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Hey guys. I am currently in the planning stage for my first formicarium. Because I have not seen any discussions here about the method I consider using, I am going to ask you guys if it sounds reasonable - so that I do not make a fatal error of some kind.
What I am going to do, is to firstly form a system of plastic clay chambers and paths on the inside of a basin, and then pour in concrete. When it has hardened, I simply take out the concrete block and remove the clay. Thus, chambers are formed. The casting goes back in the tank. This way, I can have a basin with a panoramic view from three directions (leaving a hole in the casting on the backside for heat pads and other technology.
First, I thought about casting the formicarium in gypsum, but after some reading I discovered that gypsum has a mould problem in moist environments, and I therefore abandoned the idea. I also thought about Ytong, but ytong comes in blocks, and it won't quite give me that snug fit against the glass which I am aiming at. Only casting can in my experience achive that.
My conclusion is that a oridinary casting in concrete is the best way to go. Do anyone here have experience that says elsewise, or any tips on the way?
Hello Nidbild and welcome.
Its a very nice idea, don't think anyone tried that before.
I think it will work. Sure do post pictures of how you make it and let us know your experience with it.
Thank you, and yes, I will document the project as it proceeds, hopefully I will get my hands on a camera too. I expect my goods to arrive here in the beginning of next week, together with a myrmecocystus mimicus queen who with a little luck will inhabit the nest when it is completed.
I too would like to see the outcome of your nest and will be eager to see the development of both your nest and your colony (be sure to do a diary on that aswell :wink: )
:sign_welcome:
matt :)
I think it sounds like a great idea, but i would make sure that the chemicals in the concrete would not harm the ants first. :)
Name of the concrete is Maxit rep 920. Says it is "polymer treated" on the package. Don't know how dangerous that is. Tried to check up the ingredients, but with little success. Might catch a few lasius niger workers and put them in the tank for a few days to see if it seems toxic.
I too would like to see the outcome of your nest and will be eager to see the development of both your nest and your colony (be sure to do a diary on that aswell :wink: )
:sign_welcome:
matt :)
Of course I will keep a diary here. I'll pick up the queen at the post office today. She has arrived at last.
Bad part is, though, that my formicarium from antstore has not arrived yet, so I will have to solve temperature and moisture and everything else in some DIY way for a few days.
It wont matter though as they can stay in the test tube for a while :)
how many did you get?
queen +....... how many workers :)
matt
Queen + Brood. Went to fetch the package yesterday, but my ants sadly seem to have been lost by either the transport company (Schenker) or my local post office. The employees at the office said they would check with the transport company, so hopefully all is well, and I get my queen today.
If all else fails I have my Dead on Arrival guarantee at antsectopia. problem is, I bought the last myrmecocystus mimicus queen, so possibly I will end up with another species if the original queen is DoA. :/
i knew you bought off there i was gonna order it but didnt have money in paypal- so i bought a barbaricus instead which should be here today