ANTMART Grid Yellow Variant B is a vivid 200×200 mm formicarium with a fully gypsum-lined nesting area. It is designed for exotic moisture-loving ants that require consistently humid housing. The yellow PETG body gives the setup a strong visual identity, while its sectional layout allows the usable area to be matched to colony size.

Full G-23 gypsum coverage

The entire residential section is covered with high-strength G-23 gypsum. It absorbs water and creates a moisture reserve across the nesting area. This makes Variant B relevant to tropical species and other ants that depend on elevated humidity. It is not a universal arrangement, so the natural requirements of the exact species must be considered before introducing a colony.

The nest contains 5 autonomous sections and 5 independent hydration zones. Removable partitions allow the keeper to open chambers in stages rather than giving a small colony more territory than it can occupy. This arrangement makes unused areas easier to manage and supports gradual expansion as the family grows.

Vertical room for larger ants

Usable chamber height above the gypsum is 15 mm. It provides large queens, workers, and soldiers with room to turn and move naturally. The setup is intended to accommodate large Camponotus ants that may find the 6–8 mm chambers mentioned in the source comparison restrictive.

Species cited for this model include Camponotus japonicus, Camponotus nicobarensis, Camponotus pseudoirritans, and Camponotus fedtschenkoi. Myrmicaria brunnea and Camponotus maculatus subnudus are also referenced in connection with material choices for sensitive tropical ants kept in humid conditions.

PETG, acrylic, and nylon assembly

The yellow body components are made from chemically resistant, styrene-free PETG. The material is intended for continuous exposure to a humid environment and offers impact resistance. Transparent parts are made from acrylic. White nylon fasteners complete the assembly and do not corrode when exposed to moisture.

The 80 mm-high arena is covered by a double acrylic lid. The two-sheet construction is intended to reduce deformation caused by moisture and temperature changes. Mechanical gates close the designated exits. These features help contain the colony, but the lid, fasteners, ports, and gates still require routine inspection.

Compatibility and limitations

The fully hydrated gypsum floor is primarily intended for moisture-loving genera:

• Pheidole;
• Pachycondyla;
• Odontoponera;
• Carebara.

Variant B is not suitable for Messor or Pogonomyrmex because its entire nesting area is maintained at elevated moisture. A drier configuration with partial gypsum coverage, such as Variant A, should be selected for those ants.

Standard openings are provided for attaching an external arena or additional modules. Any extension must match the connection format and the colony’s actual needs. The presence of expansion ports does not mean extra space should be added before the colony is ready to use it.

Questions and answers

How do the PETG and acrylic components differ?

PETG is used for the colored structural body because of its chemical and impact resistance. Acrylic is used for transparent components, including the double arena lid. Each material therefore performs a different role in the formicarium.

How can contamination of the damp gypsum be reduced?

New sections should be opened gradually with the removable partitions as the colony grows. This limits a small family to an area it can occupy and maintain. G-23 gypsum should not be treated as complete protection against mold: organic debris must be removed, ventilation monitored, and the nest inspected regularly.

Can the formicarium be expanded?

Yes. The provided openings can connect compatible external arenas or additional modules. Connection dimensions should be checked before installation, and every unused port must remain securely closed.