The Black minimodule is a compact starter ant farm intended as temporary housing for a queen and an early colony. Instead of placing the nest, water and feeding point inside one narrow test tube, it combines two living chambers, a built-in micro arena and a partial G23 gypsum insert. This layout gives the ants access to both humid and dry areas while allowing routine feeding away from the queen and brood.

Two chambers with distinct moisture levels

The 10 mm gypsum insert occupies only one of the two chambers. Once moistened, it provides a more humid section where the colony can place brood that needs additional moisture. The second chamber contains no gypsum and remains the dry part of the nest, suitable for pupae or stored food.

This division is particularly useful for less moisture-dependent species that benefit from clearly separated conditions rather than uniform humidity throughout the nest. The ants can select a suitable section and relocate brood as conditions change. Clearance above the gypsum is 15 mm, while the chamber without gypsum provides 25 mm of height.

A structured alternative to a test tube

In a glass tube, the water reservoir, damp cotton, brood and feeding area are positioned very close together. Changes in room temperature may produce condensation, while continuously wet cotton gradually becomes dirty and may develop mould. Feeding also requires opening the tube, which can be awkward when working with fast or highly active ants.

The minimodule separates these functions. Gypsum forms the humidification area, the second chamber provides a dry retreat, and the micro arena serves as the feeding zone. Food can therefore be offered without repeatedly opening the queen’s living space or removing a cotton plug. Keeping feeding activity in a separate area also helps reduce escape opportunities during normal maintenance.

Durable body and clear observation

The base is made from impact-resistant black PETG plastic. Transparent components use 3 mm acrylic, keeping the interior visible for observation. The main sections are secured with metal fasteners, while nylon bolts are used around the micro arena.

The lid includes locking slides designed to hold it in position and reduce the chance of accidental opening during handling, cleaning or an unexpected overturn. Before moving or transporting a live colony, every slide and fastener should still be checked manually. The locking system supports safer handling but does not remove the need for careful preparation.

Specifications

• Configuration: two-chamber starter minimodule with a micro arena.
• Overall size: 50×180 mm.
• Gypsum: G23, 10 mm thick, installed in one chamber only.
• Clearance above gypsum: 15 mm.
• Height in the gypsum-free area: 25 mm.
• Materials: 3 mm clear acrylic and black PETG plastic.
• Fasteners: metal, with nylon fasteners on the micro arena.
• Closure: lid with locking slides.
• Purpose: temporary housing for a queen and a starter colony.

Moisture control and routine care

The gypsum should be moistened in controlled amounts. Adding too much water can over-saturate the module and may eventually encourage mould. Partial gypsum does not make the nest immune to fungal growth; its benefit is the physical separation between a humid section and a dry one, making conditions easier to monitor than in a confined tube with wet cotton.

Food is placed in the micro arena according to the dietary requirements of the species being kept. Leftovers should be removed promptly, and both chambers and the gypsum surface should be inspected regularly. This model is designed for the colony’s initial development. Once the family outgrows the available space, it should be transferred to a larger formicarium suited to the species and its moisture requirements.

Questions and answers

Why use two chambers when only one contains gypsum?

The arrangement creates a clear moisture gradient. The colony can use the humidified chamber for moisture-dependent brood and keep pupae or food reserves in the dry chamber. Ants remain free to move between the two areas.

Does the module completely prevent flooding and mould?

No. It reduces several problems associated with test tubes, but correct care remains essential. Excess water can cause over-humidification, and neglected food or surfaces may still support mould. Moisture should be added gradually and conditions monitored.

What is the advantage of the micro arena?

It provides a feeding point separate from the living chambers, so routine feeding disturbs the queen and brood less. When handling active ants, the lid and all locking slides must still be watched carefully.

Can a colony be transported in the minimodule?

The locking slides help keep the lid closed while the unit is moved. Before transport, check the assembly and fasteners, avoid loose excess water, and provide conditions appropriate for the species throughout the journey.