8 replies to this topic

[AntsAnonymous]

Hello fellow anters, I'm currently designing a 3D printed formicarium and want to simplify my design a little. 

 

The current design is striving for modularity and simplicity. It is a vertical style formicarium with a removable viewing surface for ease of cleaning. A hydration method is still in the works, for now I am using a water and cotton test tube connected to the formicarium. Along with hydration, multiple sizes of chambers and connecting tunnels are being worked on, to accommodate the large variety of ants we care for.   I plan on having a similar horizontal style(like AC and BF), and can switch gears if that is the preferred design. I am eager to hear what features are needed now and what features would just be nice to have.

 

The size of the current nest is approx. 6" x 6" x 1".

 

[Crystals]

Looks interesting.

Can you show some closeups of the hydration system?

 

I have built a few of my own acrylic nests out of curiosity and found hydration to be a main issue.  I ended up putting hydration sections in 3 corners.

My other main problem is that in my location we have to heat our nests, which leads to condensation.  Are there any design features that allow for water drainage or absorption?

[BugFinder]

Very nice.  How does the outworld connect to it?

[Ants4fun]

I believe from the two holes at the top. This looks very space efficient, but unfortunately not too many people have large colonies that could full thus formicarium... Maybe you could work on a smaller version as well.

[AntsAnonymous]

I'm attempting to design a hydration system, with my current options being reservoirs with micro vents or external hydration. I have already begun work on a 3" x 3" design and even a few founding nests. The large nest has 4 connection points for 3/8 tubing, the medium will have 2, and the small will have a single connection point. I am also in the process of designing a method for the nests to connect to each other without the need for tubing or a reduced use of tubing (1 inch sections necessary for small species at the moment). Thank you all for your input!

[LC3]

3D printers. nuff said.

[AntsAnonymous]

3D printers. nuff said.

Is that good or bad?

[dspdrew]

I think 3D printers are great.

[LC3]

 

3D printers. nuff said.

Is that good or bad?

 

Good. They're amazing! Imagine if we can 3D print ants!