ANTMART Apex Black B is an elongated 220×110 mm ant farm designed for colonies that require a consistently humid nest area. Its black base makes the ants’ silhouettes easy to distinguish, while clear acrylic provides a direct view of the chambers and arena. The desktop-oriented footprint uses space efficiently without depriving a developing colony of room to expand.

A full-area gypsum system

The defining feature of Variant B is the continuous gypsum layer beneath the entire nest section. It uses a 6 mm layer of high-strength G23 gypsum to retain and distribute moisture across the living chambers. This configuration is intended primarily for tropical and moisture-dependent genera such as Pheidole, Pachycondyla, Odontoponera, and Carebara. It may also be used for Camponotus maculatus subnudus and Camponotus nicobarensis when a highly humid nest matches the requirements of the species and the particular colony.

A full-gypsum layout is not recommended for Messor or Pogonomyrmex, which need dry areas for storage. Variant A, with partial gypsum coverage, is more appropriate for those ants because it separates humid living chambers from dry storage space. Always base the choice on the husbandry requirements of the exact species rather than colony size alone.

Materials selected for humid use

The farm combines clear acrylic, PETG plastic, G23 gypsum, and black nylon fasteners. Unlike metal hardware exposed to persistent moisture, the nylon bolts do not rust. This prevents corrosion residue from entering the gypsum layer. The feature is particularly relevant in a full-gypsum formicarium, where the fastening system operates close to a regularly humidified surface.

Chambers that expand with the colony

The living chambers provide 15 mm of height above the gypsum. Through the transparent panel, the queen, workers, brood, and movement between chambers remain visible. The nest is divided into three sections, allowing the keeper to release additional space gradually as the family grows. A young colony therefore does not need to occupy the full nest volume from the beginning.

Arena and closure system

The 80 mm-high arena serves as the feeding and foraging area and can also accommodate suitable decoration. Its height allows the outworld to be arranged without disturbing the nest chambers. Any decorative elements should be positioned so that feeding points remain accessible and routine cleaning is not obstructed.

A double acrylic lid closes the arena. The two-layer construction improves resistance to deformation, while mechanical Safety Lock sliders hold the lid in its closed position. This arrangement is useful during maintenance and transport. Careful handling and regular inspection of every connection are still necessary, as no closure replaces responsible escape prevention.

Who is Apex Black B intended for?

• tropical and moisture-dependent ants that require a broad humidified nest area;
• growing colonies that benefit from the staged release of three nest sections;
• keepers seeking a 220×110 mm elongated farm with a tall arena;
• setups where corrosion-resistant hardware and clearly visible chambers are priorities.

Questions and answers

Which ants are suited to Variant B?
It targets humidity-loving species, including Pheidole and Odontoponera. The suitability of full-area gypsum must still be checked against the needs of the exact species being housed.

Why are nylon bolts used instead of steel ones?
Black nylon does not rust in the humid environment and prevents metal corrosion residue from contaminating the gypsum.

Can the arena be decorated?
Yes. Its 80 mm height leaves room for suitable decor, provided enough open space remains for feeding, observation, and cleaning.