Just to report that the "Lid glass + grid 30x20" (only the lid with the grid) allows ants to escape. When seated on top of the glass basin, on each side of the lid where the grid is, the grid is not sat on top of the glass basin - as the glass is thicker than the grid - these gaps on each side allow ants to escape.
I will modify the lid myself possibly using some silicone so that the silicone will sit on top of the basin where the grid is providing a seal, but I think a fix wants to be thought of for "retail".
A really really bad sketch to demonstrate where the gap is;
http://www.bushtarion.com/pics/sketch.jpg
The fully glass lid won't have this problem as it is the same thickness all over - and so the entire lid sits on top of the basin leaving no gaps.
One fix for this would be to have the grid on the *underside* of the glass lid - not on the "top side".
Just to follow up on the above - the gap under the mesh wasn't the only escape route - the glass basin itself is not entirely flat along every surface - and due to this, the lid still did not sit "flush" on top (eg a tight seal) because the lid could move backwards and forwards and side to side a little.
This was fixed using some glaziers insulation tape - it's a thick/sponge like tape (perhaps 5mm thick) with very strong glue on either side - you peel off the backing paper to reveal the glue - I only peeled one side off though (so only one side was sticky), and stuck it down to the insides of 3 sides of the lid. This causes the lid to now be a very snug fit - it cannot move around at all once placed on the basin, and also fixes the problem of the mesh gap. They cannot escape any longer. Hopefully this tip might help anyone else with problems with the basin/mesh lid.
Picture shows one side with the insulation tape and the third side that required no tape, and shows how tight the lid now fits:
http://www.bushtarion.com/pics/antfarm_tape_seal.jpg
And just incase people still don't quite see how the lid is shaped or how the mesh left a gap... or how/where I've put the tape...
http://www.bushtarion.com/pics/antfarm_new_lid.jpg
Dear Azzer, thanks thats a god idea, but i don't know how good is it after a long time or UV or humidity? Please test it, and give as a feedback of your experience.
Greetings Martin :D
Hi Martin,
It is glazing tape - mostly used externally (outside/outdoors) when fitting windows. It is incredibly strong, UV Resistant, weather resistant (humidity temperature etc.) and is often used when fitting double-glazing.
It has been used in the glazing industry for a long time, so is extremely reliable, and has already been tested for a long time by all the experts! :)
Here is a description of it from a website:
To facilitate window, door, and mirror fabrication, cross-linked polyethylene foam tape adheres instantly to vinyl, aluminum, treated wood, or glass. It complies with AAMA test standards and is resistant to water as well as UV, age, and temperature extremes. Offered in 1/32, 1/16, and 1/8 in. thicknesses as well as custom sizes, tape is available with rubber and acrylic adhesive systems, both offered in black or white.
And a Google Search for "Glazing Tape" incase you want to look it up yourself :)
Hi Azzer,
OK, thanks for the information.
I will test it. :thumleft:
Greetings Martin :D
OK, here we have now your Tape:
http://www.antstore.net/shop/product_info.php?products_id=510
Greetings Martin :D
Hey some one have photos or made short clear description to on the way to apply it?
Max
Dear Max,
you must stick it under the lid. If I have time, I will shot a photo.
Martin
i had this problem too, my Aphaenogaster senilis got out a few times and they are a pain to get back in, they love to bite !! haha :)
Just read this - Hope my A. Senilis have not escaped whilst im at work! I have a 2cm coating of Fluid PTFE though...so fingers crossed