44 replies to this topic

[ANTdrew]

Propo,
That’s exactly the type of display case you want. My favorite size is the one for mini helmets, but I use those for larger colonies.
Hot glue will work fine, but you really should add one more gadget to your list: a wood burning tool. You can use it to fuse your mesh directly onto the plastic with heat. Do that kind of work outside, though!
Clear packing tape on the back of your side holes is also a very effective way to block them.
I don’t think you’ll have any issue with fine sand, either.

[Propo.Fol]

Awesome diy projects! You’ve been busy

The hot glue may be a weak point in your design, as you mentioned. I recently built some “tubs and tubes” setups as well and really enjoyed the process.

 

Yeah it was genuinely a good time, I was surprised how much fun I had putting them together.  The slightly frosted appearance is sort of low key bugging me so I think I may order some of those hobby lobby cases and try again.  I actually just went and stalked yur post history to find the tubs you made, pretty cool!  Did you secure your mesh with heat?  Some other adhesive?  Looks much cleaner than mine be curious to find out what ya did.

[Propo.Fol]

Propo,
That’s exactly the type of display case you want. My favorite size is the one for mini helmets, but I use those for larger colonies.
Hot glue will work fine, but you really should add one more gadget to your list: a wood burning tool. You can use it to fuse your mesh directly onto the plastic with heat. Do that kind of work outside, though!
Clear packing tape on the back of your side holes is also a very effective way to block them.
I don’t think you’ll have any issue with fine sand, either.

 

Hah, oops, didn't see this response when I replied to 100lols but that maybe what he did, a wood burning tool or something similar?  It's gonna go on the wishlist     I'm definitely going to order a few of those hobby lobby cases and give it a try maybe with epoxy glue next time, and if I still don't like that I'll pick one up.  I see plenty of them on amazon for ~12-20 bucks, which seems like a small investment all considered!

[Yourbasicantkeeper]

Wow! your ant colonies are growing!          

[100lols]

Awesome diy projects! You’ve been busy

The hot glue may be a weak point in your design, as you mentioned. I recently built some “tubs and tubes” setups as well and really enjoyed the process.

Yeah it was genuinely a good time, I was surprised how much fun I had putting them together. The slightly frosted appearance is sort of low key bugging me so I think I may order some of those hobby lobby cases and try again. I actually just went and stalked yur post history to find the tubs you made, pretty cool! Did you secure your mesh with heat? Some other adhesive? Looks much cleaner than mine be curious to find out what ya did.

That’s what it’s all about man! Enjoying the hobby and seeing our handy work in action. What I like about your cases is the taller sides, as the ants won’t be escaping easily after you add fluon.

Indeed, heat just looks the cleanest if you can do it right. I actually just used a lighter to heat the mesh and melt it to the lid. I used some metal tool to help push/bond the mesh flat(scissors would work fine). It’s not the prettiest on the inside I’ll admit, but the outside I got fairly neat looking.

I think another alternative is a food grade epoxy putty. That would be easy to work with.

Have you ever heard of Crazy Legs? You may enjoy watching some of his formicarium builds. I’ve learned a lot and just enjoy watching him work.

https://youtube.com/...Bvbm-5QPHW6VQjA