A humidity-oriented nest in a vivid yellow body

The 200×200 mm ANTMART Soty Yellow B is designed for colonies that require moisture across the full residential area. Beneath the transparent viewing components is a yellow PETG body with an interconnected hexagonal chamber system. The contrasting background can make dark workers and pale brood easier to distinguish, while the sectional layout allows the available nest volume to expand with the colony.

G23 gypsum across the entire nest

The defining feature of Variant B is a 6 mm layer of medical-grade G23 gypsum covering 100% of the residential surface. Once watered, the layer carries moisture beneath all living sections. Unlike the partially plastered Variant A, this configuration does not intentionally retain a separate set of dry chambers. Two humidification zones allow water to be introduced from different parts of the structure.

Full gypsum coverage is aimed at moisture-loving ants, but it does not mean that watering can be performed without measurement or observation. The amount of water and the interval between applications depend on the exact species, colony population, room temperature, and drying rate. Chamber conditions and brood behavior should be monitored so the routine can be adjusted.

Honeycomb chambers with 15 mm clearance

The residential cavities follow a hexagonal pattern and provide 15 mm of height above the gypsum. This leaves room for queens, workers, and larger individuals to move and turn inside the nest. The tightly organized layout also makes good use of the 200×200 mm body and keeps the chamber network easy to inspect through the viewing surface.

PETG construction and nylon fittings

The base is made from PETG, a material intended to retain its form during ordinary use in a humid enclosure. White nylon bolts are used throughout the assembly. They resist rust and coordinate with the Yellow-series appearance. The service life of the complete farm will still depend on temperature, maintenance, handling, and correct assembly.

The construction includes:

• a 200×200 mm body;
• a 6 mm G23 gypsum layer over the full residential surface;
• 15 mm-high chambers above the gypsum;
• two humidification zones;
• five independent nest sections;
• removable partitions;
• an 80 mm-high arena;
• a double acrylic lid;
• shutters and white nylon bolts.

Five sections for measured expansion

There is no need to give a small colony access to all five sections immediately. Unused chambers can remain behind removable dividers during the early stages, and additional sections can be opened as the population grows. This keeps the occupied area proportional to the family’s size, makes observation easier, and may reduce the likelihood of remote unused rooms becoming waste-storage areas.

An arena for feeding and maintenance

The 80 mm-high arena forms a separate space for offering food, cleaning, and watching activity outside the nest. Its lid consists of two acrylic sheets, increasing rigidity and reducing the tendency to bend in humid conditions. Shutters close the passages included in the structure. Every joint and exit should nevertheless be checked after assembly and inspected during use; no enclosure should be treated as escape-proof without ongoing control.

Species focus and an important restriction

The source presents Variant B for moisture-loving genera including Pheidole, Pachycondyla, Odontoponera, and Carebara. It also lists Camponotus nicobarensis, Camponotus pseudoirritans, and Camponotus fedtschenkoi. The model is specifically described as unsuitable for Messor, for which the partially plastered Variant A with dry areas is suggested instead. Any general list should be checked against the needs of the exact species and colony before introduction.

Questions and answers

What is the practical value of the yellow background?
The contrasting body can improve the visibility of dark ants and white brood during routine observation. The actual effect depends on the coloration of the species, room lighting, reflections, and the condition of the transparent cover.

Why does gypsum cover the full residential area?
The continuous 6 mm layer distributes moisture beneath every nest section rather than creating a dedicated dry side. This supports the model’s humidity-oriented design, but the resulting conditions must still be monitored and adjusted instead of assumed.

Can the farm be used with a heat mat?
The source characterizes PETG as thermally stable but provides no maximum operating temperature, heater output, placement instructions, or test data for the complete assembly. Heating should therefore be used only after checking the species’ requirements and the limits of every farm component. Direct hotspots and uncontrolled temperature increases should be avoided.

How does Variant B differ from Variant A?
Variant B has gypsum beneath the entire residential surface and offers 15 mm of chamber height. Variant A uses localized gypsum, retains dry chambers up to 21 mm high, and is intended to provide a more pronounced moisture gradient.

Does full gypsum coverage guarantee constant humidity?
No. The construction distributes supplied water, but actual humidity also changes with ventilation, temperature, evaporation, colony activity, and the watering schedule. Regular observation remains necessary.