. Would that stay together though? I feel like it would fall down and not work very well. Clay is most certainly an idea...

Definitely do clay. A dremel is totally unnecessary for that design using hydrostone.

 

clay can get stuck on the outside of the formicarium, and then the materials will not come out.

 

 

Huh. That's actually not a bad idea. Would that stay together though? I feel like it would fall down and not work very well. Clay is most certainly an idea...

Definitely do clay. A dremel is totally unnecessary for that design using hydrostone.

 

clay can get stuck on the outside of the formicarium, and then the materials will not come out.

 

I was going to say, I've seen people have trouble with clay just because it stuck to the side...  Thanks everyone for sharing what worked for them, and what didn't.  I will be sure to try some different things out and let you know how they go!

 

 

 

Huh. That's actually not a bad idea. Would that stay together though? I feel like it would fall down and not work very well. Clay is most certainly an idea...

Definitely do clay. A dremel is totally unnecessary for that design using hydrostone.

 

clay can get stuck on the outside of the formicarium, and then the materials will not come out.

 

I was going to say, I've seen people have trouble with clay just because it stuck to the side...  Thanks everyone for sharing what worked for them, and what didn't.  I will be sure to try some different things out and let you know how they go!

 

i ruined my first version of the desktop that way.

Have a container you can actually break or scuff up as your mold, then put the finished cast into a brand new container to finish the build.

Hey guys.

If you guys have a certain thing that you think may be a good thing to sell, that many people might use, let us know!  I would be interested to know what Formiculture would like to have as an option!  If it's a widespread interest and we can do it, we might sell it.

Edited by Devi, January 10 2021 - 6:06 PM.

I may buy some of those vials for my queens in shop for next year, they seem like a great way to raise any ant in my opinion. How much would they be if I bought around ten.

nvm i found the price

Is the secondary vent tube for the hydration just open to the vial inside so humidity can get into the living space?

Edited by FSTP, January 11 2021 - 7:48 AM.