12 replies to this topic

[rcbuggy88]

I was just wondering if it is worth buying 50 lbs of USG hydrostone and how much do people actually use? I'm just planning on doing various things like trying to cast a tha like stuff, and also making nurbs copycat pencil cases. I found the 50 lbs bag local for $42.50 and it seems pretty cheap compared to what other people are paying. But, will I actually end up using 50 lbs? how far does a lb of hydrostone powder go?

[AntsDakota]

Not sure, but I would think a pound would make at least one small or medium nest.

[ANTdrew]

Fifty pounds seems like a lot to me. You could make many formicariums with a five pound bag.

[rcbuggy88]

welp, I ordered the 50 lbs, couldn't find a good place that didn't cost 30+ dollars for 25 lbs. Pretty hard to find stuff. I guess I will basically never run out... 

[Ants_Dakota]

An unlimited supply of ant formicariums! I would start selling them if they are good enough quality.

[Antennal_Scrobe]

You could try making some of these: https://www.youtube....h?v=iceahERV8DU.

[rcbuggy88]

I'm just messing around I made a nurbs copycat but even with fluon all over the walls and roof, the Liometopum occidentale can still climb up rip. Otherwise its pretty nice but its probably nurbs copyright or something lol. If I ever design my own I would consider selling if they turn out nicely. 

 

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[rcbuggy88]

You could try making some of these: https://www.youtube....h?v=iceahERV8DU.

I'd consider it but I don't have the L pieces at the moment. Also, the walls are pretty short so ants likely can climb up the walls. I'm not sure, I just need to experiment.

[Ants_Dakota]

That looks very nice. I think you can sell it, you should just as nurbs if it is fine. If not, than experiment around some more until you find your own designs. That is what I am doing.

Edited by Ants_Dakota, June 5 2020 - 5:53 PM.

[rcbuggy88]

I'll ask him and also probably get the taller containers to get more fluon (maybe talcum if it works better) around the edges. I want to try to make a mini-hearth like or similar. I've also tried to make a dspdrew starter formicarium with glaze coat but its really messy and not as easy to clean up as hydrostone. I have a tetra guinea pig in it and so far it hasn't died so I guess the hydration works. 

[Ants_Dakota]

Fluon works better, if you have the money. I also can't wait until I can see some of your nests! I am hopefully going to get my nests done in a few weeks (if shipping holds) and hopefully we can brainstorm some new designs!

[rcbuggy88]

I have fluon, which works for the camponotus and tetra, but it doesn't work on the liomtopum. People in the climbing barriers thread listed talcum as effective for liometopum so I will have to try it once I find a way to open up the lid with out all the ants running out (workers just hanging out on the mesh on the lid). I would love to brainstorm designs!

[Antennal_Scrobe]

I think baby powder is on the way out, so you should probably try to use fluon if possible.