6 replies to this topic

[Arrowscotch]

I'm looking into making my own formicariums and i'd like to know peoples opinion on different building materials. I live in the united states if that seems to restrict materials at all. Thank you guys for any feedback.

[Alabama Anter]

I'm looking into making my own formicariums and i'd like to know peoples opinion on different building materials. I live in the united states if that seems to restrict materials at all. Thank you guys for any feedback.

 

I feel like Grout and Perlite mix is the best in North America. Hydrostone can work too.

[Canadian anter]

I personally prefer hydro stone and Arcrylic

[Bracchymyrmex]

Grout mixed with sand and perlite allows for hydration. I'm not sure what ratios you should use however.

[fortysixandtwo]

Grout mixed with sand and perlite allows for hydration. I'm not sure what ratios you should use however.

 

Best to play with the materials a bit before you go for your finished product. FInd a consistency you like. I don't use perlite but do use sand, and just adjust the ratios as I am making it depending on what the final goal is.

 

I haven't used anything but sanded and unsanded grout, but I am used to the material now and like it quite a bit actually. 

Edited by fortysixandtwo, February 6 2017 - 11:16 PM.

[noebl1]

I recently started doing 3D printed + hydrostone for hydration. I like the look of it, however need to actually try it with the ants this season to see how they respond.

[PanFormicaryProject]

Really which material you decide to use depends on what kind of formicarium you want to build, or that you think would work best for your ants.

 

Acrylic is good for flat, hygienic 'layered' nest types for (typically smaller) ants that prefer a drier home. Acrylic is also versatile in that cutting, drilling, and gluing are all pretty easy, not to mention it's usually see-through, allowing you to really monitor the health of the hive and make it easier to tell when it needs cleaning.

 

Grout or other stones are good for damper nests with larger ants, and it really is pretty easy to work with considering you just pour it into a makeshift mold and the whole nest is a solid brick.

 

Wood and/or cork is okay, but really only if you have a wood-loving species, otherwise stone and plastic are superior because they don't rot.