Plaster of Paris in Ant Keeping

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AntsOnTheCoast
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Plaster of Paris in Ant Keeping

Post: # 28015Post AntsOnTheCoast
Fri Aug 04, 2017 10:53 pm

Good afternoon,

I have always wanted to make a formicarium out of plaster of paris, but I never really got the chance to.
However, I plan on making one today but I just have a few things I need experts to confirm.

I've heard that plaster of paris is hard to deal with mould, which is going to be a simple nuisance.

I've also heard rumours that ants use the plaster's powdery state (if it's still powdery) as an escape tool. Is this generally true?
Apparently plaster can also be chewed through from larger and aggressive ants, such as the iconic bull ant of Australia.

What are your opinions for this? I'd like to know any precautions before moving a colony in. Help would greatly be appreciated.

AntsOnTheCoast
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Re: Plaster of Paris in Ant Keeping

Post: # 29135Post AntsOnTheCoast
Tue Aug 15, 2017 4:46 pm

bump

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ACaseoftheMondays
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Re: Plaster of Paris in Ant Keeping

Post: # 29148Post ACaseoftheMondays
Tue Aug 15, 2017 7:38 pm

I've never used it myself, for the reasons you've listed. A grout and sand mixture seems a better option, and works the same way.
Founding:
Pogonomyrmex Occidentalis
Solenopsis Molesta
Formica Argentea
Lasius Flavus
Colonies:
Tetramorium sp.E

AntsRule
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Re: Plaster of Paris in Ant Keeping

Post: # 29151Post AntsRule
Tue Aug 15, 2017 8:48 pm

Yeah I make all my formicariums out of sand/grout/perlite mixture. Here the YouTube video I used its part 1 of 3
[youtube]tps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDIJzYrMI7Q[/youtube]
With all the things ants can do, you wonder, who rules the planet :?

Keeper of:
Camponotus Pennsylvanicus
Pheidole sp.

AntsOntario

Re: Plaster of Paris in Ant Keeping

Post: # 29187Post AntsOntario
Wed Aug 16, 2017 10:42 am

AntsRule wrote:
Tue Aug 15, 2017 8:48 pm
Yeah I make all my formicariums out of sand/grout/perlite mixture. Here the YouTube video I used its part 1 of 3
[youtube]tps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDIJzYrMI7Q[/youtube]
Do you still sell them? If so, where can I buy them? :D

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Batspiderfish
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Re: Plaster of Paris in Ant Keeping

Post: # 29190Post Batspiderfish
Wed Aug 16, 2017 11:39 am

I've never, ever had a problem with mold in plaster nests. The only issue is that little pinholes will develop where water flows through, and this could potentially allow some ants to chew through and escape. The easy way around this is to design in such a way where the ants would have to go underwater to escape and not to skimp on the thickness of the outer walls. I use hydrostone.
If you enjoy my expertise and identifications, please do not put wild populations at risk of disease by releasing pet colonies. We are responsible to give our pets the best care we can manage for the rest of their lives.

AntsRule
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Location: Chester County Pennslyvania

Re: Plaster of Paris in Ant Keeping

Post: # 29195Post AntsRule
Wed Aug 16, 2017 12:05 pm

AntsOntario wrote:
Wed Aug 16, 2017 10:42 am
AntsRule wrote:
Tue Aug 15, 2017 8:48 pm
Yeah I make all my formicariums out of sand/grout/perlite mixture. Here the YouTube video I used its part 1 of 3
[youtube]tps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDIJzYrMI7Q[/youtube]
Do you still sell them? If so, where can I buy them? :D
That video was not mine, I was just posting the link. :D
With all the things ants can do, you wonder, who rules the planet :?

Keeper of:
Camponotus Pennsylvanicus
Pheidole sp.

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