264 replies to this topic

[gs5248]

This is a great solution to the visibility problems common in vertical hearth style formicariums.

[100lols]

Love the idea of two chambers for the humidity gradient. An absolutely beautiful mold you made with the sand… how did you create the connection? Two pours?

[UtahAnts]

Love the idea of two chambers for the humidity gradient. An absolutely beautiful mold you made with the sand… how did you create the connection? Two pours?

 

Yes, usually I would just connect with a tube but for this one I put about a centimeter of casting material down, placed sand to bridge the chambers, and proceeded to finish.

 

 

This is a great solution to the visibility problems common in vertical hearth style formicariums.

 

I agree, however many sensitive species may not appreciate the extra space. Seeing this is for Camponotus, higher chambers will not be an issue.

 

Another alternative fix for poor visibility could be the formicarium below, with an overhead pane of glass combined with an external lighting source. It's modeled after the THA fortress, including the attached 4x4x4 inch outworld. With multiple little "windows" of glass along the side or top of the fortress or any other vertical formicarium internal lighting would become very easy and practical.

 

 

 

 

Overhead viewing/lighting glass.

 

 

 

 

[UtahAnts]

Here's a large 4-level formicarium made for a Pogonomyrmex colony. Two of the levels have water reserviors while the other two are dry for seeds stores. I engrained the central shaft with sand to aid the workers in climbing between levels, although the owner could also place a length of twine to help.

 

 

 

 

 

And a size comaprison of the last three builds - 

 

 

Edited by UtahAnts, August 10 2023 - 4:40 PM.

[100lols]

Very inspirational work!! I definitely like the idea of creating a formicarium that is not only functional and aesthetically pleasing, but also creates a unique viewing experience for us ant lovers.

In this YouTube video, Ray Mendez talks about creating his formicariums “for the shot,” I believe was the term he used, or something along those lines.



But imagine recreating something that looked like a natural underground nest for a video about a certain ant species. Could potentially make some good money?

I’m not sure if they are actually installing video equipment in wild nests in videos we see on National Geographic and such, but potentially could just be something fun or an idea for content creators out there.
 

Edited by 100lols, August 10 2023 - 9:04 PM.

[UtahAnts]

Ray's formicariums and expertise is something I've always admired. Perhaps someday I'll try making a natural looking chamber with LEDs or something similar to get that kind of lighting?

 

I already have several formicaria with dual viewing ports on this thread, but that video reminded me of some of them. I really like the lighting effect that comes from two perpendicular viewing angles. Mine are nothing near what Ray makes but at least "the shots" are somewhat interesting.

 

 

 

 

 

[100lols]

The top view lighting or dual viewing ports is definitely key. He also makes use of really warm lighting as well.

I was thinking of some of your dual viewing port designs when I mentioned Mendez. You already have such amazing work, we are lucky to be able to watch you continue to master this craft. I’m truly inspired!

[AntsCali098]

I wish tha sold nests with overhead views.

[UtahAnts]

Simple petri dish formicariums shown en masse. I love using these for smaller species who may be considered escape artists, as these work very well to contain growing colonies. These ones in particular were made for Tapinoma and Pheidole. Each inverted petri dish features 2 exit ports and a small water hole, to directly inject water into the base material to create humidity. I varied the height of the peti dish and width of the entrance for larger and smaller species or colonies of ants. Most of the nests have limited outworld decor as the ants sometimes store trash underneath decor, but for a few I included some rocks and small plants. Additionally for two of the petri nests I included the top of the petri dish for care of founding queens and easy cleaning.

 

 

 

 

[100lols]

What did you use for the base material?

They look awesome!

Edited by 100lols, August 17 2023 - 11:06 PM.

[UtahAnts]

Perfect cast coated in sand, although you could use plaster of paris, hydrostone, or ultracal. Anything absorbant.

[bmb1bee]

Would you recommend using Perfect Plaster for formicariums? I've bought an 8 lb pack to use due to it being much lower in price than ultracal, but I'm worried it might not be as good in quality (since it's probably not as hard or durable).

Edited by bmb1bee, August 18 2023 - 8:23 AM.

[ANTdrew]

Would you recommend using Perfect Plaster for formicariums? I've bought an 8 lb pack to use due to it being much lower in price than ultracal, but I'm worried it might not be as good in quality (since it's probably not as hard or durable).

Perfect Cast is as good, if not better than Ultracal. It cures rock hard, does not mold, and is cheaper than other mixes. Six out of five stars.

Edited by ANTdrew, August 18 2023 - 10:20 AM.

[Full_Frontal_Yeti]

I wish tha sold nests with overhead views.

they do.

https://tarheelants....ess-formicarium

https://tarheelants....ducts/labyrinth

 

 

i got a fallen fortress

[Canadant]

Truly fantastic formicariums. Do yiu deliver to Canada?

[UtahAnts]

Truly fantastic formicariums. Do yiu deliver to Canada?

 

Yes, but unfortunately I am scaling the custom orders down. I'd be happy to build something for you eventually, however I am in the process of moving and I don't think I can take on more orders right now.

[UtahAnts]

Here's a 5x7 formicarium made for a growing Camponotus castaneus colony. It features 6 undefined chambers with three deeper sections, two water towers, and two tubing ports. I've housed large Camponotus colonies in these types of white sand formicariums and they look very nice, especially with some lighting and macro shots.

 

 

 

 

 

I found that by making water towers with wax paper on a stove, I can get a much more even melt than a soldering iron. I can usually get very strong mesh fits with an iron, but the stove methods uniformity does look nice.

 

 

 

 

A colony I once had the joy of keeping in a similar, albeit smaller formicarium - 

 

 

 

[UtahAnts]

Here is a small 3.5 inch by 2.5 inch formicarium. This will be housing a small Camponotus colony, and features a deeper water tower for less evaporation and humidity in the nest.

 

 

 

[100lols]

Lovely! I really want to try making a side entrance like you did there.

[UtahAnts]

A large 8x7 formicarium with attached outworld. It features 2 wide water towers, exit ports and several magnets to secure the plexiglass. I used fine white sand for the chambers, and split the sandstone in the outworld to get the broken look there.