ANTMART Grid Black 200×200, Variant B is a full-gypsum formicarium designed for ants that require a consistently humid nesting area. The entire chamber floor is covered with a continuous layer of high-strength G-23 medical gypsum. This layout distributes moisture throughout the residential section and distinguishes the model from nests with a limited gypsum insert or an ordinary plastic floor.

Species profile

The farm is intended primarily for moisture-loving and tropical ants. The source recommendations specifically mention the genera Pheidole, Pachycondyla, Odontoponera, and Carebara. Its spacious chambers can also accommodate large Camponotus, including Camponotus maculatus subnudus, Camponotus japonicus, and Camponotus nicobarensis. Camponotus fedtschenkoi, Camponotus pseudoirritans, and Myrmicaria brunnea are also listed as compatible examples.

Variant B is not recommended for dry-nesting harvesters such as Messor and Pogonomyrmex. A continuously damp gypsum floor may cause seeds stored in the nest to germinate. Colonies that maintain grain reserves are better housed in a partially gypsum-lined formicarium with dry storage chambers.

Five-stage expansion system

The nesting area is divided into 5 independent sections and equipped with 5 hydration zones. Extra space can be opened gradually as the colony grows instead of exposing a small colony to every chamber at once. This staged layout makes unused areas easier to manage and allows the occupied nest volume to follow the colony’s development.

Construction and materials

The main body is made from PETG. The source describes it as a chemically inert material that contains no styrene and has no noticeable odor. Nylon screws and sliding gates are used in the assembled structure.

Chamber clearance above the gypsum base is 15 mm. This height provides additional room for large queens, allowing them to move and turn without pressing their backs against the upper panel.

The 80 mm-tall arena has a double acrylic lid. Its two-layer construction is intended to retain its shape during use in a humid setup. Gates and nylon screw fasteners add further escape-control points, although correct assembly and routine inspection of all joints remain necessary.

Specifications at a glance

• Overall format: 200×200 mm.
• Full residential floor made with high-strength G-23 medical gypsum.
• 5 separate nest sections and 5 hydration zones.
• Chamber height above the gypsum: 15 mm.
• Arena height: 80 mm.
• PETG main body with a double acrylic arena lid.
• Intended for moisture-loving species rather than seed-storing ants that need dry chambers.

Questions and answers

Will the gypsum soften under regular hydration?
The system uses high-strength G-23 medical gypsum. Hydration should still be controlled according to colony size and current nest conditions rather than applied without monitoring.

Can harvester ants live in this model?
A fully gypsum-lined nest is not recommended for them. High humidity can make stored seeds germinate or spoil, so Messor and Pogonomyrmex are better matched with a partially gypsum-lined farm that provides dry chambers.

Why is PETG used for the body?
According to the source description, PETG does not release styrene, has no odor, and provides suitable strength for this assembled design. The transparent double arena lid is made from acrylic rather than PETG.