What’s included

1 × Founding Nest, including:

• 1 × PLA nest body
• 1 × gypsum nest insert
• 1 × clear acrylic viewing panel
• 1 × front Test Tube Connector with TPU fitting
• 1 × rear blanking plate
• associated fittings

Main materials: PLA, 3 mm clear acrylic and screws

External dimensions: approx. 87 × 32 × 25 mm

Insert: gypsum

Internal nesting space: designed around the internal space of a 150 mm test tube

Front connection: Test Tube Connector

Rear connection: Antastic Tom modular connection with blanking plate

Hydration: dedicated hydration port

The front Test Tube Connector is designed around compatible 16 mm OD test tubes.

Test tube dimensions can vary slightly between manufacturers, so fit should always be checked before introducing ants.

The rear connection is designed for compatible Antastic Tom modular equipment.

Compatibility with third-party systems is not guaranteed.

The Founding Nest is designed for colonies that are between the test tube stage and a larger established nest.

It is particularly suited to:

• Queens with their first generations of workers
• Small developing colonies
• Colonies in deteriorating test tubes
• Keepers struggling to feed inside a crowded tube
• Colonies that still benefit from a compact nesting space
• Keepers wanting a reusable alternative to repeatedly replacing test tubes
  

It is intentionally compact.

Moving a small colony into a much larger nest can create unnecessary space for waste storage and make conditions harder to manage. The Founding Nest is intended to provide a more gradual step in colony expansion.

1. Position the Founding Nest on a stable, level surface.
2. Check that the acrylic, hydration port and rear blanking plate are correctly fitted.
3. Hydrate the gypsum according to the requirements of the species.
4. Allow excess surface moisture to settle before introducing the colony.
5. Connect the occupied test tube to the front Test Tube Connector.
6. Check the connection carefully for gaps.
7. Allow the colony to discover and relocate into the nest naturally.
8. Leave the original test tube connected while the colony still chooses to use it.
9. Once the tube has been abandoned and the colony is established, it can be removed and the setup reconfigured as appropriate.
10. Use the rear modular connection when future expansion becomes necessary.
    

Avoid forcing ants from the test tube simply to speed up the move.

The Founding Nest is intended to remain relatively undisturbed once occupied.

Routine checks

• Check hydration levels, gypsum condition, acrylic security, connectors, blanking plate and available nesting space regularly.
• Inspect the acrylic, PLA body, screws and connection points for cracks, chips, warping, looseness or escape gaps.
• Do not continue using damaged parts or any component that compromises containment. Replace or repair it before reuse.
• Avoid allowing food waste to build up inside the nesting chamber.

Hydration

Add clean water through the hydration port when required and allow time for the gypsum to absorb and distribute it before deciding whether more is needed. Do not repeatedly flood the hydration system; different species require different moisture conditions.

Cleaning

• Do not routinely dismantle or clean the occupied nesting chamber.
• When empty, remove loose debris and clean the PLA body and acrylic with lukewarm water and a soft cloth or brush.
• Clean gypsum with a dry soft brush or clean water only where necessary and allow all components to dry before reuse.

Avoid boiling water, dishwashers, abrasive cleaners, bleach, solvents and strongly scented cleaners. Keep PLA components away from excessive heat and direct sunlight.

What is the Founding Nest?

The Founding Nest is a compact hydrated ant nest designed to replace a traditional test tube setup once a colony begins to develop.

It provides a similar compact nesting space to a 150 mm test tube while adding a gypsum hydration system, removable viewing acrylic and modular connection points.

When should I move a colony out of its test tube?

There is no need to move a colony simply because workers have appeared.

A move may become useful when:

• The test tube is running low on water
• The tube is becoming heavily soiled
• Feeding and maintenance are becoming difficult
• The water reservoir is deteriorating
• The colony is becoming crowded
• You want a reusable hydrated nest while keeping the colony in a compact space
  

If the existing test tube remains suitable, the colony can continue using it.

How do I move the ants into the Founding Nest?

Connect the colony's existing test tube to the front Test Tube Connector and allow the ants to explore the nest.

The colony can then relocate naturally rather than being tipped or shaken into the new nest.

There is no need to force a move unless there is an immediate problem with the existing test tube.

Is it larger than a test tube?

The internal nesting area is deliberately kept compact and is designed around the internal space available in a 150 mm test tube.

The intention is not to suddenly give a small colony a large nest, but to provide a more permanent and manageable alternative to the test tube stage.

How is the nest hydrated?

Water is added through the dedicated hydration port.

The gypsum insert absorbs the water and distributes moisture into the nesting area.

Hydration requirements differ between species, so add water gradually rather than completely saturating the insert.

How much water should I add?

There is no single quantity suitable for every colony.

Humidity requirements depend on the species, room conditions and how quickly the gypsum dries.

Start conservatively and observe the colour and moisture level of the gypsum before adding more.

Avoid continuously adding water to already saturated gypsum.

Does the gypsum need replacing?

The gypsum insert is designed for long-term use but should still be monitored for contamination, physical damage or excessive deterioration.

Good feeding and waste management will help keep the nest clean.

What is the rear blanking plate for?

The rear connection is closed with a blanking plate during normal use.

It provides a future expansion point so the colony can later be connected to compatible Antastic Tom equipment without replacing the Founding Nest immediately.

Can I connect an outworld to it?

The rear modular connection is intended to provide future expansion options with compatible Antastic Tom components.

Exactly how you expand the setup will depend on the colony and the components being connected.

Does it replace an outworld?

Not necessarily.

For very small colonies, feeding may still be manageable through their existing connected setup. As worker numbers increase, providing a suitable outworld usually makes feeding and maintenance considerably easier.

Is it escape-proof?

No ant enclosure should be treated as universally escape-proof.

Make sure the acrylic, connectors, blanking plate and test tube connection are all correctly fitted before introducing ants.

Particular care should be taken with very small species.