3 replies to this topic

[abraham66]

I have Pogonomyrmex Occidentalis ants (the western harvester ant). 

 

I'd love to be able to see my ants' tunnels through the side like the attached concept. What kind of substrate mix should I make to have such good tunnels without it collapsing?

I will highly appreciate any advice. I've been searching for so long for best solution but no luck    

 

 

Edited by abraham66, April 30 2025 - 6:52 PM.

[Ants_Dakota]

Those look like prebuilt chambers to me just covered in dirt instead of sand. This is a great thread for you to follow and modify to create a nest similar: https://www.formicul...-and-outworlds/
You could use a dark sand or dirt mix to get the desired results and the paint the perfect cast black on the outside.

[abraham66]

Those look like prebuilt chambers to me just covered in dirt instead of sand. This is a great thread for you to follow and modify to create a nest similar: https://www.formicul...-and-outworlds/
You could use a dark sand or dirt mix to get the desired results and the paint the perfect cast black on the outside.

I would have never guessed that. I thought they are real chambers, and desperately wanted to make those. Thank you so much for letting me know!!

Edited by abraham66, May 1 2025 - 5:56 PM.

[Ants_Dakota]

 

Those look like prebuilt chambers to me just covered in dirt instead of sand. This is a great thread for you to follow and modify to create a nest similar: https://www.formicul...-and-outworlds/
You could use a dark sand or dirt mix to get the desired results and the paint the perfect cast black on the outside.

I would have never guessed that. I thought they are real chambers, and desperately wanted to make those. Thank you so much for letting me know!!

 

Yeah the youtube channel who does that is all about drama, ants do not make chambers this big or smooth in the wild. That makes it easier for you to get the look you want, as perfect cast molding is pretty easy, you just need that dark substrate.