• Founding Pod
• Starter Outworld
• Small Nest
• Founding Gypsum Insert
• Modular connectors
• Blanking plug
• Red nest cover
• Matching blackout cover
• Matching test-tube blackout cover

Optional extra

Standard Gypsum Insert

The included Founding Insert provides a reduced nesting area for smaller colonies. The Standard Insert can be added for those larger species, or for expected later expansion

Founding Pod

External dimensions: To be confirmed

Internal feeding area: To be confirmed

Suitable test-tube outside diameter: Approximately 14–16 mm

Starter Outworld

External dimensions: To be confirmed

Usable internal floor area: To be confirmed

Internal height: To be confirmed

Small Nest

External dimensions: To be confirmed

Internal chamber area: To be confirmed

Maximum chamber depth: To be confirmed

Materials used across the kit: PLA, TPU, clear acrylic and gypsum.

All three modules use the current Antastic Tom modular connection system and are compatible with current Antastic Tom modular products.

The total footprint will depend on which modules are connected and how the setup is arranged. The system does not need to remain in one fixed layout.

Test-tube compatibility should be checked using the tube’s outside diameter, as this is the surface held by the TPU connector.

The Colony Growth Kit is best suited to:

• New keepers who want one setup for several early growth stages
• Keepers planning ahead for a founding queen
• Colonies approaching their first workers
• Small colonies currently living in a test tube
• Keepers who prefer modular expansion
• Anyone wanting to avoid oversized early housing
• Species suited to small, controlled nest spaces
  

It is especially useful for keepers who want the equipment ready in advance but understand that each part may remain unused until the colony reaches the appropriate stage.

Who is it not for?

This kit may not be suitable if:

• You intend to move a newly caught queen directly into the nest
• Your species requires a highly specialised naturalistic setup
• Your colony has already outgrown the Small Nest
• You want one large display enclosure rather than gradual modular expansion
• You are keeping an exceptionally large or unusually fast-growing species
  

Contact Antastic Tom before ordering if you are unsure whether the kit is appropriate for your species or colony size.

Before introducing ants:

1. Assemble each module without the colony present.
2. Check that all connectors and plugs fit securely.
3. Confirm that the outworld lids close correctly.
4. Inspect all joins for gaps.
5. Decide which modules are currently required.
6. Leave unused ports securely plugged.
7. Hydrate the gypsum insert only when the nest is ready to be used.
8. Keep the nesting area covered.
   

Do not connect every module immediately simply because it is included.

A very small colony is usually easier to feed and monitor in a compact setup.

Stage 1: Founding queen

Keep the queen sealed inside her hydrated test tube during founding.

At this stage:

• Do not place her inside the Small Nest
• Do not open the tube for routine feeding
• Keep the nesting end covered
• Store the tube somewhere stable and away from direct sunlight
• Check her briefly and infrequently
  

For fully claustral species, the queen normally raises her first workers using stored reserves.

The test tube is her nest.

Stage 2: First workers

Once the first workers have emerged, darkened and become active, the test tube can be connected to the Founding Pod.

The Founding Pod is a compact feeding area with high walls. It allows the workers to collect sugar water and protein without requiring the colony to leave the security of its original test tube.

Do not tip the colony into the pod. The test tube remains connected and continues to function as the nest.

Stage 3: Increased foraging

As the worker population grows, the Starter Outworld can be connected to provide:

• More feeding space
• Easier cleaning
• Additional room for foraging
• Separation between the nest and waste area
• Space for water feeders and feeding dishes
  

There is no fixed worker number at which the Starter Outworld must be added. Introduce it when the Founding Pod is becoming difficult to feed or clean safely, or when the colony is using the available space consistently.

Stage 4: Moving into the Small Nest

The Small Nest should only be introduced when there is a genuine reason to move beyond the test tube.

Suitable reasons may include:

• The test-tube water reservoir is nearly empty
• The tube has flooded or become unsafe
• Contamination is spreading
• The colony has become overcrowded
• Feeding and cleaning through the existing setup have become difficult
• The colony can occupy a meaningful proportion of the Small Nest
  

Hydrate the gypsum insert carefully before connecting the nest. Keep the nest covered and allow the colony to investigate and move voluntarily wherever possible.

Do not shake or pour the colony into the nest simply to make them move faster.

Hydration

The founding test tube provides water and humidity during the earliest stages.

When the Small Nest is introduced, hydrate the gypsum insert gradually. The aim is to provide a moisture gradient rather than saturating the complete nest.

Overhydration may cause:

• Heavy condensation
• Standing water
• Brood being moved away from the wet area
• Increased mould growth
• Workers avoiding chambers
  

Allow the colony access to both more humid and drier areas wherever possible.

Feeding

Once workers are active, provide:

• A safe carbohydrate source such as sugar water
• Appropriately sized insect protein
• Continuous access to drinking water
  

Use small portions and remove uneaten protein before it spoils.

Young colonies consume very little. Large portions usually create more waste rather than faster growth.

Cleaning

Use feeding trays or dishes wherever possible.

Remove:

• Old feeder remains
• Sticky sugar residue
• Dead workers
• Excess waste
• Moulding food
  

Avoid dismantling occupied modules unnecessarily. Clean accessible outworld areas while keeping the nest secure and covered.

Light and disturbance

Keep the test tube and nest covered for normal day-to-day care.

Brief observation is unlikely to cause harm, but repeated handling, vibration and bright light provide no benefit to a young colony.

Escape prevention

Check connectors, plugs and lids regularly.

Small workers may escape through gaps that appear insignificant. Make sure modules are fully connected before opening access between them.

Should I connect the complete kit immediately?

No.

The system is intended to be introduced in stages. Begin with only the space the colony currently needs.

For a founding queen, this may mean using only the test tube. The Founding Pod comes next when workers require feeding access.

Can I put a lone queen directly into the Small Nest?

No.

The queen should normally remain inside her founding test tube. The test tube provides a smaller, more stable and easier-to-manage founding chamber.

Owning the nest does not mean the queen needs to occupy it.

What is the Founding Pod?

The Founding Pod is a compact mini outworld with high walls.

It connects to the queen’s test tube and provides controlled feeding access once workers arrive. It is not intended to replace the test tube as the colony’s nest.

When should I add the Starter Outworld?

Add it when the colony is regularly using the Founding Pod and would benefit from more feeding, cleaning or foraging space.

There is no universal worker count because species vary considerably in worker size and behaviour.

When should I connect the Small Nest?

Connect it when the test tube is becoming unsuitable or the colony has grown enough to use the additional nesting space.

Do not move the colony simply because the nest is available.

What is the difference between the Founding and Standard Inserts?

The Founding Insert provides a smaller internal nesting area for an early colony.

The optional Standard Insert opens more usable chamber space and is intended for a colony that has grown beyond the founding layout.

Is the Standard Insert included?

No. The Founding Gypsum Insert is included as standard.

The Standard Insert is available separately

Does the kit include the queen or colony?

No.

The Colony Growth Kit contains the housing and connection equipment only unless the product listing specifically states that a queen or colony is included.

Can the modules be rearranged?

Yes.

The modular connectors allow the layout to be adapted as the colony develops. Unused ports should remain securely plugged.

Does the complete setup need heating?

That depends on the species and room temperature.

Many UK-native species can be kept at stable room temperature. Species requiring additional warmth should be heated gently and across only part of the setup so the ants retain access to a cooler area.

Never place the entire nest or water reservoir directly over uncontrolled heat.

Is the red cover a complete blackout?

The red cover reduces light and disturbance while allowing easier observation.

For species that strongly prefer darkness, use the supplied blackout cover when the colony is not being observed.

How large a colony will the kit support?

The kit is intended for founding and early colony development.

The exact capacity depends on the species, worker size and how densely the colony uses its nesting space. Larger colonies can later be expanded through additional compatible modules.

Can I use substrate in the outworld?

A small amount can be used where appropriate, but it is not required.

A clear outworld floor makes feeding, cleaning, waste monitoring and escape checks easier, particularly for a beginner.

What should I do if I am unsure whether the colony is ready to expand?

Send Antastic Tom a clear photograph of the colony and complete setup before moving or connecting additional modules.

It is usually safer to wait than to provide too much space too early.