ANTSTORE World of Ants

[Matt_LFC]

Hi, is this the stuff i need to carve for my ants nest? Not 100% sure so help would be appreciated.

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[bugsy]

Yes mate I use the aerated ones from wickes. Never had any problems.

[Matt_LFC]

Thanks for your help bugsy, i take it the best one would be the top one. Not the medium density or dense aggregate.

What do you put on top of the block, acrylic or glass?

Thanks

[bugsy]

Yeah the top one is best. I use acrylic, just wash all the power off after making the chambers before you put it on tho. The fine powder will kill the colony if its left in there.

[Matt_LFC]

I would love to see what the best method to keep part of your block wet is? Maybe some has a few pictures...thanks.

[bugsy]

Scan through the forum. sub-section building a farm. Many pictures and ideas there.

[SteveUK28]

I agree with bugsy there.. there is a sticky on ytongs and making a leg... I always use the leg method instead of a well, I did try it once but it just does not work as good as a leg

If you do need any help mate just give me a shout ive made tons of ytongs

[Matt_LFC]

Thanks for your advice, i was thinking of standing the block on its side (not sure whether the ants would like that) and put a little trough in the top to allow the water to soak down in to the block.

The leg idea i have already tried but im not sure if the water will soak up in to the nest area and plus i don't want to crack the block. If this is the best method though i might try it again.

[SteveUK28]

Well considering blocks are only like 99p.. you have nothing to loose lol.. I usually decide what tub im using.. usualy a TakeAway tub.. then il mark it up on the ytong.. Drill it out... and then chisel the rest ill the leg sits in the tub nicely... I have one now for my Myrimica colony.. il get some photos for you

[Matt_LFC]

Thanks that'll be great, i wasn't worried about the price of it, its the fact i have already spent 1-2hours making the caves for it so to go and crack it would be annoying.

I have now 90% completed both blocks and i have got the plastic coming in the next few days for the outside tank. Cannot wait, then i just gotta get the ants and i still don't know what species!

[Matt_LFC]

Here is my block which i finished this morning, just need the plastic to arrive. Testing the water out now so i will get back to this whether it works or not.


DSC01016 by J Potato, on Flickr


DSC01017 by J Potato, on Flickr

[SteveUK28]

Great stuff mate.... Looking good..

[Matt_LFC]

Thanks, i got my ants coming tomorrow so hopefully they will move in to the block after a while as i have heard myrmica rubra sometimes don't like ytong.

[SteveUK28]

Thats balls matey.. i've always kept mine in ytong and they grow fine in it.. in fact i had to make a second ytong for mine as they outgrew the first!