A vivid habitat built around humid nesting conditions

ANTMART Origin Yellow Variant B is a 200×200 mm ant farm intended for species that require a consistently humid living area. Its yellow PETG body provides a bright background for observing the colony, while G-23 gypsum extends through every nesting chamber. This full-gypsum arrangement defines Variant B and separates it from partially lined configurations.

Gypsum across the entire nest

A 6 mm layer of gypsum covers the nesting area. It absorbs water and releases it gradually into the chambers, helping maintain the humid environment required by moisture-dependent ants and their brood. The layout is particularly relevant to species from humid habitats. It still requires regular observation, since room conditions affect how quickly the material dries.

PETG body and non-corroding fasteners

The main structure is made from PETG plastic. It has no pronounced odor, is intended for use beside a repeatedly moistened gypsum insert, and retains its shape under normal operating conditions. Its dense structure and smooth surface provide ants with little purchase for their mandibles.

White nylon bolts hold the assembly together. Unlike metal fasteners, they do not corrode in the farm’s humid environment, and their color complements the yellow body.

15 mm chamber height

The nesting chambers are 15 mm high. This clearance accommodates large queens and soldiers, including members of Camponotus, allowing them to turn and move without the restrictions associated with shallow chamber designs.

Four sections that open as the colony grows

The nest is divided into four independent sections fitted with removable partitions. A young colony can begin with only the area it currently needs. Further sections can then be opened as worker numbers increase, keeping the available nesting volume proportionate to the size of the family.

Giving a small colony immediate access to the complete 200×200 mm nest can encourage it to deposit waste in remote, unused chambers. Organic refuse in a damp gypsum area may contribute to mold. Controlled expansion helps keep unused sections closed and makes conditions within the occupied nest easier to monitor.

An 80 mm arena with a double cover

The arena is 80 mm high and protected by a double acrylic cover with sliding closures. The cover design is intended to resist distortion associated with the humid setup. During feeding, maintenance, or transport, the covers, sliders, and partitions should still be checked carefully. Structural escape protection does not remove the need for attentive handling around an active colony.

Species compatibility

Origin Yellow Variant B is designed for moisture-loving genera including Pheidole, Pachycondyla, Odontoponera, and Carebara. The source also identifies the following compatible species:

• Camponotus nicobarensis;
• Camponotus pseudoirritans;
• Camponotus fedtschenkoi;
• Myrmicaria brunnea;
• Camponotus maculatus subnudus;
• Camponotus japonicus.

Compatibility should always be considered alongside the requirements of the particular species and colony. This full-gypsum model is not recommended for Messor harvester ants. The stated alternative for Messor is a partially gypsum-lined farm, identified as Variant A.

Monitoring moisture

Because gypsum occupies the whole nesting area, it retains water longer than a small local insert. The stated average watering interval is once every 4–7 days, but this is only a practical reference. Temperature and other room conditions change the drying rate. The gypsum color provides a more direct guide: it should remain slightly dark while adequately moist. Check its actual appearance before adding more water instead of relying solely on a fixed schedule.

Questions and answers

What does the G-23 gypsum layer do?
The 6 mm layer stores moisture and releases it across the living area. Since it extends through all chambers, it provides a broad humidification surface rather than one isolated wet zone.

Why are removable partitions included?
They let the keeper regulate the amount of accessible nesting space. New sections can be opened as the colony expands, while unused damp chambers remain unavailable for waste storage.

Can ants damage the PETG body?
PETG is dense and smooth, giving ants little opportunity to grip it with their mandibles. Joints and other structural elements should nevertheless be inspected during routine maintenance.

Is Variant B suitable for Messor?
No. The source recommends Variant A, with partial rather than full gypsum coverage, for Messor harvester ants.