ANTMART Organic Black 220×110 mm, Variant A is a partially gypsum-lined formicarium with a divided nest, a tall arena, and a humidification system based on G-23 gypsum. Its sections can be opened progressively as the colony grows. The black body contrasts with the white gypsum and transparent panels, keeping the nest chambers and the ants’ movements clearly visible.

Materials and structural design

The farm combines 3 mm white, clear, and black acrylic with components made from PETG. Black nylon fasteners hold the assembly together. Nylon is chemically inert and does not corrode in a humid environment, making it a practical material for connections near the watering system.

The model measures 220×110 mm. Black parts define the exterior, transparent acrylic provides a view into the arena and nest, and the white gypsum insert distinguishes the humidified area. This is Variant A, which uses partial rather than continuous gypsum coverage. The resulting layout provides both more humid and drier areas inside the nest.

G-23 gypsum humidification

A 6 mm slab of high-strength G-23 gypsum is installed within the tunnel system. It retains water and distributes moisture to the adjacent chambers. The material’s density and resistance to wear reduce the likelihood of surface damage from ant mandibles when compared with ordinary construction gypsum. Its capillary structure helps moisture remain available for longer, although the source does not specify a universal watering interval. Actual frequency will depend on operating conditions.

Because gypsum covers only part of the floor, the nest develops a humidity gradient. The colony can use separate conditions for its queen, brood, and stored food. This layout is intended for species that benefit from a combination of dry and humid chambers rather than uniform moisture across the entire nest. For specialized ants requiring consistently high humidity throughout their living area, the source recommends Variant B with a continuous gypsum floor.

An 80 mm arena

The arena is 80 mm high, providing room for feeding, observation, and decorative material if the keeper chooses to add it. Any arrangement should leave functional parts, ventilation, and colony access unobstructed, though the input data does not prescribe a particular decoration method.

Two sheets of acrylic form the arena lid. The double-layer design is intended to resist bending caused by differences in temperature and humidity inside and outside the formicarium. Mechanical sliding locks hold the lid in place and reduce the chance of accidental opening while the farm is being moved. Lid fit should still be checked before introducing ants and before every relocation; the input does not substantiate absolute escape-proof performance for every species and situation.

Three-stage access to the nest

Partitions divide the living area into three sections. A young colony can initially occupy a limited number of chambers, with the remaining compartments opened as the family increases. This approach avoids giving a small colony a large unused area that may be converted into a refuse site.

The partitions make it possible to adjust the accessible internal volume without immediately replacing the whole farm. They provide staged access to compartments already built into the unit rather than external modular expansion. Before opening another section, the keeper should consider how fully the current chambers are occupied and whether the colony is ready to maintain additional space.

Chamber dimensions

The chamber clearance is 15 mm over the gypsum and 21 mm in areas without gypsum. This difference results from the position of the insert and provides space for large queens and workers to move through the nest. The source presents the farm as a versatile model and specifically lists popular Messor and Camponotus ants among the compatible groups.

Messor colonies can use the dry chambers for grain storage, while the available clearance accommodates larger Camponotus individuals. Compatibility should nevertheless be assessed for the particular species, worker and queen dimensions, and current colony size. Genus alone does not determine every housing requirement.

Variant A at a glance

• overall size of 220×110 mm;
• 3 mm acrylic in white, clear, and black;
• PETG structural components;
• chemically inert black nylon fasteners;
• partial 6 mm G-23 gypsum slab;
• arena height of 80 mm;
• chamber clearance of 15 mm above gypsum and 21 mm without it;
• three nest sections for progressive access;
• double acrylic lid secured by mechanical sliding locks.

Choosing the appropriate humidity layout

Variant A is primarily intended for ants that require a humidity gradient. Its partial gypsum insert creates wet and dry choices but does not humidify the entire nest evenly. The model should therefore not be selected automatically for every moisture-loving species. For ants that require very high humidity throughout the nest, the source directs keepers to Variant B with a continuous gypsum floor and mentions ponerines and tropical Pheidole as examples. The farm’s configuration must be compared with the needs of the exact species before housing a colony.

Questions and answers

What does G-23 gypsum contribute to the farm?
The 6 mm G-23 slab humidifies part of the chamber system. Its high density and resistance to wear help it withstand mechanical contact from mandibles, while its capillary structure retains and distributes water. Watering frequency should be determined from conditions in the individual setup.

Why does the arena have a double lid with locks?
The two acrylic sheets improve resistance to warping when humidity and temperature differ across the lid. Mechanical locks keep it seated against the body, which is useful with active ants and when moving the formicarium.

Can Variant A house moisture-loving ants?
It can when the species benefits from both humid and dry chambers. If high moisture must be maintained throughout the entire nest, the partial gypsum floor may not provide the required layout. Variant B with continuous gypsum is the alternative identified in the source for those conditions.