The AntsCanada Ant Forum's

Can't find Ytong (AAC) anywhere so I am trying to find a good substitute for it to build a formicarium. Any suggestions? Please quote ur responses! Thanks!

AngeredFlame850 wrote: ↑

Tue Feb 27, 2018 7:51 pm

Can't find Ytong (AAC) anywhere so I am trying to find a good substitute for it to build a formicarium. Any suggestions? Please quote ur responses! Thanks!

I have found that standard grout can be used. You can cast it into the blocks and use a grinder or rotary grinding tool (like a Dremel) to cut passages and rooms into. Also to make it easier you can build your square form box and then use modeling clay to make the passages and rooms on the bottom and then mix and pour the grout over it and let it dry and then simply clean the clay out to revile the passages and rooms.

You can also do a search for Hebel or AAC suppliers in the USA and you will find some. Big thing is that most of them are companies that form, pour, and supply large building blocks for construction of buildings and I'm not sure if they sell small pieces but it doesn't hurt to shoot them an email explaining what your doing and the size you need, heck they may have some cast waste pieces they would be willing to sell you.

MadVampy wrote: ↑

Tue Feb 27, 2018 8:10 pm

AngeredFlame850 wrote: ↑

Tue Feb 27, 2018 7:51 pm

Can't find Ytong (AAC) anywhere so I am trying to find a good substitute for it to build a formicarium. Any suggestions? Please quote ur responses! Thanks!

I have found that standard grout can be used. You can cast it into the blocks and use a grinder or rotary grinding tool (like a Dremel) to cut passages and rooms into. Also to make it easier you can build your square form box and then use modeling clay to make the passages and rooms on the bottom and then mix and pour the grout over it and let it dry and then simply clean the clay out to revile the passages and rooms.

You can also do a search for Hebel or AAC suppliers in the USA and you will find some. Big thing is that most of them are companies that form, pour, and supply large building blocks for construction of buildings and I'm not sure if they sell small pieces but it doesn't hurt to shoot them an email explaining what your doing and the size you need, heck they may have some cast waste pieces they would be willing to sell you.

Thx so much! I've heard that firebrick can be used too. Is that true?

The problem with firebrick is that it isn't very absorbent and that's one of it's traits that make it good for use in fireplaces, ovens, and BBQ's. You want the material to be semi absorbent that way it holds moisture in the nest for the ants and that allows the nest to stay moist longer.

MadVampy wrote: ↑

Tue Feb 27, 2018 8:24 pm

The problem with firebrick is that it isn't very absorbent and that's one of it's traits that make it good for use in fireplaces, ovens, and BBQ's. You want the material to be semi absorbent that way it holds moisture in the nest for the ants and that allows the nest to stay moist longer.

Ok thx

Here is a YT video on how to do what I was talking about with grout. Also even though you'll see people talking about and or doing it, avoid using Plaster! Plaster with moisture breaks down faster and it molds quicker, you for sure wouldn't want to use a plaster with mold inhibitors in it (same goes for the grout), thats just another chemical that might harm your ants.

Firebrick is actually quite absorbent, much more than grout. I have used it multiple times.

YSTheAnt wrote: ↑

Tue Feb 27, 2018 10:04 pm

Firebrick is actually quite absorbent, much more than grout. I have used it multiple times.

I didn't say it wasn't absorbent at all, it all depends on how they manufacturer the brick. Also Firebrick on the average isn't cheap (the bigger the firebrick the most costly it can be depending on the supplier). With grout you can mix in perlite to add absorbency to it. I'm not saying firebrick is out of the question as far as use for a nest, I have just looked at the pro's and con's, the availability of it and the cost for it (you can get a pack of 6 from Home Depot for $31 and they measure 4-1/2 in. x 9 in. x 1-1/4 in, you'll have to stack them and make sure you either create a passage at the joints or make sure they are sealed between them). I found grout works better for when I'm building a nest and the few I have made had no issues at all.

Here is a Wiki explaining the Pro's and Con's of many types of building materials for a nest, give it a read and decide what best works for you. https://www.antkeeping.wiki/Pros_and_Cons_of_Formicarium_Building_Materials

As I always say "Too each their own" on ways of doing stuff.

MadVampy wrote: ↑

Tue Feb 27, 2018 8:39 pm

Here is a YT video on how to do what I was talking about with grout. Also even though you'll see people talking about and or doing it, avoid using Plaster! Plaster with moisture breaks down faster and it molds quicker, you for sure wouldn't want to use a plaster with mold inhibitors in it (same goes for the grout), thats just another chemical that might harm your ants.

thx

You need to get k23 refractory brick, not all firebrick will work. Then, it is easier than grout. Check pottery or kiln stores. Otherwise, if it's not available, grout is the way to go. K23 is very similar to ytong. Five bucks for a six by four by two (approximately) block, not at all that expensive.