Post by Deleted on Mar 2, 2012 2:00:11 GMT 1
Hi
This week I have been working on a new plaster nest for my smaller Tetramorium colony that is at 18 workers, or for a formica fusca colony. This is how I did it (More complicated than normal nests):
First off, I picked up a $3 picture frame and glass for the front of the formicarium.
Next, I poured the mold, which had no tunnels or chambers, and would make a flat block. After it cured overnight, I took out my Dremel and slowly worked at carving some tunnels and chambers that would fit my species. This nest doesn’t have the capability to house any of my other ants due to the small size of the tunnels, which I carved smaller purposely. Then, I used my non-toxic craft paint and coated the outside edges in a light tan color. After that had dried, I used a syringe tip to add decorative brown color as well. Siliconed the glass down, and all I need to do now is figure out if I will silicone down the frame or use hot glue.
The watering system is much different than most, and is poured into the large chamber on the left via pipette, which then spreads throughout the chambers/tunnels on the left.
I also used small pieces of loose cork to seal off some rooms so the ants have the ability to expand.
Front view of nest.
Closer in on tunnels and cork barrier.
Watering system and some tunnels/chambers.
Back hole for syringe/pipette into watering chamber.
Back view of tubes and nest structure.
I would be up to the challenge of doing custom plaster nests if someone would like. Please take note that painted nests will mold slower. Plaster formicariums can last from 6-12 months. I have had one nest last for a year and a half with no mold whatsoever.
This week I have been working on a new plaster nest for my smaller Tetramorium colony that is at 18 workers, or for a formica fusca colony. This is how I did it (More complicated than normal nests):
First off, I picked up a $3 picture frame and glass for the front of the formicarium.
Next, I poured the mold, which had no tunnels or chambers, and would make a flat block. After it cured overnight, I took out my Dremel and slowly worked at carving some tunnels and chambers that would fit my species. This nest doesn’t have the capability to house any of my other ants due to the small size of the tunnels, which I carved smaller purposely. Then, I used my non-toxic craft paint and coated the outside edges in a light tan color. After that had dried, I used a syringe tip to add decorative brown color as well. Siliconed the glass down, and all I need to do now is figure out if I will silicone down the frame or use hot glue.
The watering system is much different than most, and is poured into the large chamber on the left via pipette, which then spreads throughout the chambers/tunnels on the left.
I also used small pieces of loose cork to seal off some rooms so the ants have the ability to expand.
Front view of nest.
Closer in on tunnels and cork barrier.
Watering system and some tunnels/chambers.
Back hole for syringe/pipette into watering chamber.
Back view of tubes and nest structure.
I would be up to the challenge of doing custom plaster nests if someone would like. Please take note that painted nests will mold slower. Plaster formicariums can last from 6-12 months. I have had one nest last for a year and a half with no mold whatsoever.