Formicarium 150x150x22mm by Antspy

Last crawled date: 3 years ago

Here we go, my second take on an Ant Nest Module!
Please note:
As of 21.09.2018, the Main Frame STL file has been updated to MK2 - even sturdier around the connectors in case you have trouble with cracks in that area when not carefully putting the plugs in or if the print is not of the best quality... :)
This is a Formicarium - Nest module for ants of small to medium size, with a total inner area of about 150x150mm (excluding base) and an inner wall distance of 22mm. It can be used either with the provided Nest Inlay which is a perfect fit and designed for medium sized ants (e.g. Camponotus nicobarensis) or filled with material for the ants to dig in.
Features
easy design, easy to assemble
four access ports for 12mm (inner) tubes
supports small screws to prevent tubes slipping
Comes with adapter to 10mm (inner) tube and plugs to close unused ports
The base can be screwed to a surface for better security (e.g. tube tension)
You will need:
6 pcs M3x35 or M3x40 Screws + Washers and Nuts
2 pcs Acrylic Glas 160x160x4mm
The STL files contain:
1 x Main Frame
1 x Top Part
1 x Bottom Plate
2 x plug and 2 x adapter + smaller plug (The set closes all four ports if needed)
Optional Nest Inlay for medium ants
Alternative: Main Frame split in half, print twice to get the full frame. This has been added for those where the Main Frame in one piece is just outside the print range, or bad heat distribution on the glass causes deformations on the print.
Assembling
Decide if you want to use the Nest Inlay or not :) If so, putting in it should be quite self-explaining ;)
Align the acrylic glass plates to the frame and top part and drill the six holes. Make sure to be very exact on this step, as the mounting screws will go through the first plate, then the frame and the second plate before it is secured with a washer and a nut. If the holes are not in line with the pre-defined ones from the frame, things won't fit. Make sure the top closes tight, but not too tight.
Put the frame in the base, optionally add the Nest Inlay, put the glass plates on and tighten the screws carefully as acrylic glass tends to crack easily. Use plugs and adapters as desired, close the top with the top part.
That's it!
DISCLAIMER
This design is provided as-is, without any guarantee that it will work or meet your expectations. Use at your own risk. I can not be held responsible for yelling spouses because your kitchen is full of pet ants or any injuries that occur when assembling this. This should go without saying, but well... ;)