Founding All-in-One

1 × Founding All-in-One, including:

• 1 × PLA main body
• 1 × gypsum founding nest insert
• 1 × clear acrylic top
• 1 × integrated outworld area
• 1 × Test Tube Connector with flexible TPU fitting
• 2 × blanking connectors
• 3 x Retention clips
• 6 x M3 screws

Main materials: PLA, 3 mm clear acrylic and screws

External dimensions: approx. 137 × 60 × 25 mm

Insert: founding gypsum insert

Nest type: compact hydrated founding chamber

Outworld: integrated

Test tube connection: Flexible TPU Test Tube Connector

Additional modular ports: 2

Unused ports: supplied with blanking connectors

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

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

The additional ports are designed for compatible Antastic Tom modular equipment.

Compatibility with third-party systems is not guaranteed.

The Founding All-in-One is designed for the stage between a basic test tube setup and a larger colony system.

It is particularly useful for:

• Queens with their first generations of workers
• Nanitic and small developing colonies
• Colonies becoming difficult to feed inside a test tube
• Keepers wanting a dedicated outworld without a large setup
• Colonies requiring a compact hydrated nest
• Keepers who want a setup that can later be expanded
  

The nesting area is intentionally small.

Young colonies generally benefit from appropriately sized nesting space rather than being moved immediately into a much larger nest.

1. Place the Founding All-in-One on a flat, stable surface.
2. Check that the acrylic and all connectors are correctly secured.
3. Make sure the unused modular ports are fitted with their blanking connectors.
4. Hydrate the gypsum insert according to the requirements of the species.
5. Allow the moisture to distribute through the gypsum.
6. Connect the colony's existing test tube to the Test Tube Connector.
7. Check the connection carefully before opening access between the tube and setup.
8. Allow the workers to explore the outworld and nesting chamber naturally.
9. Provide small amounts of suitable protein and carbohydrates in the outworld.
10. Leave the test tube connected while the colony still chooses to use it.
11. Remove or reconfigure the test tube once the colony has fully relocated and it is safe to do so.
12. Use the additional modular ports when future expansion becomes necessary.
    

Do not force the colony into the gypsum nest simply because the setup has been connected.

The nesting chamber should normally be disturbed as little as possible once occupied.

Routine checks

• Check gypsum hydration, insert condition, food and waste accumulation, acrylic security, Test Tube Connector fit, blanking connectors and all modular connection points regularly.
• Inspect the PLA body, acrylic, screws, connectors and plugs 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.

Outworld care

• Remove uneaten food before it spoils and clear waste when required.
• Use feeding dishes where practical to reduce residue on the outworld floor.
• Check that food, substrate or decoration has not obstructed a connection or created an escape route.

Nest maintenance

• Avoid routinely opening or cleaning the occupied nesting area.
• When the unit is empty, remove loose debris and clean PLA and acrylic components with lukewarm water.
• Clean gypsum with a dry soft brush or clean water only where necessary and allow all components to dry fully 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 All-in-One?

The Founding All-in-One combines a small hydrated ant nest and outworld into one compact enclosure.

The colony has a dedicated gypsum nesting area while workers can leave the nest to feed and deposit waste in the adjoining outworld.

When should I move a colony into it?

There is no need to move a colony simply because the first workers have arrived.

It becomes particularly useful when:

• Feeding inside the test tube is becoming difficult
• Worker numbers are increasing
• The test tube is becoming dirty
• The test tube water reservoir is running low
• The colony would benefit from a dedicated feeding area
• You want to begin transitioning towards a reusable nest
  

If the colony is still doing well in its test tube, there is no need to rush the move.

How do I move the ants from their test tube?

Connect the occupied test tube to the supplied Test Tube Connector.

The ants can then explore the outworld and nesting area while retaining access to their original test tube.

They can be allowed to relocate naturally rather than being tipped or shaken into the new nest.

Do I need to remove the test tube immediately?

No.

The existing test tube can remain connected while the colony continues to use it.

Once the colony has moved and is established inside the gypsum nest, the test tube can be removed when appropriate or be used as a water supply

How is the nest hydrated?

The founding nest contains an absorbent gypsum insert which is hydrated through the dedicated hydration system.

Water is absorbed into the gypsum to provide moisture within the nesting area.

Different ant species require different humidity levels, so hydration should always be adjusted according to the species being kept.

How much water should I add?

There is no single correct amount for every colony.

Add water gradually and allow the gypsum time to absorb it before adding more.

Avoid repeatedly saturating an already wet insert.

Room temperature, humidity and species requirements will all affect how frequently hydration is required.

What is the outworld for?

The outworld provides a separate area for:

• Protein feeding
• Sugar feeding
• Water access
• Waste disposal
• General colony maintenance
  

Keeping food outside the nesting chamber can make a young colony considerably easier to maintain.

What are the two blanking connectors for?

The additional modular ports are closed using the supplied blanking connectors when they are not required.

As the colony grows, these ports can be used to connect compatible Antastic Tom nests, outworlds or other modular components.

Does this mean I won't need to upgrade later?

No.

The Founding All-in-One is deliberately compact and is intended for early colony development.

As worker numbers increase, the colony will eventually require additional nesting or outworld space.

The modular connections are designed to make that future expansion easier.

Is it suitable for a single queen?

For most fully claustral species, a queen without workers is generally better left undisturbed in her test tube.

The Founding All-in-One is primarily intended for colonies that already have workers and are beginning to benefit from an outworld.

Semi-claustral species may find this set up useful

Is it escape-proof?

No ant enclosure should be considered universally escape-proof.

Always check:

• The acrylic is correctly secured
• The Test Tube Connector fits correctly
• Both unused ports are properly blanked
• Access points are closed
• There are no gaps appropriate for the species being kept
  

Particular care should be taken with very small workers.