I would love to see a video highlighting the different formicariums you have made/use. I have a few small colonies that are ready to move out of tub and tubes set ups, too expensive to get tarheel or antscanada for them all. I need ideas!
This is an absolutely fantastic design, extremely cheap and practical. I wanted to ask though if leaving the vials in the container with the damp cloth is enough to keep the vials humid without regularly applying water to the inside with a pipette.
Hi Kyle! Thanks for the comments and question. The vials should be watered every ~7 days if kept out of the humid box or every 14 days if kept inside one. Of course, your local conditions may affect this so pay close attention to the needs of your ants.
I like the idea, but I see a few problems using these vials. It isn't expendable, you will stress out the queen because you need constant watering. It's harder to keep them dark and the Ants don't have the same chamber feeling when in a test tube. Humitity isn't constant so the eggs won't develop that well. Please correct me if I'm wrong. What if there was a water reservouri at the bottom of the vial? So you lift the plaster and can eject water beneath it. Would that work better? Let's start a conversation!
Thanks for your comment. These vials do not require constant watering (~ once every 7 days on a shelf, or once every 14 days if kept in humid container). The vials are designed to get you from queen to small colony, and are not supposed to be perfectly linkable (for such a design, see our Lab-Style Formicarium tutorial). Queen ants do not require total darkness during the founding stages, and we actually advise against housing them that way. Robust colonies can and will come out of queens allowed to found in partial light. The eggs develop just fine. Feel free to innovate on the design! These vials create a founding environment that more closely mimics natural founding chambers than test tubes do, and have successfully raised colonies that went on to be displayed at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, the San Diego Zoo, and other major institutions.
Great tutorial!! Very explanatory!! 👏🏻👏🏻 In Europe isn't easy to find Hydro-Stone from USG. I can buy thought the Hydrocal white or the Ultracal 30 from USG... could any of both be useful as substitute? Thanks!!
Hi Harlan! Thanks for the comments and question. The vials should be watered every ~7 days if kept out of the humid box or every 14 days if kept inside one. Of course, your local conditions may affect this so pay close attention to the needs of your ants. The ants do not need drinking water if the humidity allows them to keep their hydration in check. That acknowledged, these vials allow for micro-bubbles to form from condensation, which the ants do drink.
Honestly you are by far my favorite ant youtuber !! Very professional, educational, and helpful as always !!! Please keep the videos coming !!! Waiting for a Ant Network Shirt !!! Great job again 👏 👍 👌 🙌
Hey i found quuen ant and after i took it home and put it in container he always sleeps and try to find a way to escape i give it water i find it weird cuz my brothers quuen ant so calm while mine moves so much
We wash and then bake our sand at 300 F for 30 minutes. Hydrostone can take anywhere between 20-60 minutes to fully cure. I usually wait at least a few hours before exposing ants to freshly cured hydrostone. Thanks for watching!
You mentioned doing the same thing in a larger jar, but does that not run the same risk of breaking from hydrostone expansion? Does the thicker jar "wall" prevent such problems, or is there some trick to making that work?
I like test tubes 🧪 easier to keep hydrated and storage if you have multiple queens. They are very low maintenance and only need to be check on monthly.
It can sometimes take over a week for a newly-mated queen to begin producing eggs. Be patient! Also make sure she’s in a proper environment with a source of moisture.
Does anyone know how to get ahold of the Plaster.Com people? my order is much later than they said it was going to be and both of my emails were rejected... Tech support and customer service
Natural substrates can be used by the ants to obscure view into the nest, and can contain pathogens and things like mites, which can be deleterious to the ants' health. If you'd like to use a substrate such as washed sand, just be sure that it has been sterilized. This can be accomplished by soaking it in alcohol or heating it on a baking sheet at 180* F (~82 C) for 1/2 an hour. Thanks for your comment!
Awesome tutorial as always. I know you said in another video that you get some compensation when we use the linked products. I imagine this would create a lot of extra work, but you may want to also include links for other countries. I'm in Canada so use amazon.ca, and the links you provide are only for the American site. I'd use your links if I could!
Thanks for the video. At the moment I only have access to "Perfect Cast" As much as I've tried, I can't determine if this is the same as, or safe as hydrostone. Here's a link, but that may trigger a spam filter.. www.hobbylobby.com/Crafts-Hobbies/Clay-Molding-Sculpting/Casting/Perfect-Cast/p/80766748
that shot of maple syrup looks commercial worthy aha! This is a very neat setup, will definitely try this out one day.
And you did ender ants so do you remember me ?
Ender ants!
When I searched ant keeping tutorials this didn’t pop up, I got no clue why bc this is exactly what I’m looking for
This channel is so high-quality
Anyone else feel like Miles was hungry when he made this?
Sticky stacks of golden syrupy deliciousness! -Donkey-
Maple syrup
I appreciated the gratuitous syrup shot!
Comic sans and papyrus!?! Dreams do come true.
Also, I just want to clarify that I’m looking for the consistency of balsamic vinaigrette. Right?
It’s 12 am for me here, but a video from your channel is always something I look forward to. Keep up the great work!
This is soooo great! Nice job and cool filming location!
Love the maple syrup shot(s)
they made me hungry
90% sure that was corn syrup XD as a Mainer maple syrup is actually thinner than that
Great video Miles. It would be interesting to try this. Also, are you going to film any ant exploring videos soon? Because those are my favorite ones.
Thanks! We are on site filming for The Ant Explorer right now!
I would love to see a video highlighting the different formicariums you have made/use. I have a few small colonies that are ready to move out of tub and tubes set ups, too expensive to get tarheel or antscanada for them all. I need ideas!
You could try a giant version of his petri dish formicariums
EelTwerpEel or make multiple of them and connect them together
Firebrick a screwdriver, some silicone and picture frame glass!!!
Dragon's Ants Hey dragon it’s me Kar
Can’t wait until you guys hit a million
Let's try for 10,000 first!
I had no idea about this method. I like this better than test tubes. Thanks and great video!
We do too! Down with the test tubes!
This is an absolutely fantastic design, extremely cheap and practical. I wanted to ask though if leaving the vials in the container with the damp cloth is enough to keep the vials humid without regularly applying water to the inside with a pipette.
Hi Kyle! Thanks for the comments and question. The vials should be watered every ~7 days if kept out of the humid box or every 14 days if kept inside one. Of course, your local conditions may affect this so pay close attention to the needs of your ants.
what other plasters can you use as its impossible to get hydrostone plaster in the UK
I like the idea, but I see a few problems using these vials. It isn't expendable, you will stress out the queen because you need constant watering. It's harder to keep them dark and the Ants don't have the same chamber feeling when in a test tube. Humitity isn't constant so the eggs won't develop that well. Please correct me if I'm wrong. What if there was a water reservouri at the bottom of the vial? So you lift the plaster and can eject water beneath it. Would that work better? Let's start a conversation!
Thanks for your comment. These vials do not require constant watering (~ once every 7 days on a shelf, or once every 14 days if kept in humid container). The vials are designed to get you from queen to small colony, and are not supposed to be perfectly linkable (for such a design, see our Lab-Style Formicarium tutorial). Queen ants do not require total darkness during the founding stages, and we actually advise against housing them that way. Robust colonies can and will come out of queens allowed to found in partial light. The eggs develop just fine. Feel free to innovate on the design! These vials create a founding environment that more closely mimics natural founding chambers than test tubes do, and have successfully raised colonies that went on to be displayed at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, the San Diego Zoo, and other major institutions.
@@MilesMaxcer Okay thanks very interesting, I might need to make one myself and try it out!
@@EstheticAnts After three Years, did u try it out, how are the results?
@@Iceguide4 years 😅
"Maple Syrup?" This channel is underrated i don't understand why it has only this amount of subs.
Those vials look super cool, I'd love to give them a shot one day.
Thanks I really learned a lot and I think this will help my ant farm grow.
digging the workshop man
Another amazing video
Curious about what Camponotus sp you have there, besides those which appear to be either fragilis or festinatus. Very cool looking.
Great tutorial!! Very explanatory!! 👏🏻👏🏻
In Europe isn't easy to find Hydro-Stone from USG. I can buy thought the Hydrocal white or the Ultracal 30 from USG... could any of both be useful as substitute?
Thanks!!
Either will work, but Ultracal is probably better!
@@MilesMaxcer Tx !!!
Nice video. I like the idea of the jars. 😃👍🏼
Yay new Video! I’ve been Waiting!!!
can you link some of the outworlds you use in all of your videos, Thanks.
it would be very helpful for me if you could share german product links, from similar articles! :)
Hydrostone is not really found in Germany. :(
Love the vid, how do you make sure they have enough water to stay hydrated?
Where can I buy much tubes ?
Hay I know where that was filmed!
where
montana
Arizona actually. There's a man down there who builds exhibits for museums.
@@mrilovetheants That explains the trap-jaw queen at 5:51
You guys make such good content. I see 50k in no time :)
This should work in old pill vials. The orange color would restrict viewing, but also eliminate light for the queen.
That's right! Definitely an accessible and cheap option.
Great video miles. Never thought of this
can they drink from the hydro stone and how often would you need to disturb them to water? Nice video BTW
Hi Harlan! Thanks for the comments and question. The vials should be watered every ~7 days if kept out of the humid box or every 14 days if kept inside one. Of course, your local conditions may affect this so pay close attention to the needs of your ants. The ants do not need drinking water if the humidity allows them to keep their hydration in check. That acknowledged, these vials allow for micro-bubbles to form from condensation, which the ants do drink.
@@MilesMaxcer thanks I think ill probably try making some I just ordered a ton of supplies to make petri dish setups.
Honestly you are by far my favorite ant youtuber !! Very professional, educational, and helpful as always !!! Please keep the videos coming !!! Waiting for a Ant Network Shirt !!! Great job again 👏 👍 👌 🙌
Great job
This same vial setup but with a water reservoir underneath the plaster and a piece of plaster sucking up water from it would be better I think
I’m only 11 and I think I understood everything...
Great video! Thanks
Awesome video sir
Great video and great quality
Thanks!
Nice shop!
Dude!!! This is such a good idea I love it 🤯
Do they need any additional water to drink?
Ehere did you get the boxes from
What’s the best mm test tube size
Hey i found quuen ant and after i took it home and put it in container he always sleeps and try to find a way to escape i give it water i find it weird cuz my brothers quuen ant so calm while mine moves so much
Awesome finally your back!😁😁😁😂😀😀
This was such a good video!
What is you fill it half way and carve it out
That's only for the founding stage, correct? When first nanitic workers appear, they should be moved in a different setup, right?
That’s correct! Once the first or second generation of workers eclose, they’ll need a proper formicarium (such as a Tar Heel Ants Mini Hearth).
Can I use conceate with sand
just a question can you just like raise an ant queen in a container filled with dirt
Great video
How do you sterilize the sand?
How long does it take the hydro stone to fully cure? You said 1/2 hour for heat but is it cured within that time?
We wash and then bake our sand at 300 F for 30 minutes.
Hydrostone can take anywhere between 20-60 minutes to fully cure. I usually wait at least a few hours before exposing ants to freshly cured hydrostone. Thanks for watching!
You mentioned doing the same thing in a larger jar, but does that not run the same risk of breaking from hydrostone expansion? Does the thicker jar "wall" prevent such problems, or is there some trick to making that work?
The thicker wall tends to prevent such problems, particularly if you use a consistency like maple syrup (or corn syrup...) when mixing! ;)
Can our use normal plaster for the vials. Thank you
You can, but it may not last as long.
Did you use hydrocal and hydrostone together? Or you just provided 2 separate options and both material would work equally? Thanks in advance
Just providing two different options for people! Either will work for this project, but should not be combined together.
very good idea LIKE!!!
Do you think I should be looking for a consistency like maple syrup?
You know what, that does sound like a really good analogy. Yeah, I think a consistency like maple syrup would be satisfactory.
- Miles
Interesting but i will still preffer test tube . I dont have to disturb them and probably drown the brood amd q when watering .
What is the best to use test tubes, Petry dish or this?
I like test tubes 🧪 easier to keep hydrated and storage if you have multiple queens. They are very low maintenance and only need to be check on monthly.
Can I use POP other than hydrostone plaster?
Nope will cause mold and mess
uhm why not drill a tiny hole in? tilting the lid seems excessive and it may drops while moving :x
If I don't have hydrocal, can it be replaced by something?
Hydrostone or Ultracal 30.
Bro why is the production quality so good when you have so little subs lol
Can i adk this question?
A few days ago i caught a mated carpenter queen and she has not lay any eggs is there a reason for it?
It can sometimes take over a week for a newly-mated queen to begin producing eggs. Be patient! Also make sure she’s in a proper environment with a source of moisture.
@@MilesMaxcer ohhh ok thanks so much for the help
Is that the same as plaster of paris?
No, hydrostone and hydrocal are stronger plasters that provide more durability and resistance to fungal growth than plaster of Paris does.
very nice
I love ant keeping
We do too!
@@MilesMaxcer I've found a lastis niger queen 2 weeks old she has a lot of eggs too it's on my channel Ant day UK plz feel free to check it out 😁🤞🤞😃
Nice vid
That was awesome, Miles! Thanks
Are these reusable at all?
Yes! Simply rinse them out with water and replace any substrate you want to use, and you’re good to go!
under rated
Dang this Miles Obama fella looks mighty handsome
Eres un genio
nice video
Make some holes in the cap because the ants cannot breath without air
from Ants antner
Does anyone know how to get ahold of the Plaster.Com people? my order is much later than they said it was going to be and both of my emails were rejected... Tech support and customer service
We don't use them for that reason! Reach out to U.S. Gypsum and ask for them to help you locate a supplier.
Why not just use a natural substrate?
Natural substrates can be used by the ants to obscure view into the nest, and can contain pathogens and things like mites, which can be deleterious to the ants' health. If you'd like to use a substrate such as washed sand, just be sure that it has been sterilized. This can be accomplished by soaking it in alcohol or heating it on a baking sheet at 180* F (~82 C) for 1/2 an hour. Thanks for your comment!
Good
Awesome tutorial as always. I know you said in another video that you get some compensation when we use the linked products. I imagine this would create a lot of extra work, but you may want to also include links for other countries. I'm in Canada so use amazon.ca, and the links you provide are only for the American site. I'd use your links if I could!
I wish you to have many subscriber
Cool
Can I have a ant queen.
Thanks for the video. At the moment I only have access to "Perfect Cast" As much as I've tried, I can't determine if this is the same as, or safe as hydrostone. Here's a link, but that may trigger a spam filter.. www.hobbylobby.com/Crafts-Hobbies/Clay-Molding-Sculpting/Casting/Perfect-Cast/p/80766748
G
:)
YOU NEED WATER THEY WILL DIE!!!!! sad#