Post by Deleted on Apr 12, 2012 7:27:05 GMT 1
Ok Limes, I hope I don't violate the rules by posting a link to my videos, but I want to share the method I used when making my nests. I feel that I have a pretty functional design, which is only half ugly . If I do violate, I will take down immediately.
I have been trying to make decent formicariums for about a year. Unfortunately for those of us located in the US, ytong is difficult to come by. So I was forced to end up working with gypsum plaster/concrete. The kind I use is a brand called hydrostone, which is great at water absorption and is mold resistant (not mold-proof!). The video guide I am going to post details how I made my nests, excluding my latest designs. Any kind of pouring material can be used for this method. I would recommend grout, or a gypsum based plaster/concrete. Pretty much any pourable, mold resistant, and non-toxic substance should be fine. I have about 33 minutes worth of video, with most of the details about the process in the videos. You should end up with something like this:
and
No glue, silicone, or sealant is involved which makes it easier to take apart and clean. The glass fits flush into a slot in the hydrostone. I have not had any ants escape using this design.
The material sources, and methods are in the video as well. For me to write all out the info would be exhausting for me to write and you to read. Hydrostone is quite expensive due to shipping costs, but you can order off of plaster.com or USG.com. Just use grout instead or another gypsum based concrete if you cannot find Hydrostone locally.
The link for the 10 video series for formicariums I made is:
I have included a video highlighting the problems i have had with hydrostone as well. Be sure to watch that before buying hydrostone!
P.S -
Vertical nests for a book stand display can be made by changing the location of the clay for the water channel. Just use a long wall on the plastic container.
I just ordered some stands today and will make a nest and post a video.
I have been trying to make decent formicariums for about a year. Unfortunately for those of us located in the US, ytong is difficult to come by. So I was forced to end up working with gypsum plaster/concrete. The kind I use is a brand called hydrostone, which is great at water absorption and is mold resistant (not mold-proof!). The video guide I am going to post details how I made my nests, excluding my latest designs. Any kind of pouring material can be used for this method. I would recommend grout, or a gypsum based plaster/concrete. Pretty much any pourable, mold resistant, and non-toxic substance should be fine. I have about 33 minutes worth of video, with most of the details about the process in the videos. You should end up with something like this:
and
No glue, silicone, or sealant is involved which makes it easier to take apart and clean. The glass fits flush into a slot in the hydrostone. I have not had any ants escape using this design.
The material sources, and methods are in the video as well. For me to write all out the info would be exhausting for me to write and you to read. Hydrostone is quite expensive due to shipping costs, but you can order off of plaster.com or USG.com. Just use grout instead or another gypsum based concrete if you cannot find Hydrostone locally.
The link for the 10 video series for formicariums I made is:
I have included a video highlighting the problems i have had with hydrostone as well. Be sure to watch that before buying hydrostone!
P.S -
Vertical nests for a book stand display can be made by changing the location of the clay for the water channel. Just use a long wall on the plastic container.
I just ordered some stands today and will make a nest and post a video.