Play sand as a substrate?

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Formicology
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Play sand as a substrate?

Post: # 80204Post Formicology
Mon Jul 26, 2021 11:01 am

What are your opinions on using play sand (like that which you'd buy in large bags from the hardware store) as a formicarium substrate? I have a large bag left over from different project and I'd love to be able to use it with my ants.

Or, is there a different sand which would be more suitable?

Thanks!

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AM1C39
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Re: Play sand as a substrate?

Post: # 83808Post AM1C39
Fri Oct 08, 2021 11:45 am

Just use dirt from a forest or park or your backyard.
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antnest8
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Re: Play sand as a substrate?

Post: # 84423Post antnest8
Sun Oct 24, 2021 6:14 pm

Depends on the use, first of all a disclaimer...

If you are going to use any dirt from outside, you might want to consider baking it to sterilize it of any unwanted pests. I prefer not to, but some people do...

Ok, so sand is not great for digging, especially dry play sand. If you are going to sprinkle this in the outworld that is fine. You could also use to to fill tunnels in a premade formicarium so the ants can "uncover" it for themselves. However, do not expect them to make a nest in the stuff in it's pure form because they cannot
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