11 replies to this topic

[T.C.]

Anyone have some practical non-tacky ideas on how to keep ants from scaling up the edges of a setup like this? Working on a setup that will allow the top to be open for better airflow. I already had a top glass sheet to go on top but I'm just not a fan. 

 

 

 

Edited by T.C., December 18 2023 - 11:46 PM.

[ZATrippit]

Many different solvents can be used to line the top of tanks, such as alcohol + baby powder, olive oil, and vaseline. The lining is slippery and prevents ants from climbing up it.

[T.C.]

Many different solvents can be used to line the top of tanks, such as alcohol + baby powder, olive oil, and vaseline. The lining is slippery and prevents ants from climbing up it.

 

I'm aware. But the edges are rigid and have silicone. None of these would be effective.

[ReignofRage]

Using a fresh razor blade to remove excess silicone for the top inch to two inches allows barriers to be applied with effectiveness. Another option is to use packing tape or another clear tape and apply a single piece in each corner to cover the silicone, but that may fall under "tacky." Instead of a solid piece of glass as a lid, a lid that has the majority of the center cut out, acting more as a lip rather than a lid, could look better if you're willing to cut the glass.

[ANTdrew]

Go to Hobby Lobby and buy a large poster frame that comes with flexible plastic instead of glass. This material is easy to cut with scissors. Trim it to fit your tank rim, and cut out a center hole. Glue this to the rim with silicone.
Another option would be making kind of a moat around a center island in the tank on which the ants live.

[T.C.]

Another option would be making kind of a moat around a center island in the tank on which the ants live.

Not sure what you mean... essentially an island?

[ANTdrew]

Another option would be making kind of a moat around a center island in the tank on which the ants live.

Not sure what you mean... essentially an island?

Yes. Fill the tank partially with water, but build a raised island in the middle of it. You could even get small water creatures like snails or cherry shrimp to live in the water. You could make something truly beautiful and interesting this way. Watch some SerpaDesign videos on YouTube for inspiration!

[Rrar]

Could you use fluon on silicon? I'm not sure. I know some European ant shops that sell fluon that works on silicone

[T.C.]

 

 

Another option would be making kind of a moat around a center island in the tank on which the ants live.

Not sure what you mean... essentially an island?

Yes. Fill the tank partially with water, but build a raised island in the middle of it. You could even get small water creatures like snails or cherry shrimp to live in the water. You could make something truly beautiful and interesting this way. Watch some SerpaDesign videos on YouTube for inspiration!

 

I've actually considered doing something like that for along time as I used to build planted aquariums and such a about 5 years ago. I don't know i'd attempt that right now, but it continues to sit in the back of my mind.  After the new year I intend to have a little more time in this hobby again.

 

Edit:  Actually, i think back in 2018 I had sampled what species would work best in such a setup. Camponotus sp. had the lowest number of deaths from drowning when i did it and Formica sp. straight up suicided.  I think that might have to deal with their sensitive and frantic nature though.

 

 

Could you use fluon on silicon? I'm not sure. I know some European ant shops that sell fluon that works on silicone

I guess there is only one way to find out.

Edited by T.C., December 20 2023 - 8:52 PM.

[dspdrew]

Like ReignofRage said, just put a ledge around the top. That's what I do if I want an open top. I make them about an inch wide and coat them with Fluon.

 

 

 

 

 

It's the best looking way to have a Fluon barrier. You don't have Fluon smeared all over and dripping down the sides of the tank. If you have a standard aquarium rim, you can just set them in like mine which makes it really easy to swap them out quickly when the Fluon starts to fail. Funny thing is I have actually never had to swap either of these out for as long as I've had them. One of the circular ones has a colony of M. mexicanus in it with about 800 workers and they have not breached it yet in two years.

[T.C.]

Like ReignofRage said, just put a ledge around the top. That's what I do if I want an open top. I make them about an inch wide and coat them with Fluon.

 

It's the best looking way to have a Fluon barrier. You don't have Fluon smeared all over and dripping down the sides of the tank. If you have a standard aquarium rim, you can just set them in like mine which makes it really easy to swap them out quickly when the Fluon starts to fail. Funny thing is I have actually never had to swap either of these out for as long as I've had them. One of the circular ones has a colony of M. mexicanus in it with about 800 workers and they have not breached it yet in two years.

 

I'll give it a go. I wish I had more tools at my disposal for a more flush cut.
 

[ANTdrew]

You can get pretty straight lines using a blade attachment on a wood burning tool. That’s the cheapest option, other than scissors.