Early Colony Nest

• 1 × PLA Early Colony Nest body
• 1 × Founding gypsum insert (only insert layout supplied)
• 1 × clear acrylic nest cover
• 3 × PLA blanking connectors
• 1 × nest-to-module PLA connector
• 3 × TPU retention clips
• 4 × M3 screws
• 1 × pipette for hydration
  

The Early Colony Nest is supplied with a Founding gypsum insert only. There is no separate insert selection.

Main materials: PLA, 3 mm clear acrylic and screws

External dimensions: approx. 60 × 60 × 25 mm; three modular connection ports

Insert: Founding gypsum insert only

The Early Colony Nest uses the Antastic Tom modular connector system and is compatible with current Antastic Tom modular products where fittings match, including compatible outworlds, founding systems and connectors.

The Early Colony Nest is designed for very small colonies, including colonies with their first workers and early worker stages of larger-bodied ant species where additional housing is appropriate. Its Founding gypsum insert limits available nesting space.

This nest is supplied with the Founding gypsum insert only. Choose it according to the species and the colony’s actual housing needs.

Founding Insert

The Founding Insert provides a smaller and more restricted chamber area. It is best suited to:

• Founding queens where a nest setup is specifically required
• Queens with their first workers
• Very small nanitic-stage colonies
• Larger ant species whose queens require more room than a standard test tube provides
• Colonies that need a gradual first step into a modular nest
  

For most fully claustral queens, a secure test-tube setup remains the preferred founding environment. The Founding Insert should only be used where a nest is genuinely beneficial or necessary.

Worker counts are only a guide. For most fully claustral queens, a secure hydrated test tube is still preferable during founding. The insert should be used where a nest is genuinely suitable.

1. Check the gypsum insert for loose dust or debris before assembly. A soft, dry brush can be used if necessary.
2. Gently lower the gypsum insert into the PLA nest body. Do not force or twist it into position, as gypsum can chip if placed under pressure.
3. Position the clear acrylic cover over the nest.
4. Insert the four M3 screws and tighten them evenly. Tighten only until the acrylic is held securely. Overtightening may crack the acrylic, damage the gypsum or distort the PLA body.
5. Fit the supplied blanking connectors into unused modular connection ports. Check each connection before introducing ants.
6. Attach the nest-to-module connector to the port that will connect to the colony’s outworld, test tube or other Antastic Tom module.
7. Insert the TPU retention clips into the upper slots of the connectors. These help prevent the connectors from being pulled out accidentally.
8. Using the supplied pipette, slowly add approximately 2 ml of water to the nest hydration point.
9. Allow the water to absorb into the gypsum before introducing the colony. Check that no standing water has entered the chambers.
10. Fit the blackout cover over the nesting area and connect the nest securely to the rest of the setup.
    

Allow the ants to move into the nest naturally. Do not shake, tip or force the colony from its existing test tube or module.

Hydrate the gypsum gradually rather than adding a large amount of water at once. Around 2 ml is suitable for the initial hydration, but future frequency will depend on the species, room temperature, ventilation and how quickly the gypsum dries.

Routine checks

• Check hydration regularly and add water slowly using the supplied pipette. Stop if water begins entering the chambers.
• Inspect the acrylic cover, screws, connectors, retention clips and PLA body for cracks, chips, warping, looseness or gaps.
• Keep unused connection ports securely blanked and check them after moving or cleaning the nest.
• Do not continue using a damaged component or any part that creates a containment gap. Replace or repair it before reuse.
• Keep food in a connected outworld rather than inside the nest and remove accessible waste before it accumulates.

Cleaning the acrylic and PLA body

• Only fully dismantle and clean the nest when it is empty.
• Wipe the acrylic with lukewarm water and a soft cloth and clean the PLA body with lukewarm water and a soft brush.
• Allow all parts to dry completely before reassembly.

Cleaning the gypsum insert

Gypsum is porous and may naturally discolour over time. Do not soak it in soap, disinfectant or cleaning chemicals because residues can be absorbed into the material.

• Remove loose debris with a soft, dry brush.
• Lightly rinse with clean water only where necessary.
• Allow the insert to dry fully before storage or reuse.
• Replace the insert if it becomes heavily contaminated, persistently mouldy or damaged in a way that creates gaps around the chambers or acrylic.

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

Which gypsum insert is included?

Only the Founding gypsum insert is supplied. There is no separate insert selection at checkout.

Can I use the Early Colony Nest for a queen without workers?

Yes, when using the Founding Insert, but only where a nest is appropriate for that queen. Most fully claustral queens are still best left in a secure test-tube setup until their first workers arrive.

Semi-claustral queens, larger species or unusual founding groups may benefit from a nest setup earlier.

How many workers can the nest hold?

There is no exact number because ant species vary considerably in body size and nesting behaviour.

The supplied Founding insert is intended for suitable founding and first-worker colonies. There is no fixed worker-count limit; ant size, brood and how much space the colony occupies matter more than a single number.

How often should I hydrate the nest?

There is no fixed schedule. Hydration depends on the species, temperature, ventilation and room conditions.

Check the gypsum regularly and add water gradually when it begins to dry. Avoid hydrating automatically on a set day if the insert is still visibly damp.

How much water should I add?

Use approximately 2 ml for the initial hydration, added slowly through the hydration point.

For later hydration, add smaller amounts gradually and observe how quickly the gypsum absorbs the water. Stop if the insert becomes heavily saturated or water begins entering the chambers.

Should I feed the ants inside the nest?

No. Food should be offered in a connected outworld or feeding module. Feeding inside the nest can increase waste, mould and mites in an area that is difficult to clean while occupied.

Do I need to use the blackout cover?

The blackout cover is strongly recommended. It keeps the nesting chambers darker and reduces disturbance while still allowing you to remove the cover briefly for observation.

Some colonies tolerate light better than others, but providing darkness gives the ants the choice of a more secure nesting environment.

How do I move the colony into the nest?

Connect their current test tube to a founding pod (sold
separately) or test tube connector (sold
separately) to the nest and allow them to move naturally.

Hydrate the nest, fit the blackout cover and leave the existing test tube exposed to normal room light if necessary. Do not shake or pour the ants into the nest.

What are the TPU retention clips for?

The clips fit into the upper slots of the modular connection points. They help hold the connectors securely and reduce the risk of a connector being pulled out accidentally.

Is the Early Colony Nest escape-proof?

It is designed to close securely when correctly assembled, but no ant setup should be treated as automatically escape-proof.

Before introducing ants, check:

• 
  The acrylic cover
  
• 
  All four screws
  
• 
  The blanking connectors
  
• 
  The nest-to-module connector
  
• 
  The TPU retention clips
  
• 
  Every connection to another module
  

Can I connect the nest to other Antastic Tom products?

Yes. The Early Colony Nest uses the current Antastic Tom modular connector system and can connect to compatible outworlds, Founding Pods, test-tube systems and other modular products.

Can the gypsum insert be replaced?

Yes. The removable insert can be taken out when the nest is empty and replaced if it becomes damaged, heavily contaminated or no longer suitable for the colony.

Is staining on the gypsum normal?

Some staining and discolouration are normal because gypsum is porous and absorbs moisture. Dark marks do not automatically mean the insert is mouldy.

Persistent spreading mould, unpleasant odours or contamination that cannot be removed are signs that the insert may need replacing.