4 replies to this topic

[buglover123]

I am looking to get some hydrostone to absorb/transfer water in a dirt formicarium, however I have access to a lot of Plaster of Paris (a quick setting gypsum plaster), the stuff dentists use. Does anybody know if there are any significant differences, or used plaster of paris? Thanks!

[AntBoi3030]

Plaster of Paris is much more soft than hydrostone. If you have a species that are good at chewing they might be able to chew through wet Plaster of Paris. They are both will work for transferring water.

[OiledOlives]

Plaster of Paris is pretty soft compared to other plasters and I've had species like S. molesta, T. immigrans, and other destructive species chew out of nests very quickly. The material will also mold.

[buglover123]

Plaster of Paris is pretty soft compared to other plasters and I've had species like S. molesta, T. immigrans, and other destructive species chew out of nests very quickly. The material will also mold.

I have a few grades of it and the hardest one is actually quite hard. As for mold, that would definitely be a problem. Do you speak from experience with PoP yourself?

[OiledOlives]

 

Plaster of Paris is pretty soft compared to other plasters and I've had species like S. molesta, T. immigrans, and other destructive species chew out of nests very quickly. The material will also mold.

I have a few grades of it and the hardest one is actually quite hard. As for mold, that would definitely be a problem. Do you speak from experience with PoP yourself?

 

I used DAP plaster of paris from home depot. Even at its hardest, I can still carve it without too much effort. Mold is not that big of a problem. My T. sessile are in a Mini Hearth with some moldy POP and they are doing very well. I have used POP for over three years.