{"product_id":"15-150mm-ant-farm-house-green-test-tube-ant-nest-plaster-tube-for-ant-house-gypsum-pet-anthill-workshop-villa-queen-home","title":"Gypsum Ant Nest Test Tube 15×150mm, 1 or 5 pack","description":"\u003cstyle\u003e.yvk-prod{font-family:inherit;color:#1f1610;font-size:16px;line-height:1.65;max-width:860px;margin:0 auto}.yvk-prod-hook{font-size:1.1rem;line-height:1.7;margin:0 0 24px}.yvk-prod-trust{display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:12px;list-style:none;margin:0 0 40px;padding:0}.yvk-prod-trust-item{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:8px;background:#fefcf8;border:1px solid #e7ddd0;border-radius:8px;padding:10px 16px;font-size:0.9rem;font-weight:600;color:#1f1610}.yvk-prod-trust svg{color:#a84c42;flex-shrink:0}.yvk-prod-story{margin:0 0 48px}.yvk-prod-story p{margin:0 0 16px;max-width:720px}.yvk-prod-h2{font-size:1.75rem;font-weight:700;color:#1f1610;margin:56px 0 20px;line-height:1.2;position:relative;padding-top:20px}.yvk-prod-h2::before{content:'';display:block;width:36px;height:3px;background:#a84c42;margin-bottom:14px;border-radius:2px}.yvk-prod-benefits-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(2,1fr);gap:20px;margin:0 0 48px}.yvk-prod-benefit{background:#fefcf8;border:1px solid #e7ddd0;border-radius:10px;padding:24px 20px}.yvk-prod-benefit-icon{display:block;margin-bottom:12px;color:#a84c42}.yvk-prod-benefit-icon svg{color:#a84c42}.yvk-prod-benefit h3{font-size:1.05rem;font-weight:700;color:#1f1610;margin:0 0 8px;line-height:1.3}.yvk-prod-benefit p{font-size:0.95rem;margin:0;color:#3a2e28;line-height:1.6}.yvk-prod-features{width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;margin:0 0 48px;font-size:0.95rem}.yvk-prod-features tr{border-bottom:1px solid #e7ddd0}.yvk-prod-features tr:last-child{border-bottom:none}.yvk-prod-feature-ico{width:36px;padding:14px 8px 14px 0;vertical-align:middle;color:#a84c42}.yvk-prod-feature-ico svg{color:#a84c42}.yvk-prod-features td{padding:14px 8px;vertical-align:middle;color:#1f1610}.yvk-prod-features td strong{font-weight:600}.yvk-prod-care{list-style:none;padding:0;margin:0 0 48px}.yvk-prod-care-item{display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:12px;padding:14px 0;border-bottom:1px solid #e7ddd0;font-size:0.95rem;line-height:1.6;color:#1f1610}.yvk-prod-care-item:last-child{border-bottom:none}.yvk-prod-care svg{color:#a84c42;flex-shrink:0;margin-top:2px}.yvk-prod-sociomatch{background:#fefcf8;border:1px solid #e7ddd0;border-radius:10px;padding:24px 28px;margin:0 0 48px;font-size:0.97rem;line-height:1.7}.yvk-prod-faq-wrap{margin:0 0 48px}.yvk-prod-faq{border-left:3px solid #a84c42;background:#fefcf8;border-radius:0 8px 8px 0;margin-bottom:12px;overflow:hidden}.yvk-prod-faq summary{padding:18px 22px;font-size:1rem;font-weight:600;color:#1f1610;cursor:pointer;list-style:none;display:flex;justify-content:space-between;align-items:center;transition:background 0.2s}.yvk-prod-faq summary:hover{background:#f3ede4}.yvk-prod-faq summary::after{content:'';display:inline-block;width:10px;height:10px;border-right:2px solid #a84c42;border-bottom:2px solid #a84c42;transform:rotate(45deg);transition:transform 0.25s;flex-shrink:0;margin-left:12px}.yvk-prod-faq[open] summary::after{transform:rotate(-135deg)}.yvk-prod-faq-answer{padding:4px 22px 18px;font-size:0.95rem;color:#3a2e28;line-height:1.65}.yvk-prod svg{display:inline-block;vertical-align:middle;flex-shrink:0}@media(max-width:640px){.yvk-prod-benefits-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr}.yvk-prod-h2{font-size:1.4rem}.yvk-prod-features{display:block;overflow-x:auto}.yvk-prod-trust{flex-direction:column}}\u003c\/style\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"yvk-prod\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"yvk-prod-hook\"\u003eYour queen just started laying, and the last thing you want is a \u003cstrong\u003egypsum ant nest test tube\u003c\/strong\u003e that dries out in three days. This 15x150mm plaster-and-sand tube holds moisture for weeks, giving a founding colony the stable, humid microclimate it actually needs to thrive.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"yvk-prod-trust\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"yvk-prod-trust-item\"\u003e\n\u003csvg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.8\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M12 2 4 6v6c0 5 4 9 8 10 4-1 8-5 8-10V6l-8-4z\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpolyline points=\"9 12 11 14 15 10\"\u003e\u003c\/polyline\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNo harmful chemicals\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"yvk-prod-trust-item\"\u003e\n\u003csvg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.8\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\u003e\u003ccircle cx=\"12\" cy=\"12\" r=\"9\"\u003e\u003c\/circle\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M3 12h18\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M12 3c-2.5 3-4 5.5-4 9s1.5 6 4 9\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M12 3c2.5 3 4 5.5 4 9s-1.5 6-4 9\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGlass + gypsum construction\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"yvk-prod-trust-item\"\u003e\n\u003csvg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.8\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M3 7l9-4 9 4v10l-9 4-9-4V7z\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M3 7l9 4 9-4\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M12 11v10\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003cspan\u003eShips without live ants\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"yvk-prod-story\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe classic cotton-plug test tube works fine for the first few weeks of a founding setup. But once a queen of \u003cem\u003eLasius niger\u003c\/em\u003e (the common black garden ant) starts producing her first workers, that cotton dries faster than you expect, especially if your room runs warm. I burned through a dozen plain glass tubes before I started using plaster-lined ones, and the difference in founding success rate was obvious.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis tube pairs a borosilicate glass shell with a gypsum-and-sand inner layer. The plaster absorbs water slowly and releases it as vapor over days, not hours. The sand mixed into the gypsum roughens the surface slightly, which ants grip better than smooth plaster alone. It is a small detail, but colonies settle in noticeably faster when the texture feels closer to natural soil.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe green-floor variant adds a thin tinted acrylic floor panel that blocks light from below, reducing stress on brood-sensitive species like \u003cem\u003eCamponotus\u003c\/em\u003e (carpenter ants) and \u003cem\u003eMessor barbarus\u003c\/em\u003e (the seed-harvesting ant common in Mediterranean regions). If you are running a species that prefers total darkness during founding, that floor panel earns its keep.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e\u003ch2 class=\"yvk-prod-h2\"\u003eWhy a gypsum ant nest test tube outperforms plain glass for founding colonies\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"yvk-prod-benefits-grid\"\u003e\n\u003carticle class=\"yvk-prod-benefit\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"yvk-prod-benefit-icon\"\u003e\u003csvg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"26\" height=\"26\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.8\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M12 2C6 2 3 7 3 12s3 10 9 10 9-5 9-10S18 2 12 2z\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M12 6v6l4 2\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWeeks of stable humidity from the plaster lining\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe gypsum-and-sand wall absorbs a single water charge and releases it slowly, keeping the interior at the 60-80% relative humidity that founding queens need without daily refills.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/article\u003e\u003carticle class=\"yvk-prod-benefit\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"yvk-prod-benefit-icon\"\u003e\u003csvg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"26\" height=\"26\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.8\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M12 2C7 2 4 6 4 10c0 6 8 12 8 12s8-6 8-12c0-4-3-8-8-8z\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003ccircle cx=\"12\" cy=\"10\" r=\"2.5\"\u003e\u003c\/circle\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ch3\u003eTextured inner surface ants actually grip\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSand particles embedded in the plaster create micro-ridges that workers and queens navigate confidently, cutting the restless pacing you often see in smooth-walled glass tubes.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/article\u003e\u003carticle class=\"yvk-prod-benefit\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"yvk-prod-benefit-icon\"\u003e\u003csvg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"26\" height=\"26\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.8\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\u003e\u003crect x=\"3\" y=\"3\" width=\"18\" height=\"18\" rx=\"2\"\u003e\u003c\/rect\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M3 9h18\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M9 21V9\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ch3\u003eGreen floor option cuts light stress on brood\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe tinted floor panel on the green variant blocks under-lighting, which matters for species like \u003cem\u003eCamponotus\u003c\/em\u003e that keep brood in the darkest chamber they can find.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/article\u003e\u003carticle class=\"yvk-prod-benefit\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"yvk-prod-benefit-icon\"\u003e\u003csvg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"26\" height=\"26\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.8\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M3 7l9-4 9 4v10l-9 4-9-4V7z\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M3 7l9 4 9-4\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M12 11v10\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ch3\u003e5-pack value for multi-colony or backup setups\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRunning several queens at once, or want a spare ready when nuptial flight season hits? The 5-pack drops the per-tube cost and keeps a buffer on your shelf for the next catch.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/article\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"yvk-prod-h2\"\u003eGypsum ant nest test tube specs: materials, size, and what is in the box\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"yvk-prod-features\"\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"yvk-prod-feature-ico\"\u003e\u003csvg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"18\" height=\"18\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.8\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M3 21 21 3\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M5 18l2-2\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M8 15l2-2\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M11 12l2-2\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M14 9l2-2\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M17 6l2-2\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTube dimensions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e15mm diameter x 150mm length\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"yvk-prod-feature-ico\"\u003e\u003csvg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"18\" height=\"18\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.8\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\u003e\u003ccircle cx=\"12\" cy=\"12\" r=\"9\"\u003e\u003c\/circle\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M3 12h18\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M12 3c-2.5 3-4 5.5-4 9s1.5 6 4 9\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M12 3c2.5 3 4 5.5 4 9s-1.5 6-4 9\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShell material\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBorosilicate glass\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"yvk-prod-feature-ico\"\u003e\u003csvg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"18\" height=\"18\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.8\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M3 12c0-3 2-5 5-5h8c3 0 5 2 5 5v3H3v-3z\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M6 15v3\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M12 15v3\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M18 15v3\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInner lining\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGypsum (plaster) + sand blend\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"yvk-prod-feature-ico\"\u003e\u003csvg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"18\" height=\"18\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.8\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\u003e\u003crect x=\"3\" y=\"3\" width=\"18\" height=\"18\" rx=\"2\"\u003e\u003c\/rect\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M3 9h18\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M9 21V9\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFloor panel (green variant)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTinted acrylic, light-blocking\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"yvk-prod-feature-ico\"\u003e\u003csvg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"18\" height=\"18\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.8\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M12 2 4 6v6c0 5 4 9 8 10 4-1 8-5 8-10V6l-8-4z\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpolyline points=\"9 12 11 14 15 10\"\u003e\u003c\/polyline\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRegulated substances\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNone\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"yvk-prod-feature-ico\"\u003e\u003csvg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"18\" height=\"18\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.8\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M3 7l9-4 9 4v10l-9 4-9-4V7z\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M3 7l9 4 9-4\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M12 11v10\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBox contents\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1 or 5 tubes (no live ants included)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"yvk-prod-feature-ico\"\u003e\u003csvg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"18\" height=\"18\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.8\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M5 6h14\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M12 6v15\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M3 11h6\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M15 11h6\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvailable packs\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1 pc ($9.95) or 5 pcs ($27.95)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"yvk-prod-h2\"\u003eHow to set up and maintain your gypsum ant nest test tube correctly\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"yvk-prod-care\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"yvk-prod-care-item\"\u003e\n\u003csvg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.8\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M12 2C7 2 4 6 4 10c0 6 8 12 8 12s8-6 8-12c0-4-3-8-8-8z\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003ccircle cx=\"12\" cy=\"10\" r=\"2.5\"\u003e\u003c\/circle\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBefore placing your queen, add 1-2ml of distilled or dechlorinated water along the inner wall. Let it absorb for 30 minutes. The plaster should feel cool and slightly damp to the touch, not wet.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"yvk-prod-care-item\"\u003e\n\u003csvg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.8\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M3 12c0-3 2-5 5-5h8c3 0 5 2 5 5v3H3v-3z\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M6 15v3\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M12 15v3\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M18 15v3\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlug the open end with a cotton ball. This keeps the queen in, lets air circulate, and prevents mold from building up inside the tube during the founding phase.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"yvk-prod-care-item\"\u003e\n\u003csvg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.8\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\u003e\u003ccircle cx=\"12\" cy=\"12\" r=\"4\"\u003e\u003c\/circle\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M12 2v3\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M12 19v3\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M2 12h3\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M19 12h3\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M5 5l2 2\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M17 17l2 2\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M5 19l2-2\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M17 7l2-2\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKeep the tube away from direct sunlight and heat sources. A stable ambient temperature of 24-28C (75-82F) suits most temperate founding queens. For species that hibernate, like \u003cem\u003eLasius niger\u003c\/em\u003e, plan to move the tube to a 5-10C (41-50F) location in late October.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"yvk-prod-care-item\"\u003e\n\u003csvg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.8\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M3 12a9 9 0 0 1 15-6.7L21 8\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M21 3v5h-5\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M21 12a9 9 0 0 1-15 6.7L3 16\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M3 21v-5h5\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRecharge moisture every 2-4 weeks by adding a few drops of water to the plaster wall. Check by pressing a fingertip lightly against the glass: if it feels room-temperature rather than cool, it is time to rehydrate.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"yvk-prod-care-item\"\u003e\n\u003csvg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.8\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M3 12c0-3 2-5 5-5h8c3 0 5 2 5 5v3H3v-3z\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M6 15v3\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M12 15v3\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M18 15v3\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIf you spot mold (usually white or gray fuzz near the cotton plug), replace the plug immediately and allow the tube to dry slightly before recharging. A small amount of surface mold near the plug is common and manageable; mold spreading to the brood area means the tube is too wet.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"yvk-prod-care-item\"\u003e\n\u003csvg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.8\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M12 2 4 6v6c0 5 4 9 8 10 4-1 8-5 8-10V6l-8-4z\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003cpolyline points=\"9 12 11 14 15 10\"\u003e\u003c\/polyline\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOnce the colony has 20-50 workers, connect the tube to a formicarium or outworld via flexible tubing. The test tube becomes the nest; the formicarium becomes the foraging zone. Do not rush this transition.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"yvk-prod-h2\"\u003eWho this plaster ant test tube nest is made for\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"yvk-prod-sociomatch\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis tube is the right call if you just caught your first queen during summer nuptial flight season and want a founding setup that actually holds humidity without babysitting it every day. It also suits experienced keepers running several colonies at once who need reliable, affordable tubes in quantity. Parents setting up a first ant farm for a curious kid will appreciate that the materials list is clean: glass, gypsum, sand, nothing concerning.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is probably not the right fit if your colony already has 100+ workers and needs a full acrylic or plaster formicarium with separate chambers. At that stage, a single 150mm tube is too small to house the colony comfortably. Check your local regulations before keeping any exotic species not native to your region.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"yvk-prod-h2\"\u003eGypsum ant test tube nest: questions keepers ask before buying\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"yvk-prod-faq-wrap\"\u003e\n\u003cdetails class=\"yvk-prod-faq\"\u003e\u003csummary\u003eWhich ant species work best in a 15x150mm plaster test tube?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"yvk-prod-faq-answer\"\u003eThis size suits most founding queens of small to medium species: \u003cem\u003eLasius niger\u003c\/em\u003e (black garden ant), \u003cem\u003eFormica\u003c\/em\u003e spp., and early-stage \u003cem\u003eCamponotus\u003c\/em\u003e (carpenter ant) colonies up to around 30-50 workers. Larger \u003cem\u003eCamponotus\u003c\/em\u003e colonies or seed-harvesting \u003cem\u003eMessor barbarus\u003c\/em\u003e colonies will outgrow it faster and should be connected to a larger formicarium once worker count climbs past 40-60. For tiny species like \u003cem\u003eTemnothorax\u003c\/em\u003e, the 15mm diameter is on the wide side, but it still works.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\u003cdetails class=\"yvk-prod-faq\"\u003e\u003csummary\u003eHow long does shipping take, and will the tube arrive intact?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"yvk-prod-faq-answer\"\u003eGlass tubes ship with protective packaging to reduce breakage risk in transit. Delivery times vary by destination: typically 7-20 business days for international orders. If a tube arrives cracked, photograph it immediately and contact us through the store so we can sort it out. We ship without live ants, which keeps the package straightforward for customs in most countries.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\u003cdetails class=\"yvk-prod-faq\"\u003e\u003csummary\u003eHow long does the gypsum lining actually hold moisture before I need to recharge it?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"yvk-prod-faq-answer\"\u003eUnder typical indoor conditions (20-25C, moderate ambient humidity), a properly charged plaster lining stays damp for 2-4 weeks. Warmer rooms or drier climates will shorten that window. The glass wall makes it easy to check: condensation on the inside surface means humidity is good; a completely dry interior means it is time to add a few drops of water along the wall.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\u003cdetails class=\"yvk-prod-faq\"\u003e\u003csummary\u003eWhat is the difference between the green floor variant and the normal version?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"yvk-prod-faq-answer\"\u003eThe normal version is a standard clear glass tube with a gypsum-and-sand lining. The green floor variant adds a tinted acrylic panel at the base that blocks light coming from below. This matters for species that are sensitive to light during the founding phase, particularly \u003cem\u003eCamponotus\u003c\/em\u003e and other species that instinctively keep brood in the darkest available spot. If you plan to place the tube on a light-colored surface or under a lamp, the green floor version reduces stress on the queen and brood noticeably. Both variants are otherwise identical in size and materials.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"Product\",\"name\":\"Gypsum Ant Nest Test Tube 15x150mm - Plaster and Sand Founding Setup\",\"image\":[\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1054\/9618\/3126\/files\/cro-packshot-7c2a60a0.webp?v=1787719425\",\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1054\/9618\/3126\/files\/cro-benefits-19635f72.webp?v=1787719430\",\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1054\/9618\/3126\/files\/cro-lifestyle-1140e0a5.webp?v=1787719437\"],\"description\":\"A 15x150mm borosilicate glass test tube with a gypsum-and-sand inner lining that holds moisture for 2-4 weeks. Designed for founding ant queens during the claustral phase. Available in a standard clear version and a green-floor variant that blocks under-lighting to reduce brood stress. Comes in 1-pack or 5-pack. No live ants included.\",\"sku\":\"14:175#Green floor 1 pc;5:100014066#15-150mm\",\"brand\":{\"@type\":\"Brand\",\"name\":\"Ma boutique\"},\"offers\":{\"@type\":\"Offer\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/hkuunx-fq.myshopify.com\/products\/15-150mm-ant-farm-house-green-test-tube-ant-nest-plaster-tube-for-ant-house-gypsum-pet-anthill-workshop-villa-queen-home\",\"priceCurrency\":\"USD\",\"price\":\"9.95\",\"availability\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\/InStock\",\"itemCondition\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\/NewCondition\"}}\u003c\/script\u003e\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Which ant species work best in a 15x150mm plaster test tube?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"This size suits most founding queens of small to medium species: Lasius niger (black garden ant), Formica spp., and early-stage Camponotus (carpenter ant) colonies up to around 30-50 workers. Larger Camponotus colonies or seed-harvesting Messor barbarus colonies will outgrow it faster and should be connected to a larger formicarium once worker count climbs past 40-60.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"How long does shipping take, and will the tube arrive intact?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Glass tubes ship with protective packaging to reduce breakage risk in transit. Delivery times vary by destination: typically 7-20 business days for international orders. If a tube arrives cracked, photograph it immediately and contact us through the store so we can sort it out. We ship without live ants, which keeps the package straightforward for customs in most countries.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"How long does the gypsum lining actually hold moisture before I need to recharge it?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Under typical indoor conditions (20-25C, moderate ambient humidity), a properly charged plaster lining stays damp for 2-4 weeks. Warmer rooms or drier climates will shorten that window. The glass wall makes it easy to check: condensation on the inside surface means humidity is good; a completely dry interior means it is time to add a few drops of water along the wall.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What is the difference between the green floor variant and the normal version?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"The normal version is a standard clear glass tube with a gypsum-and-sand lining. The green floor variant adds a tinted acrylic panel at the base that blocks light coming from below. This matters for species that are sensitive to light during the founding phase, particularly Camponotus and other species that instinctively keep brood in the darkest available spot. Both variants are identical in size and materials.\"}}]}\u003c\/script\u003e","brand":"Ma boutique","offers":[{"title":"Green floor 1 pc \/ 15-150mm","offer_id":55088331817302,"sku":"14:175#Green floor 1 pc;5:100014066#15-150mm","price":8.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"Green floor 5 pcs \/ 15-150mm","offer_id":55088331850070,"sku":"14:10#Green floor 5 pcs;5:100014066#15-150mm","price":24.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"Normal 1 pc \/ 15-150mm","offer_id":55088331882838,"sku":"14:29#Normal 1 pc;5:100014066#15-150mm","price":8.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"Normal 5 pcs \/ 15-150mm","offer_id":55088331915606,"sku":"14:193#Normal 5 pcs;5:100014066#15-150mm","price":24.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1054\/9618\/3126\/files\/cro-packshot-7c2a60a0.webp?v=1787719425","url":"https:\/\/theformicarium.com\/products\/15-150mm-ant-farm-house-green-test-tube-ant-nest-plaster-tube-for-ant-house-gypsum-pet-anthill-workshop-villa-queen-home","provider":"The Formicarium","version":"1.0","type":"link"}