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Post by Wood~Ant on Nov 3, 2011 9:33:34 GMT
I must be honest and admit that I've never made a Formicarium, although I did design an upright glaas one many years ago and kept a lovely colony of Formica lemani with 7 queens in it until I broke it by accident. Perhaps our members who do make home made ant nests could post videos or photos of their set ups, and give their reasons why they made them and what benefits they give to ants kept in them. Jenant and I will review the set ups made by members, and for those of you who we consider to make nice ant homes, you will be awarded a special title status on your profile ;D The title will read to say you are a} Resident Formicarium Designer. This title will be given to any member of any age, as long as they produce their own ant set up from whatever materials, and the end results look nice and fairly professional in design; and also that the set up works well for any sized ants and a colony can be happily kept in it So, if you wish to acquire that little bit special status and the title that goes with it, please post your own set up designs here and either Jen or I will let you know if you have qualified for the title with regard to how well you make your own Formicariums, and how grand the design of the set up is when finished, with or without ants living in it, though it would be nice to see a thriving colony enjoying life in your finished set up design of course.
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Post by Zarbi on Nov 3, 2011 14:13:56 GMT
I like this idea as it will appeal to some of the young lads who make their own Ytong nests or other kinds of set ups.
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Post by Wood~Ant on Nov 4, 2011 8:54:51 GMT
I am in the prototype phase for my business and will hopefully be finished in 2 weeks. Will this opportunity still be active? Hi Miles, Yes the title will be awarded to any member who wishes to enter pictures, photos and info on their home made ant nest designs. There is no set time limit, and once a person gets given this title it will remain on their profile and never taken away as long as they are a member. The title does not mean you will automatically be placed into a staff group, but being awarded a special title may place a member on the waiting list; and you may even get your own sub-board to post your Formicaria designs in too. Please Note: Staff are chosen by Jenant only and are entirely at her discretion as to whom is chosen
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mtrein
Nurse Ant
Posts: 93
Likes: 1
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Post by mtrein on Nov 8, 2011 12:57:20 GMT
Well, pictures are not all that good, but I'd like to enter my latest formicarium. You can see it on the latest post in my blog, where I describe how I made it and what the result was (as well as what could have been done better). marcelosants.blogspot.com/
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Post by TenebrousNova on Nov 8, 2011 17:40:15 GMT
I would like to take the opportunity to congratulate our new Formicary Specialist[/color] ( James Lovell). Enjoy your new title.
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Post by jameslovell on Nov 8, 2011 17:41:31 GMT
Hello all, Below are some formicariums I make using ytong as well as a couple of formicariums I've made that go inside a tank showing the ants living in them. Messor barbarus Camponotus species All the best James
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Post by Jenny on Nov 8, 2011 17:47:49 GMT
Well done James, as I knew you made some nice Ytong type nests from viewing your web site; and decided that you deserve recognition by placing you in this new group
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shane
Ant Photographer
Ant Species Image Gatherer
Posts: 1,738
Likes: 819
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Post by shane on Nov 8, 2011 20:31:17 GMT
Wow grats James. I love some of your designs like tree root's
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Post by jameslovell on Nov 8, 2011 21:32:46 GMT
Aw thanks Jenant
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Post by bobdol on Nov 9, 2011 18:35:49 GMT
Could you possibly explain how the humidity is controlled in these nests? Thanks!
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Post by jameslovell on Nov 14, 2011 22:37:16 GMT
Hi Bobdal,
I make a cavity/hole on the top of the nests. Water is then poured into this so the top half becomes wet and humid while the bottom half remains dry. This is important with the Messors who collect and store seeds as it means they don't germinate. That's why for the harvester ants I made the nest tall.
All the best
James
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jennifer
Leaf Cutter Ant
Posts: 74
Likes: 27
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Post by jennifer on Nov 19, 2011 0:25:27 GMT
I have one of James's nests and it looks very professional! The only change I made was place some red film over the glass. In fact I prefer it to the one I got from Ants Canada, Far bigger and I am sure just as popular with the ants. I will definitely buy again I cannot wait till spring till they awaken from hibernation and start moving in! He already has the Jen award lol
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Post by bobdol on Nov 19, 2011 19:31:00 GMT
Thanks James, I use this method as well and it seems to work well! I'm trying to make a side reservoir for my messor nest... But not so succesful at the moment...
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