ANTMART Grid White 200×200, Variant B is a light-colored formicarium with a continuous layer of G-23 gypsum throughout the living area. This layout is intended for colonies that need a consistently humid nest with a substantial water reserve. The white body also provides a contrasting background for observing the ants and spotting food residue or contamination during routine checks.

A nest that expands with the colony

The living area is divided into 5 autonomous sections. Removable partitions allow the keeper to open the nest gradually instead of giving a small colony access to the entire volume at once. Additional chambers can be connected as the population increases, while unused sections remain closed and easier to keep clean.

Each section has its own hydration area, for a total of 5 independent zones. Water can therefore be distributed through the nest in stages, creating areas with different moisture levels. It should be added gradually through the dedicated openings. The G-23 gypsum becomes visibly darker as it absorbs water, providing a practical visual indication of moisture spread. The amount and frequency must still be adjusted to the species and the actual condition of the nest.

Continuous G-23 gypsum layer

In Variant B, gypsum covers the entire residential zone. Its capillary structure distributes moisture and stores a considerable amount of water inside the nest. The high-strength grade offers more resistance to mechanical wear than soft construction gypsum, an important consideration for ants with powerful mandibles.

This full-gypsum configuration also has a clear limitation: it is not intended for harvester ants or other species that store seeds. Those colonies require a design without continuous gypsum filling so that stored food is not kept in an unsuitable humid area.

PETG body and nylon fittings

The principal plastic components are made from PETG for use in a regularly humid environment. The construction does not use foam as its nest material. Its white finish makes chamber cleanliness easier to assess, while the white nylon fittings do not rust when exposed to water.

Space for large ants

The usable chamber height above the gypsum is 15 mm. This clearance accommodates large queens and soldiers, allowing them to turn around, move through the nest and handle brood, including sizeable cocoons. The source presents the farm as a possible option for Camponotus japonicus and Camponotus nicobarensis, as well as moisture-sensitive Myrmicaria brunnea and Camponotus maculatus subnudus.

Foraging arena and escape control

The arena is 80 mm high and provides room for foraging and colony maintenance. A double acrylic lid covers the top, with mechanical sliders securing access points. These features support containment, but they do not make checking unnecessary. Every closure and connection should be inspected during maintenance, and an appropriate escape barrier should still be used for small or highly active species.

Species compatibility

This formicarium belongs to the 200×200 format and is aimed primarily at humidity-loving genera and species. The source specifically lists:

• Pheidole;
• Pachycondyla;
• Odontoponera;
• Carebara;
• Camponotus pseudoirritans;
• Camponotus fedtschenkoi.

Compatibility should be assessed for the exact species before relocation, taking colony size, chamber dimensions and the required moisture gradient into account. Requirements may vary even among ants of the same genus.

Questions and answers

Why use white PETG?
PETG is suitable for structural parts exposed to regular humidity. Its light color also improves visibility, making leftover food and dirt easier to notice during inspection.

How are the five hydration zones used?
Water is introduced separately in small amounts. Darkening of the G-23 gypsum shows where moisture has already spread. The zones do not have to receive identical amounts: their independent arrangement makes it possible to maintain different moisture levels across the nest.

Can ants damage the gypsum?
G-23 is harder than common soft gypsum mixtures and was selected for greater resistance to mechanical stress. Nevertheless, the chambers should be examined periodically, particularly when housing large ants with strong mandibles.