ANTMART Soty Black B is a 200×200 mm formicarium developed for moisture-loving ants that require a consistently humid nesting area. Its black body, honeycomb chamber layout, and tall arena create a distinctive setup for observing a colony as it grows. Variant B is defined by full-area gypsum coverage and is intended primarily for tropical and other humidity-dependent species rather than ants adapted to dry nests.

Moisture distributed across the nest

The entire residential area is lined with a 6 mm layer of G23 medical gypsum. This layer absorbs water and helps spread moisture through the chamber system, reducing abrupt transitions between dry and damp sections. Two independent humidification zones can be serviced separately, giving the keeper more control over how the nest is supplied with water.

Full gypsum coverage is the principal difference between Variant B and versions with only partial lining. It creates a broadly humid nesting environment for colonies that need moisture throughout most of their living space. The actual amount and frequency of watering must still be selected for the species being kept and adjusted through regular observation; full coverage does not remove the need to monitor conditions.

Room for movement and colony expansion

There is 15 mm of clear chamber height above the gypsum. This space accommodates large queens and workers, including members of the genus Camponotus, while allowing room for movement, brood care, and the colony’s internal organization.

The nest is divided into five autonomous sections. Removable partitions let the keeper release additional space gradually instead of giving a young family access to the entire formicarium at once. Unneeded chambers can remain closed until the occupied sections become insufficient. Progressive opening also reduces the number of empty areas that a small colony might otherwise use for refuse.

Materials selected for humid use

The main structure is made from PETG plastic. It is suitable for contact with water, has no pronounced inherent odor, and retains its form in a damp environment. Foam and plywood are not used in this model. Black nylon bolts do not rust, making the fittings practical beside regularly moistened gypsum.

An 80 mm-high arena provides a separate area for feeding, hunting, and observation. It is covered by a double acrylic lid. The two-sheet arrangement helps the cover retain its shape under humid conditions, while sliding closures block the designated openings. Before introducing ants, the keeper should inspect the fit of the lid, the positions of the partitions, and every connection point.

Species compatibility

Soty Black B is designed for moisture-loving genera such as Pheidole, Pachycondyla, Odontoponera, and Carebara. The source recommendations also identify:

• Myrmicaria brunnea;
• Camponotus maculatus subnudus;
• Camponotus japonicus;
• Camponotus nicobarensis;
• Camponotus pseudoirritans;
• Camponotus fedtschenkoi.

This configuration is not intended for dry-nesting Messor harvester ants. Variant A, with incomplete gypsum coverage, is the suggested alternative for those ants. Inclusion in the compatibility list should not replace species-specific research: humidity, temperature, chamber dimensions, and diet must be checked before a colony is housed.

Cleaning and routine operation

The PETG body can be washed with water. Distilled water is recommended for routine humidification because it is less likely to leave mineral deposits on the transparent acrylic and black surfaces. Water volume and maintenance intervals should be determined from the condition of the gypsum and the colony’s response. Uncontrolled saturation should be avoided.

The honeycomb layout supports visual inspection, and the absence of sharp dead-end corners makes small workers easier to observe. Escape resistance, however, also depends on correct assembly and routine maintenance. The lid, sliders, partitions, and joints should therefore be checked regularly rather than treated as an automatic barrier under every circumstance.

Questions and answers

How does full gypsum coverage differ from partial lining?
The gypsum extends across the entire residential area and distributes moisture throughout the nest block. This makes Variant B a specialized configuration for humidity-loving colonies, while partial coverage creates more distinct dry sections.

Can PETG components be rinsed with water?
Yes. After cleaning, the parts should be carefully dried and reassembled correctly. Distilled water is preferable for humidification because it produces fewer lime deposits on visible surfaces.

Does the honeycomb design suit small ants?
Its chamber geometry can accommodate small workers and offers a clear view of the colony. All joints must still be inspected before settlement, with particular attention to the body size of the species concerned.