ANTMART Apex Yellow B is a vivid 220×110 mm gypsum ant farm designed for colonies that require a consistently humid nest. Yellow acrylic provides a high-contrast background, while the transparent PETG components allow the keeper to observe workers moving through the square passages, tending brood, and organizing the living chambers.

Full-floor hydration

Version B has a continuous gypsum floor throughout the residential area. A 6 mm layer of high-strength G23 gypsum absorbs water and distributes moisture across the nest rather than limiting it to one small point. This layout is intended primarily for moisture-loving ants. The source specifically lists Pheidole, Pachycondyla, Carebara, and Camponotus maculatus subnudus as relevant examples.

A fully gypsum-lined nest may be too humid for Messor and other steppe species, particularly when seeds are stored inside the chambers. For colonies requiring extensive dry space, Version A with partial gypsum coverage is the more appropriate configuration to consider.

Corrosion-resistant fasteners

The structure combines acrylic with PETG plastic and uses white nylon bolts instead of metal hardware. Nylon does not rust in a damp environment, so it avoids the corrosion normally associated with steel fasteners exposed to recurring moisture. This is a practical feature in a farm where the gypsum layer is watered regularly. The original material also associates this feature with Camponotus japonicus, Myrmicaria brunnea, and Camponotus pseudoirritans.

Arena and access control

The 80 mm-high arena provides room for feeding, routine cleaning, and watching surface activity. It is covered by a double acrylic lid. The two-layer construction is intended to resist bending caused by moisture evaporating from the gypsum. The lid sits in fitted grooves and is secured with mechanical sliding locks.

The usable chamber height is 15 mm above the gypsum surface. Internal dividers split the nest into three sections, allowing the keeper to expand the occupied area as the colony grows. A small family can therefore begin with a limited space instead of receiving access to the entire nest immediately.

Key construction details

• overall size: 220×110 mm;
• square passage geometry;
• continuous 6 mm G23 gypsum floor;
• 15 mm of chamber height above the gypsum;
• three sections for gradual settlement;
• 80 mm-high arena;
• double acrylic top lid;
• mechanical sliding locks;
• white nylon bolts;
• acrylic and PETG plastic components.

Before introducing ants, the keeper should compare the species’ humidity requirements, body size, colony stage, and preferred chamber conditions with this farm’s specifications. Camponotus fedtschenkoi is mentioned in the source as a possible first inhabitant, but the same supplied material describes that species as xerophilic and dependent on dry areas with localized hydration. Its suitability for the fully gypsum-lined Version B should therefore be verified separately.

Questions and answers

Why does gypsum cover the entire chamber floor?
The continuous G23 gypsum layer holds a substantial amount of water and spreads moisture throughout the residential sections. This provides a broadly humid environment for species that are sensitive to drying.

Why are nylon bolts used instead of metal ones?
Nylon is not subject to rust under persistent humid conditions. It therefore avoids the corrosion products and visible deterioration that can develop on ordinary steel hardware.

Can the farm be transported with ants inside?
The closely fitted parts, double lid, and mechanical locks reduce the chance of accidental opening when the farm is tilted. However, the source’s claim of complete sealing is not supported by test data. Every connection should be checked before transport, and an additional external escape barrier or secure container should be used.