A black formicarium with full-area nest hydration

The ANTMART Flow Black 220x110, version B is an ant farm intended for exotic and moisture-loving species that require hydration across the entire nesting area. Its appearance combines deep black surfaces, light structural elements, and the geometric language of the Flow (Organic Lines Edition) series. The contrasting body provides a clear background for observing brood and colony movement, while the triangular lines give the system its distinctive profile.

A continuous 6 mm G-23 plaster plate

The defining feature of version B is a monolithic plaster plate covering the full residential zone. The plate is 6 mm thick and made from G-23 plaster, identified as medical plaster in the specifications and as high-strength dental plaster in the source description. Because the insert extends across the nesting area, moisture is distributed over a broad surface rather than confined to a small local point. This reduces the formation of sharply separated dry areas.

The configuration is intended for ants that require a consistently moist nesting environment. The stated compatible groups include Pheidole, moisture-loving Camponotus, and ponerine ants such as Pachycondyla and Odontoponera. The requirements of the particular species should still be compared with the farm’s parameters before introduction. Membership in one of the listed genera does not by itself confirm that every species within that genus needs the same conditions.

Body materials and corrosion-resistant fasteners

The primary structural parts use black and white acrylic with a thickness of 3 mm. Impact-resistant PETG plastic is also incorporated into the construction. Black nylon bolts replace metal fasteners. Nylon tolerates contact with water and does not rust in a humid environment, so the fasteners do not introduce metal corrosion products into the area surrounding the regularly hydrated plaster. Their black finish also supports the visual design of the enclosure.

The chambers have a bionic geometry without sharp corners. Removable partitions divide the nesting space into two independent sections. A smaller colony can initially receive access to only part of the chambers. When the family grows and needs more room, the second section can be opened. This arrangement supports gradual expansion instead of exposing a young colony to the complete nesting volume immediately.

An 80 mm arena and Double Layer lid

The arena is 80 mm high and fitted with a double acrylic lid described as the Double Layer system. Two acrylic layers increase rigidity and are intended to resist bending caused by the humid environment and evaporation. Mechanical sliding locks hold the lid in its operating position and help limit the formation of accessible gaps.

The locks are relevant during routine housing and when preparing the unit for careful transportation. Even with this construction, the keeper should inspect lid seating, ventilation, connections, plugs, and every lock before adding ants or moving the farm. The design helps manage escape risk, but it does not replace a direct check of the assembled enclosure.

Construction overview

• base dimensions: 220x110 mm;
• arena height: 80 mm;
• black and white 3 mm acrylic;
• components made from impact-resistant PETG plastic;
• continuous 6 mm G-23 plaster plate;
• black nylon bolts;
• two nesting sections with removable partitions;
• double acrylic lid secured by mechanical sliding locks;
• bionic chamber geometry without sharp corners.

Intended use and limitations

Version B is designed for colonies that benefit from hydration across the whole residential area. This distinguishes it from partially plastered configurations in which moisture is concentrated in a local zone. Selection should account for more than adult worker size: feeding habits, food storage, the required moisture gradient, and expected colony growth are also relevant.

The model is explicitly not intended for Messor or other seed-harvesting ants within the stated use case. Its continuously moist plaster surface can create unsuitable conditions for stored seeds and contribute to spoilage. The 220x110 mm format is also not presented as a permanent solution for giant colonies. The source information points to larger 200x200 mm systems when substantially more capacity is required.

Questions and answers

• What is the purpose of covering the entire nest with G-23 plaster?

The continuous plate distributes moisture across the nesting surface instead of providing only a localized humid point. The design is intended for the tropical and moisture-loving groups identified in the source material as requiring a more consistent humid background.

• Why does the farm use nylon instead of metal bolts?

Nylon does not rust when exposed to water. This property is particularly relevant in a full-plaster system, where fasteners operate beside material that is regularly moistened and should not be contaminated by metal oxidation products.

• What does the double lid contribute?

Two layers increase the rigidity of the acrylic cover and reduce its tendency to bend. Mechanical sliding locks keep the assembly in its designated position and help maintain close seating over the arena.

• Is this model suitable for Messor?

No. The stated limitation specifically excludes Messor. Full-area plaster hydration conflicts with the harvester ants’ practice of storing seeds, because consistently damp conditions can contribute to deterioration of those food reserves.

• How are the two nest sections used?

The removable partitions allow access to be staged. The colony can occupy the first group of chambers while it is small, and the second section can be connected later as the family develops and needs additional nesting space.