Medium Nest

• 1 × PLA Medium Nest body
• 1 × gypsum nest insert
• 1 × clear acrylic nest cover
• 1 × Medium Nest blackout cover
• 5 × PLA blanking connectors
• 1 × nest-to-module connector
• 6 × M3 screws
• 1 × pipette for hydration
  

The Medium Nest is supplied with one gypsum insert designed specifically for the nest body.

External dimensions: To be confirmed

Internal nest area: To be confirmed

Maximum chamber depth: To be confirmed

Materials: PLA, gypsum and clear acrylic

The Medium Nest uses the current Antastic Tom modular connector system and is compatible with all current Antastic Tom modular products.

The Medium Nest is designed for established colonies that are consistently using the available space in a smaller nest and need additional room for workers, brood and food storage.

It is best suited to:

• Colonies that have outgrown the Small Nest
• Growing colonies with an increasing worker population
• Species that naturally require more chamber space
• Larger-bodied ants that may fill smaller nests sooner
• Keepers looking to expand gradually within the Antastic Tom modular system
  

The exact colony size will depend on the species. Worker numbers alone should not determine when to upgrade; consider the size of the ants, the amount of brood and how fully the current nest is being occupied.

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 six 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 5/6 blanking connectors into any unused ports.
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 3 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.

Hydrate the gypsum gradually and only when required. The amount and frequency will vary depending on the species, room temperature, ventilation and how quickly the insert dries.

During use:

• Check the gypsum regularly rather than hydrating to a fixed schedule
• Add water slowly using the supplied pipette
• Stop if water begins entering the chambers
• Keep food in a connected outworld rather than inside the nest
• Remove accessible waste before it accumulates
• Keep unused ports securely blanked
• Check the acrylic cover, screws and connectors regularly
• Keep the blackout cover fitted except during brief observations
  

When the nest is empty, clean the PLA body and acrylic using lukewarm water and a soft cloth or brush. Avoid boiling water, dishwashers, abrasive pads, solvents and strong cleaning products.

Gypsum is porous and may discolour during use. Remove loose debris with a dry brush and use clean water only when rinsing is necessary. Replace the insert if it becomes heavily contaminated, persistently mouldy or damaged in a way that creates gaps around the chambers.

When should I upgrade from the Small Nest?

Upgrade when the colony is consistently occupying most of the available chamber space, brood is becoming crowded or maintaining the smaller nest is becoming difficult. Avoid upgrading simply because the colony occasionally explores every chamber.

How many workers can the Medium Nest hold?

There is no exact figure because ant species vary greatly in body size, brood volume and nesting behaviour. A colony of small ants may remain comfortable for much longer than a colony of large Camponotus in the same space.

Does the Medium Nest include a choice of inserts?

No. The Medium Nest is supplied with one gypsum insert designed specifically for the nest body.

How often should I hydrate it?

There is no universal schedule. Monitor the gypsum and hydrate gradually when it begins to dry. Requirements will vary by species and environmental conditions.

Should food be placed inside the nest?

No. Food should normally be offered in a connected outworld or feeding module to reduce waste, mould and mites inside the nesting chambers.

Do I need to use the blackout cover?

The blackout cover is strongly recommended. It keeps the chambers darker and reduces disturbance while allowing the colony to be observed briefly when required.

Can I connect it to other Antastic Tom products?

Yes. It uses the current Antastic Tom modular connector system and can connect to compatible outworlds, Founding Pods and expansion components.

Is the Medium Nest escape-proof?

It is designed to close securely when assembled correctly, but no ant setup should be assumed to be completely escape-proof. Check the acrylic, screws, blanking connectors and every modular connection before introducing ants.