For this custom build I used the same type of fine grain beach sand I used with my first multilevel nest. This was for a customer's large formica colony, although any large species would have done fine in this nest. With its 4 double-sided levels, this is the largest formicarium I've built so far.
Looks exactly like Tarheel ant nest designs(But much more cost effective). Was that an inspiration?
Yes, most of the nests I make are for customers who want a cheaper alternative to THA. However to my knowledge, Mack uses a different clay-based technique to make most of his nests. The way I do it with sand, no epoxy need be applied to get the sand to stick to the walls. Using sand instead of clay will also often result in flat floored chambers. Both techniques work fine, they just have slightly different aesthetics and creation processes. I prefer not to use epoxy or adhesive in the chambers, so I've tried to stick with natural sand for my formicariums.
I've also done some Foranto and Antshack inspired nests along with a few of my own designs, just look at previous pages.
Edited by UtahAnts, April 14 2022 - 4:50 PM.
