264 replies to this topic

[UtahAnts]

Here's the most recent dome formicarium V3. This is the third version of previous formicariums based around clear cloche domes as seen on this thread. This particular design, the V3, features individually cast layers which were then coated with an adobe material, as well as ventilation tubes that run up the layer's columns. I plan to move my honeypot colony into this in a few weeks. They have outgrown their current nest (see post #182).

 

A tutorial for this formicarium can be found here.

 

Shout out to ben for printing the bases for me - he designed the base with a couple inital specs from me in no time at all. Fantastic quality.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited by UtahAnts, June 24 2023 - 9:32 PM.

[Katla]

Utah do you ship to europe ?

[ANTdrew]

Magisterial!

[Ernteameise]

It looks very cool.

Which species would you keep in there (apart from the honeypots)?

Won't the ants feel unsafe because this nest is so "open"?

 

I am looking forward to seeing this nest in use!

[Yourbasicantkeeper]

How much do your custom nests cost?

[UtahAnts]

Utah do you ship to europe ?

 

Katla, unfortunately I have never shipped outside the US. If you have anyone in the US that would be willing to ship to Europe for you I'd be happy to go through them.

 

It looks very cool.

Which species would you keep in there (apart from the honeypots)?

Won't the ants feel unsafe because this nest is so "open"?

 

I am looking forward to seeing this nest in use!

 

Ernteameise, I would consider a large Pheidole colony or maybe harvester ants - both native desert species. Large colonies generally don't mind the space as much as smaller colonies will, so the extra space will hopefully not be a problem.

 

How much do your custom nests cost?

 

Yourbasicantkeeper - It depends on the material, size, and number of formicariums you're buying. In general, these formicariums are always going to be under $100.

[Ernteameise]

 

Utah do you ship to europe ?

 

Katla, unfortunately I have never shipped outside the US. If you have anyone in the US that would be willing to ship to Europe for you I'd be happy to go through them.

 

It looks very cool.

Which species would you keep in there (apart from the honeypots)?

Won't the ants feel unsafe because this nest is so "open"?

 

I am looking forward to seeing this nest in use!

 

Ernteameise, I would consider a large Pheidole colony or maybe harvester ants - both native desert species. Large colonies generally don't mind the space as much as smaller colonies will, so the extra space will hopefully not be a problem.

 

How much do your custom nests cost?

 

Yourbasicantkeeper - It depends on the material, size, and number of formicariums you're buying. In general, these formicariums are always going to be under $100.

 

Hmmm.

I am wondering how a harvester species like Messor would do with that....

It sure would look interesting.

I assume that the top is dryer than the bottom, and the bottom is where the humidifier is placed?

I wonder how Messor would stash their seed in there and how often they would have to climb back down to rescue the seed (which would be a neat enrichment and cheap entertainment).

 

As for shipping to Europe-

I think as long as no live specimens, sand or earth and plant material are sent, it should not be too much of a problem.

However, customs pulled out my Tarheel Ants nest and kept it for a few days for inspection and I had to pay another 14 Euro of extra customs duty. So that is always a risk, even with "clean" nests.

[John7429]

What is the material of the base? I've always had concerns with moisture and chewing through PLA....

[UtahAnts]

It's PLA but I'm hoping the perfect cast will insulate the base from the humidity in the dome. I've used PLA before with direct contact with water and it didn't seem to degrade so I'm hoping a similar situation will play out here.I've heard PLA may absorb water but because it is only chemically biodegradable it should be able to support the layers above it.

[ben]

What is the material of the base? I've always had concerns with moisture and chewing through PLA....

I made the base, PLA will absorb water yes but it will take years for it to even deform from water molecules getting in between the polymer chains. There was an accidental experiment done with PLA in water for about 3.5 years and the maker said it looked and felt the same as it did fresh off the printer lol

The main concern would be temperature causing it to warp. As long as it’s kept out of direct sunlight and under 60C it should be fine! I predict the ants will outgrow the nest before the PLA becomes a problem.

As for chewing, as long as you don’t put in a species notorious for chewing through similar plastics then it should be fine. UA did a good job with providing a clay base over the PLA, so the ants will barely be in contact with plastic if at all.

If anyone has any anecdotes with their experience with PLA ant nests, PM me!

[antsriondel]

Your formicariums are incredible. Wish I could make stuff like that. 

[John7429]

 

Here's the most recent dome formicarium V3. This is the third version of previous formicariums based around clear cloche domes as seen on this thread. This particular design, the V3, features individually cast layers which were then coated with an adobe material, as well as ventilation tubes that run up the layer's columns. I plan to move my honeypot colony into this in a few weeks. They have outgrown their current nest (see post #182).

 

A tutorial for this formicarium can be found here.

 

Shout out to ben for printing the bases for me - he designed the base with a couple inital specs from me in no time at all. Fantastic quality.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We'll probably have to include one of these on my next order....  

[gs5248]

Here's a 5 by 7 horizontal formicarium featuring two seperate sets of chambers. Each side could be connected via tubing or alternatively two separate colonies could be housed in the same setup.

 

How do you cast the nest to include the tube for the water tower?

[UtahAnts]

Good question - I use wood for many of my molds which allows me to drill holes to allow for tubing to be inserted pre-pour. This allows for tubing to be left exposed outside the cast once the mold is removed.

[UtahAnts]

Here is a set of multi-level formicariums made for some Myrmecocystus colonies. These designs feature white sand interiors, plexiglass coverings, two water towers, and two tubing ports apiece.

 

I followed this guide here for reference.

 

 

 

 

 

[UtahAnts]

Here is a large flat 8x8 formicarium for a large Formica colony. I tried to vary the chamber width to accommodate different brood types. Larger chambers near the outside for pupae, while the center may become a hub for the workers to hang around. Features 3 ports, 3 water towers and a plexiglass cover sheet.

 

 

 

 

 

[gs5248]

How does that island stay on the water tower?

[UtahAnts]

It's attached on the other side of the image to the rest of the nest.

[gs5248]

Oh, by the way, did you you use sand to mold this nest? If so, where do you get it? I can't find sand of this color that actually holds together properly.

[UtahAnts]

I usually use fine beach sand from Carib Sea - it's their super naturals brand. Fine desert sand may work better but this stuff is easy to buy commercially.