Apex White B: a bright formicarium for intensive humidification

The 220×110 mm ANTMART Apex White B combines a white body, precisely arranged square passages, and a nest lined with a full gypsum plate. This layout is intended for colonies that require elevated nest humidity while keeping the chambers easy to observe. The pale finish provides a clear background for watching the ants, brood, and food movement inside the nest.

A full layer of G23 gypsum

The defining feature of Variant B is a 6 mm layer of G23 gypsum covering the entire residential area. Its porous surface distributes moisture through the nest block and provides a broad evaporation zone. This distinguishes the model from partially gypsum-lined farms, which retain dry plastic chambers alongside the humidified section.

The full-gypsum configuration is primarily intended for moisture-loving tropical ants. The supplied guidance identifies Pheidole, Pachycondyla, Odontoponera, Carebara, Camponotus maculatus subnudus, and Camponotus nicobarensis as relevant examples. Suitability for an individual colony should still be assessed according to the species’ requirements and its current stage of development.

This level of humidification may be excessive for steppe genera such as Messor and Pogonomyrmex. Variant A, with a partial gypsum insert and a clearer division between humid and dry areas, is the more appropriate format for such ants.

Body, panels, and fasteners

The body is made from white PETG, the transparent components are acrylic, and the structure uses white nylon bolts. Nylon does not rust in a humid environment, preventing metallic corrosion products from entering the gypsum. These materials also create a clean monochrome appearance without obstructing the view into the formicarium.

The white background makes the natural coloration of the inhabitants easier to see. Compatibility, however, depends on humidity requirements, body size, and colony characteristics rather than the color of the enclosure.

A nest that expands in stages

The residential block is divided into 3 autonomous sections. They can be opened progressively as the colony increases in size, so a small family does not have to occupy the full nest immediately. This arrangement allows the available space to follow the colony’s development.

The chambers provide 15 mm of height above the gypsum. This measurement should be considered when choosing the enclosure for a particular species, especially when the colony includes a large queen or heavily built workers. Square passages give the interior an orderly layout and remain clearly visible through the transparent panel.

An 80 mm arena with a double cover

The 80 mm-high arena creates a separate area for feeding, routine maintenance, and observation. Two acrylic sheets form its upper cover. The double-sheet construction is intended to reduce the effects of acrylic warping that may occur in the presence of evaporation.

Mechanical slides hold access points in the body grooves and reduce the possibility of the cover shifting accidentally during tilting or vibration. They are a retaining feature rather than a substitute for careful handling: every connection and cover position should be checked before the farm is moved.

Key points before introducing a colony

• Overall size: 220×110 mm.
• Humidification: a full 6 mm G23 gypsum plate.
• Materials: white PETG, acrylic, and white nylon fasteners.
• Chamber height above gypsum: 15 mm.
• Nest organization: 3 independently accessible sections.
• Arena height: 80 mm.
• Closure: two acrylic sheets secured with mechanical slides.
• Limitation: not designed around the needs of steppe species that are sensitive to excess moisture.

Questions and answers

Why does Variant B use gypsum across the entire nest?

The full plate creates a large humidified surface and spreads evaporation more evenly through the nest. This is useful for ants requiring consistently moist chambers, but watering still needs to be controlled according to the biology of the species.

What is the purpose of the nylon bolts?

Nylon fasteners do not rust when exposed to the farm’s humid environment and therefore do not introduce metallic corrosion into the gypsum. They provide structural fastening without the oxidation associated with metal hardware.

How do the mechanical slides help?

They retain the acrylic cover in the designated grooves and keep it from moving freely. This is useful during maintenance and careful relocation, although the formicarium must still be handled gently in transit.

Is this model suitable for Messor or Pogonomyrmex?

A nest fully lined with gypsum may be too humid for steppe ants. A partial-gypsum configuration that also gives the colony access to dry chambers is the more suitable option for those genera.