• Red Viewing Nest Cover product image
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Antastic Tom

Red Viewing Nest Cover

Red Viewing Nest Cover

£0.99 GBP
£0.99 GBP
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Taxes included. Shipping calculated at checkout.
Size

4 in stock

The Red Viewing Nest Cover is a removable red acrylic sheet designed for observation through a compatible Antastic Tom nest lid while filtering some visible light. Red acrylic does not guarantee darkness for ants.

Choose your nest size

  • Early Colony Nest / Founding All-in-One (60mm): the same red cover fits both nest models.
  • Small Nest (80mm): redesigned Small Nest.
  • Medium Nest (New Design): redesigned Medium Nest.
  • Large Nest (New Design): redesigned Large Nest.

Each purchase includes one red acrylic cover in the selected size. It does not include a nest or a solid blackout cover. These covers are also supplied in the corresponding Small and Medium Colony Kits.

Remove any protective film before use. Place the cover carefully over the correct nest model and remove it as needed to inspect hydration, lid fit and connections. Do not force, sharply bend or expose acrylic to excessive heat.

What’s included

1 × removable red acrylic viewing cover in the nest size selected at checkout.

Nest and PLA blackout cover are sold separately. Compatible covers are included in selected Colony Kits.

Dimensions and compatibility

Material: red acrylic (approximately 3mm thick, as specified in the current product). Select the exact nest size and design.

  • Early Colony Nest (60mm) / Founding All-in-One: identical cover for both nest products.
  • Small Nest (80mm): redesigned Small Nest only.
  • Medium Nest (New Design): redesigned Medium Nest only.
  • Large Nest (New Design): redesigned Large Nest only.

Not intended to be interchangeable with blackout covers for original Medium and Large Nests. Do not force an incorrect size over the acrylic lid or connections.

Who it’s for

For ant keepers who want to observe colonies with some visible-light filtering without uncovering the nest completely.

Red acrylic does not guarantee darkness; use a correctly fitted solid blackout cover when stronger light shielding is desired.

Setup and use

  • Confirm the chosen red viewing cover matches the actual nest model.
  • Remove any protective film before first use.
  • Place gently over the correctly secured clear acrylic nest lid; do not force or bend the red acrylic sheet.
  • Remove temporarily for checks, hydration or maintenance as needed. Use a matching solid blackout cover for stronger light shielding between observations.

Care and maintenance

Inspection

Check for chips, cracks, sharp edges or changes in fit. Avoid forcing or flexing the acrylic. Remove the cover to check hydration and nest containment as required.

Cleaning

Wipe with a soft, non-abrasive cloth and lukewarm water while removed from the nest. Dry fully before refitting. Avoid abrasives, alcohol, strong solvents and excessive heat.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Early Colony red cover also suitable for Founding All-in-One?

Yes. Both products use the shared 60mm cover.

Is red acrylic completely dark to ants?

No. It reduces some visible light but does not guarantee darkness across ant species. The PLA blackout cover provides stronger shielding.

Does this fit the new Medium and Large Nest?

Yes, when you choose the Medium Nest (New Design) or Large Nest (New Design) variant respectively.

Does it replace the clear acrylic nest lid?

No. It is an additional removable cover, not a replacement for the nest's fitted clear lid.

Are blackout and red covers included with standalone nests?

No. They are separate accessories with standalone nests, but matching covers are included in the Small and Medium Colony Kits.

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Make sure this suits your colony

Check dimensions, compatibility and species-specific requirements before choosing equipment. You can explore the guides without adding anything to your basket.

Product suitability ↗

Useful next steps

Find relevant guidance or browse related equipment.

What equipment do you need?A practical guide to choosing essentials without overspending.Read guide ↗ Browse accessoriesFind feeding tools, connectors, covers and useful spares.Explore accessories ↗ Check compatibilityMake sure your selected parts work with the rest of your setup.Compatibility guide ↗