14 replies to this topic

[Vendayn]

65q24g4g5f

Edited by Vendayn, March 9 2018 - 6:48 PM.

[Vendayn]

65q24g4g5f

Edited by Vendayn, March 9 2018 - 6:48 PM.

[Vendayn]

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Edited by dspdrew, January 16 2020 - 6:02 AM.

[CrazyLegs]

Interesting read Vendayn. How does Tar Heel Ants combat this problem?  Does the ytong harden again if put in the sun to dry, say after yearly cleaning?

[Vendayn]

65q24g4g5f

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Edited by Vendayn, March 9 2018 - 6:49 PM.

[CrazyLegs]

I see a lot of hebel shower hobs in my trade but they are always waterproofed over before tiling. However I have also seen external walls built with it that are simply cement rendered and painted. I was thinking of it's longevity in the building trade as well.

[Miles]

Hi Vendayn and CrazyLegs. I have a few comments on Y-tong to share that I hope will clear up some of this confusion. 

 

I have used Y-tong formicaria for years. As mentioned above, Y-tong/AAC is often used in structures due to its strength under pressure and light weight. While not all Y-tong is necessarily equal in quality, most of it can be used for ants. The problems described in this thread regarding ants digging into it and/or it dissolving are primarily issues related to long-term environmental factors, such as soaking the Y-tong in water or another solution for an extended period of time, or a very serious pattern of over-watering. Put simply, its nearly impossible for most ant species to chew through Y-tong. Again, in order for that to happen, the block will have needed to be treated as a sponge and saturated with water constantly. You should not fear that simply watering a formicarium as instructed or washing it out and drying it will cause it to break down.

 

Y-tong and Hydrostone are not compatible with a method of hydration that requires constant contact with water. Despite this, they can be used to make effective, long-lasting formicaria. It's all about how you use the materials.

I include this article on successful use of hydrostone in building nests for leafcutter ants in research institutions, zoos, and insectariums: http://keyapa.com/le.../sasionline.pdf

 

[CrazyLegs]

Thanks Miles, good article.

[Noah Norman]

Do you have to hibernate Solenopsis Invicta, sense they aren't native to the US?

[Alabama Anter]

Do you have to hibernate Solenopsis Invicta, sense they aren't native to the US?

DO NOT hibernate Solenopsis invicta. They will die.

[Noah Norman]

Do you have to hibernate Solenopsis Invicta, sense they aren't native to the US?

DO NOT hibernate Solenopsis invicta. They will die.

If they die from being cold how are they not doing in the colder parts of the US?

[Alabama Anter]

 

 

Do you have to hibernate Solenopsis Invicta, sense they aren't native to the US?

DO NOT hibernate Solenopsis invicta. They will die.

If they die from being cold how are they not doing in the colder parts of the US?

 

That makes no sense, but I am going to interpret that to you saying that how do they survive in the colder regions. Well, as you know, underground is way warmer than the surface. So they can survive. You can also notice that they do not thrive at all at those locations.

[Martialis]

I believe S. invicta can hibernate, just not at the same temperatures as native ants.

[thosaka]

 

Hi Vendayn and CrazyLegs. I have a few comments on Y-tong to share that I hope will clear up some of this confusion. 

 

I have used Y-tong formicaria for years. As mentioned above, Y-tong/AAC is often used in structures due to its strength under pressure and light weight. While not all Y-tong is necessarily equal in quality, most of it can be used for ants. The problems described in this thread regarding ants digging into it and/or it dissolving are primarily issues related to long-term environmental factors, such as soaking the Y-tong in water or another solution for an extended period of time, or a very serious pattern of over-watering. Put simply, its nearly impossible for most ant species to chew through Y-tong. Again, in order for that to happen, the block will have needed to be treated as a sponge and saturated with water constantly. You should not fear that simply watering a formicarium as instructed or washing it out and drying it will cause it to break down.

 

Y-tong and Hydrostone are not compatible with a method of hydration that requires constant contact with water. Despite this, they can be used to make effective, long-lasting formicaria. It's all about how you use the materials.

I include this article on successful use of hydrostone in building nests for leafcutter ants in research institutions, zoos, and insectariums: http://keyapa.com/le.../sasionline.pdf

 

I noticed alot of people hydrating their nest. Is it necessary for survival for most ant species or can they live with say an "antkit water feeder" nearby? This way, you don't have to hydrate the nest, you just put water into the feeder.

[Vendayn]

65q24g4g5f

Edited by Vendayn, March 9 2018 - 6:49 PM.