5 replies to this topic

[gs5248]

What's the standard tubing size everybody here uses inside and outside diameter? 

[Neme123]

I think a lot of folks use 16mm. I use 20mm as they were less expensive on Amazon and came with corks which I wanted.

[gs5248]

I think a lot of folks use 16mm. I use 20mm as they were less expensive on Amazon and came with corks which I wanted.

I mean vinyl tubing.

[rptraut]

Hello gs5248;
I use many sizes, depending on the situation, as I build my diy formicaria.
OD - outside diameter, ID - inside diameter and the units are inches.
The largest vinyl tubing I use is 7/8 OD, 3/4 ID, then
3/4 OD, 1/2 ID
1/2 OD, 3/8 ID
3/8 OD, 1/4 ID
1/4 OD, 1/8 ID

I use small pieces of the largest tubing to connect the 3/4 inch tubing that I use for the nest and outworld of my largest Camponotus colony.
I use 3/4 inch tubing for all other nests and 1/2 inch tubing for all outworlds. That way, I can simply push the 1/2 inch tubing into the 3/4 inch tubing when I want to connect a nest to an outworld. The Ants Canada connectors I have take 1/2 inch tubing, so that works well too.

The smallest tubing I use to create tubing coils (sometimes four or five foot long pieces of tubing coiled up) that I put between nest and outworld of larger colonies to exercise them and keep them from getting bored and looking to escape. Some people think tubing looks tacky, I like watching the ants come and go and so do the people I show my ants to.

Use the smallest diameter you can for the ants you are housing and it will reduce the temptation for them to put soil or brood in the tube.

Notice that the ID of one is the same as the OD of the next size down. Putting one inside the other makes an escape proof connection. Using small pieces of each size, you can step the tubing down from the largest to the smallest.

There’s no use writing all this without leaving you a couple of tubing tips.
When putting two different sized pieces together, moisten the tubing being inserted (I find saliva makes a good lubricant) to make inserting it easier. To disconnect an inserted tube, I wet the connection with water and flex the tubing from side to side until I hear the connection snap or separate. Then I can remove the inserted tube with a slightly twisting motion. I add more water to the connection if it’s tight and it will usually come out easier.

Lastly I use heavy scissors to cut small tubing and a box cutter to cut the big stuff.
I buy good sized lengths of tube (10 feet) just in case I have a diy binge, or decide to change how I’ve connected a nest with the many outworlds that some of them have. Fun for me and less boring for the ants.
Hope this helps, Good Luck.
RPT

[gs5248]

What would you say is the best general purpose tubing gauge?

Edited by gs5248, July 4 2023 - 8:59 PM.

[rptraut]

Well, if I had only one size, it would be 1/2 OD.