Hybrid Plaster Plastic Ant Nest (experimental)

thingiverse

Some ant species (like Formica cunicularia) like nests with dry and humid areas, which have different purposes. This nest has dry plastic chambers and plaster chambers which can be watered through a water basin. Material needed: * Model plaster * PVC tube with outer diameter of 10mm * Aquarium silicone * 100 x 100mm acryl or glass plate 1. Put the water basin cover on the nest 2. Mix plaster with water and pour it into the nest while it's still liquid (for height see photos) 3. Remove the cover after 30 minutes 4. Let it dry for 24 hours 5. Put silicone into the openings where the tube gets connected 6. Put the tubes on the silicone 7. Put silicone over the tubes and around the four sides of the nest 8. Attach the acryl/glass plate to the silicone and put a weight on the plate for 24 hours (be careful to not scratch it) 9. Wait 1-2 more days until the gas created by the silicone has left the nest (though it's probably not a big deal) 10. Connect it to your existing nest or test tube 11. Put a little water into the water basin (maybe once a month? I don't know yet)