8 replies to this topic

[BrittonLS]

I'm planning on using a aquarium I got pretty cheap to make an outworld/formicarium, but I do have a small concern. It's glass, so the corners are held together with silicone. I imagine that gives any ants a pretty good grip to climb up. Does anyone have experience with that? I doubt fluon would really keep them off it. I assume I'll have to rely on the lid to keep them crawling out there. 

[AntsMAN]

I would put a 2-3 inch lip at the top, the whole way around and put Fluon on the under side of the lip.

[BrittonLS]

I would put a 2-3 inch lip at the top, the whole way around and put Fluon on the under side of the lip.

Probably the safest bet. The real question is who do I put where. I think I have a 2.5 and 10 gal tank? I'm sure wherever I put my fire ants they could fill it pretty quick. But who wants a 10 gal tank of fire ants?

[AntsMAN]

I'd love to have a 10 gallon tank full of fire ants    Maybe start off with the 2.5 and move up to 10 when needed.

[LC3]

How about tape some clear smooth tape (like scotch tape) on the silicone and apply fluon to the tape? 

[BrittonLS]

How about tape some clear smooth tape (like scotch tape) on the silicone and apply fluon to the tape? 

Huh, that's definitely worth a try. Actually I think I remember hearing using that before to easily apply and remove fluon. Nice, thanks.

[Chandlerk]

How about tape some clear smooth tape (like scotch tape) on the silicone and apply fluon to the tape?

Huh, that's definitely worth a try. Actually I think I remember hearing using that before to easily apply and remove fluon. Nice, thanks.

Did this work?
I plan to use a 10G aquarium also.

[sgheaton]

Walmart - $13 dollar 10Gal Fish Tank
Ants - Free
Fluon - ....$35 dollars to keep them contained. I've been told its "The worry free barrier" IF YOU REMEMBER TO reapply when needed.

 

I'm doing the same set up and have put on the glass, under the lip, and on top of the tip and I'm still freaking out some. - on my first night I woke up periodically to check on things. This is supposedly extreme overkill as a little goes a long way and does a fantastic job. I probably won't be fully satisfied or comfortable until I build a halo ring that will extend the fluon barrier or use some 100 micro meshed screen. 

 

Something that hasn't been addressed is people making their own fluon. Small side project that I'm trying to look into. Considering its just PTFE-30 + water in a 5:1 ratio..... Polytetrafluoroethylene at least. I ended up buying premade byformica product the first time. I'll most likely utilize my degree for the second round because I'll probably run out before I should. 

 

To address the silicon at the top, simply cut a small chunk of the silicon out (keepint it sill connected on the outside wall) but removing from the inside to expose the glass. Apply fluon to the glass as the silicon isn't smooth enough for effect. I'd think that the tape (if smooth enough) would work though. 

[T.C.]

Does vaseline work, i would imagine ants couldn't grip onto vaseline, or they would get stuck.??? I need to know because i would like to put it on my formicarium out world!