Water Feeder

• 1 × PLA Water Feeder base
• 1 × small clear plastic vial
• 4 × pre-cut cotton roll

Replacement cotton can be purchased from Antastic Tom. Compatible cotton can also be sourced elsewhere as standard dental cotton rolls.

The appearance of the supplied vial or cotton may vary slightly between production batches without affecting normal use.

External feeder dimensions: To be confirmed

Vial capacity: To be confirmed

Vial diameter: To be confirmed

Material: PLA and clear plastic

The Water Feeder is designed for use inside an ant outworld or other suitable feeding area.

Before placing it inside an enclosure, check that:

• The feeder fits comfortably on the floor
• The vial can be removed vertically for refilling
• The ants cannot use it as a bridge to the lid
• It does not obstruct connectors or access points

The Water Feeder is designed for ant keepers who want to provide a dedicated water source without placing an open dish of liquid inside the outworld.

It is suitable for:

• Queens with their first workers
• Small developing colonies
• Established colonies needing a secondary water source
• Colonies housed in nests without permanent drinking water access
• Keepers who want a refillable alternative to disposable water feeders
  

The feeder can be used alongside a hydrated nest. Nest hydration controls the moisture within the nesting material, while the Water Feeder provides drinking water that workers can access directly.

Very small colonies may use water slowly, but the vial should still be checked regularly to ensure it has not dried out or become contaminated.

1. Remove the plastic vial from the PLA base.
2. Fill the vial with clean drinking water.
3. Insert the supplied pre-cut cotton firmly into the opening of the water feeder base.
4. The cotton should fit securely enough to retain the water while still becoming damp.
5. Carefully invert the vial and place it into the PLA base.
6. Leave the feeder upright for a few moments and check for excessive leaking before placing it inside the outworld.
7. Position the feeder on a flat, stable section of the outworld floor.
8. Ensure the damp cotton remains accessible to the ants without touching loose substrate or debris.
   

Do not use the feeder if water pours freely through the cotton. Remove the vial and refit the cotton using a slightly larger or more tightly packed piece.

Once the cotton becomes excessively dirty or after multiple changes, use a new piece

1. Remove the plastic vial from the PLA base.
2. Fill the vial with clean drinking water.
3. Insert the supplied pre-cut cotton firmly into the opening of the water feeder base.
4. The cotton should fit securely enough to retain the water while still becoming damp.
5. Carefully invert the vial and place it into the PLA base.
6. Leave the feeder upright for a few moments and check for excessive leaking before placing it inside the outworld.
7. Position the feeder on a flat, stable section of the outworld floor.
8. Ensure the damp cotton remains accessible to the ants without touching loose substrate or debris.
   

Do not use the feeder if water pours freely through the cotton. Remove the vial and refit the cotton using a slightly larger or more tightly packed piece.

Once the cotton becomes excessively dirty or after multiple changes, use a new piece

What does the Water Feeder contain?

It includes the PLA base, one plastic water vial and one pre-cut piece of cotton ready for setup.

How does it work?

Water is held inside the inverted vial. The cotton retains the water while drawing a small amount towards the exposed surface, where the ants can drink safely.

Is the cotton reusable?

It can remain in use while it is clean and functioning correctly, but it should be replaced once it becomes dirty, damaged, heavily discoloured or difficult for the ants to access.

Where can I buy replacement cotton?

Pre-cut replacements can be purchased from Antastic Tom.

Standard dental cotton rolls can also be purchased online and cut to the required length. Check that the cotton fits the vial securely before placing the feeder inside the outworld.

Can I use ordinary cotton wool?

Loose cotton wool may not provide the same consistent fit and can be pulled apart by ants more easily.

Dental cotton rolls are preferable because they are formed into a firm, consistent shape and can be cut cleanly to size.

How full should I fill the vial?

The vial can normally be filled close to the top, leaving enough space to insert the cotton securely without causing water to overflow.

Check the assembled feeder for leaks before returning it to the ants.

Why is the feeder leaking?

Common causes include:

• A damaged vial
• The feeder being tilted
• Substrate touching the cotton and drawing water out
  

Replace or refit the cotton and test the feeder on a dry surface before using it again.

Why is the cotton not becoming wet?

The cotton may be packed too tightly, or not making proper contact with the water.

Remove it, adjust the fit and test it again before placing the feeder in the outworld.

If the issue persists contact Antastic Tom to discuss further

Can ants drown in it?

The cotton prevents ants from reaching an open pool of water, which substantially reduces the risk. The feeder should still be checked for leaks, loose cotton and exposed water before use.

Can it be used for sugar water?

The feeder is primarily designed for plain drinking water.

Sugar water spoils more quickly, can leave sticky residue and may encourage mould. A separate feeding dish should be used for sugar solutions and cleaned much more frequently.

Does it replace nest hydration?

No. It provides drinking water for the workers.

Species that require a humid nest will still need suitable nest hydration in addition to a drinking-water source.

Where should it be placed?

Place it upright on a level section of the outworld floor, away from the upper walls and lid.

Do not position it where ants could use the assembled feeder as a bridge to an escape point.