Will my idea work?????

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AntNoobster
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Will my idea work?????

Post: # 36290Post AntNoobster
Thu May 24, 2018 4:46 am

will this work to hydrate the colony and keep it moist at the same time. if u wanna use it you can
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"Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest." Proverbs 6:6-8


Founding:
8x Iridomyrmex sp.
1x Pheidole sp.

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antnest8
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Re: Will my idea work?????

Post: # 36298Post antnest8
Thu May 24, 2018 2:47 pm

it looks good just make sure you do not flood it and also where is the entrance.
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Batspiderfish
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Re: Will my idea work?????

Post: # 36309Post Batspiderfish
Thu May 24, 2018 3:38 pm

What material is it?
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.

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AntNoobster
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Re: Will my idea work?????

Post: # 36325Post AntNoobster
Fri May 25, 2018 5:04 am

antnest8 wrote:
Thu May 24, 2018 2:47 pm
it looks good just make sure you do not flood it and also where is the entrance.
the entrance is on the bottom it has a hole on the front part that goes up to the first chamber
"Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest." Proverbs 6:6-8


Founding:
8x Iridomyrmex sp.
1x Pheidole sp.

User avatar
AntNoobster
Posts: 83
Joined: Wed Mar 28, 2018 3:17 am
Location: Perth, AUS

Re: Will my idea work?????

Post: # 36326Post AntNoobster
Fri May 25, 2018 5:05 am

Batspiderfish wrote:
Thu May 24, 2018 3:38 pm
What material is it?
plaster of paris. It has had a problem with mould before i painted it
"Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest." Proverbs 6:6-8


Founding:
8x Iridomyrmex sp.
1x Pheidole sp.

User avatar
Batspiderfish
Posts: 3315
Joined: Wed Jun 29, 2016 3:47 pm
Location: Maine

Re: Will my idea work?????

Post: # 36335Post Batspiderfish
Fri May 25, 2018 7:41 am

AntNoobster wrote:
Fri May 25, 2018 5:05 am
Batspiderfish wrote:
Thu May 24, 2018 3:38 pm
What material is it?
plaster of paris. It has had a problem with mould before i painted it
I don't think there's anything wrong with plaster, although hydration can be an issue since it is absorbed so well by the material. Sometimes I feel that it's more about limiting the rate that water is soaked in. If you hydrate it regularly yourself without use of a reservoir, it will probably be fine, but that's a lot of energy and dedication on your end. The one thing about plaster to look out for is that the material will erode/dissolve over time, particularly along the path of hydration. Your walls are nice and thick, so I don't think this will be an issue for quite a while (although beware of putting plaster nest reservoirs at the same vertical level as the living space, as this can lead to flooding.) Do you know if the paint/pigment is safe for the ants?

I actually quite like plaster, but prefer to use it specifically for hydration channels designed in such a way that the ants can't chew or crawl through any cavities, either by keeping that space submerged or blocking the way with stainless steel mesh.
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.

User avatar
AntNoobster
Posts: 83
Joined: Wed Mar 28, 2018 3:17 am
Location: Perth, AUS

Re: Will my idea work?????

Post: # 36359Post AntNoobster
Fri May 25, 2018 8:46 pm

Batspiderfish wrote:
Fri May 25, 2018 7:41 am
AntNoobster wrote:
Fri May 25, 2018 5:05 am
Batspiderfish wrote:
Thu May 24, 2018 3:38 pm
What material is it?
plaster of paris. It has had a problem with mould before i painted it
I don't think there's anything wrong with plaster, although hydration can be an issue since it is absorbed so well by the material. Sometimes I feel that it's more about limiting the rate that water is soaked in. If you hydrate it regularly yourself without use of a reservoir, it will probably be fine, but that's a lot of energy and dedication on your end. The one thing about plaster to look out for is that the material will erode/dissolve over time, particularly along the path of hydration. Your walls are nice and thick, so I don't think this will be an issue for quite a while (although beware of putting plaster nest reservoirs at the same vertical level as the living space, as this can lead to flooding.) Do you know if the paint/pigment is safe for the ants?

I actually quite like plaster, but prefer to use it specifically for hydration channels designed in such a way that the ants can't chew or crawl through any cavities, either by keeping that space submerged or blocking the way with stainless steel mesh.
the paint is watercolor paint is taht ok???
"Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest." Proverbs 6:6-8


Founding:
8x Iridomyrmex sp.
1x Pheidole sp.

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