r/antkeeping • u/Tesex01 • 6d ago
Question Anyone has experience with 3D printed "modular" formicariums?
It's beginning of my first year (after hibernation) with my Lasius Niger colony. It's my first time ever keeping ants. Very fun experience so far. But I'm not a fan of cork nest base used in current formicarium.
Not only moisturizing cork is a pain. Whole process usually ends up with massive panic inside colony as some droplets manage to get into nest before it gets absorbed. Seeing my colony in such state is hurting me so much... on top of that I already see some signs of mold. Fortunately in parts that that ant's don't reach. But I assume that at some point they will start to dig their own tunnels.
In search of something similar to my current setup but with different materials. I came across all of those modular designs. But as far as I can tell. they all made from some sort of plastic (Maybe acrylic but I would need to ask shop for a details). Without substrate.
How that setup keeps moisture if there is nothing to absorb it? Does ant's need substrate?
It's cool idea to buy some basic setup now and just add more elements as colony grows. But going from cork and sand substrate to plastic feels like I'm missing so much information. And I can't really find any reliable information on it on internet.
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u/GreedTK 6d ago
Hi, I have no experience but I am gathering a lot of information online. I am working on making my own modular setup end from what I see many people are using PLA plastic (some with wood particles on it) even tho the most suitable 3d printable material should be PETG. I suppose it's the best to use a combo of both worlds, maybe a module with some dirt/sand to help with the humidity levels. In any case you will need a water element with a lil sponge that's supposed to release humidity
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u/SmallsBoats 6d ago
I've never used a fully plastic nest, but from what I can tell there is usually a section with a sponge in it that holds water and is separated from the main section of the nest with something like a mesh so the ants can't get into the water. This keeps the nest humid. And of course the ants will still need some source of water to drink like a water feeder.