{"product_id":"acrylic-ant-farm-unlimited-expansion-ant-nest-with-feeding-area-gypsum-ant-house-pet-anthill-workshop-moisturizing-water-tower","title":"Modular Acrylic Ant Farm with Gypsum Nest + Water Tower","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 p{margin:0 0 18px}.yvk-prod-hook{font-size:1.1rem;line-height:1.7;margin-bottom:22px}.yvk-prod strong{font-weight:700}.yvk-prod-trust{list-style:none;padding:0;margin:0 0 36px;display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:12px}.yvk-prod-trust-item{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:9px;background:#fefcf8;border:1px solid #e7ddd0;border-radius:8px;padding:10px 16px;font-size:0.92rem;font-weight:600;color:#1f1610;flex:1 1 auto;min-width:160px}.yvk-prod-trust svg{color:#a84c42;flex-shrink:0}.yvk-prod-story{margin-bottom:40px}.yvk-prod-story p{margin:0 0 16px}.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:2px;background:#a84c42;margin-bottom:14px}.yvk-prod-benefits-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(2,1fr);gap:18px;margin-bottom:40px}.yvk-prod-benefit{background:#fefcf8;border:1px solid #e7ddd0;border-radius:10px;padding:22px 20px;display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:10px}.yvk-prod-benefit-icon{display:flex;align-items:center}.yvk-prod-benefit-icon svg{color:#a84c42}.yvk-prod-benefit h3{font-size:1.05rem;font-weight:700;color:#1f1610;margin:0;line-height:1.3}.yvk-prod-benefit p{font-size:0.95rem;color:#3a2e27;margin:0;line-height:1.6}.yvk-prod-features{width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;margin-bottom:40px;font-size:0.95rem}.yvk-prod-features tr{border-bottom:1px solid #e7ddd0}.yvk-prod-features tr:last-child{border-bottom:none}.yvk-prod-features td{padding:12px 14px;vertical-align:middle;color:#1f1610}.yvk-prod-feature-ico{width:36px;text-align:center}.yvk-prod-feature-ico svg{color:#a84c42}.yvk-prod-features td:nth-child(2){font-weight:600;width:38%}.yvk-prod-features td:nth-child(3){color:#3a2e27}.yvk-prod-care{list-style:none;padding:0;margin:0 0 40px;display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:12px}.yvk-prod-care-item{display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:12px;background:#fefcf8;border:1px solid #e7ddd0;border-radius:8px;padding:14px 16px;font-size:0.95rem;color:#1f1610;line-height:1.6}.yvk-prod-care svg{color:#a84c42;opacity:0.85;flex-shrink:0;margin-top:2px}.yvk-prod-sociomatch{background:#fefcf8;border:1px solid #e7ddd0;border-radius:10px;padding:22px 24px;margin-bottom:40px;font-size:0.97rem;line-height:1.65}.yvk-prod-faq-wrap{display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:10px;margin-bottom:40px}.yvk-prod-faq{border-left:3px solid #a84c42;background:#fefcf8;border-radius:0 8px 8px 0;overflow:hidden;border-top:1px solid #e7ddd0;border-right:1px solid #e7ddd0;border-bottom:1px solid #e7ddd0}.yvk-prod-faq summary{padding:18px 20px;font-size:1rem;font-weight:600;color:#1f1610;cursor:pointer;display:flex;justify-content:space-between;align-items:center;list-style:none;transition:background 0.18s}.yvk-prod-faq summary::-webkit-details-marker{display:none}.yvk-prod-faq summary:hover{background:#f5ede6}.yvk-prod-faq summary::after{content:'';display:inline-block;width:14px;height:14px;border-right:2px solid #a84c42;border-bottom:2px solid #a84c42;transform:rotate(45deg);transition:transform 0.22s;flex-shrink:0;margin-left:12px;margin-bottom:4px}.yvk-prod-faq[open] summary::after{transform:rotate(-135deg);margin-bottom:-4px}.yvk-prod-faq-answer{padding:4px 20px 18px;font-size:0.95rem;color:#3a2e27;line-height:1.65}.yvk-prod svg{display:inline-block;vertical-align:middle;flex-shrink:0}@media(max-width:640px){.yvk-prod-h2{font-size:1.5rem}.yvk-prod-benefits-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr}.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 colony outgrows its first nest faster than you expect. This \u003cstrong\u003emodular acrylic ant farm with gypsum nest and water tower\u003c\/strong\u003e is built for exactly that moment: snap on another chamber, refill the tower, and your ants keep moving without a forced migration.\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\u003crect x=\"3\" y=\"3\" width=\"7\" height=\"7\" rx=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/rect\u003e\u003crect x=\"14\" y=\"3\" width=\"7\" height=\"7\" rx=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/rect\u003e\u003crect x=\"3\" y=\"14\" width=\"7\" height=\"7\" rx=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/rect\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M14 17h7M17 14v7\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUnlimited expansion\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=\"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\u003eGypsum + acrylic build\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"yvk-prod-story\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eI've run a lot of founding setups over the years, and the single biggest frustration is always the same: you buy a fixed-size nest, your \u003cem\u003eLasius niger\u003c\/em\u003e (the common black garden ant, a perfect beginner species) colony hits 200 workers, and suddenly you're scrambling for a new home. The modular connector system on this farm fixes that problem at the root. You add chambers when the colony needs them, not when a crisis forces your hand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe nest chambers are cast from gypsum, the same material used in lab-grade formicariums. Gypsum absorbs and releases moisture slowly, which keeps the microclimate stable without constant intervention. The integrated water tower feeds the gypsum passively: fill it once every few days and the nest stays in the 50-70% relative humidity range that most common species prefer. The acrylic panels are clear on one side and fitted with a red shading plate on the other. Ants are blind to red light, so you can observe without stressing the colony.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe feeding area is separate from the nest, which matters more than it sounds. Keeping food debris away from the brood chamber reduces mold risk and makes cleanup straightforward. It's a small design choice that shows someone actually kept ants before drawing the blueprints.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e\u003ch2 class=\"yvk-prod-h2\"\u003eWhy a modular gypsum ant farm outperforms fixed-size nests\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\u003crect x=\"3\" y=\"3\" width=\"7\" height=\"7\" rx=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/rect\u003e\u003crect x=\"14\" y=\"3\" width=\"7\" height=\"7\" rx=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/rect\u003e\u003crect x=\"3\" y=\"14\" width=\"7\" height=\"7\" rx=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/rect\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M14 17h7M17 14v7\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ch3\u003eAcrylic ant farm that grows with your colony\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSnap on extra chambers at any stage: no forced migrations, no colony stress, no buying a new setup every season.\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 2v4M12 18v4M4.93 4.93l2.83 2.83M16.24 16.24l2.83 2.83M2 12h4M18 12h4M4.93 19.07l2.83-2.83M16.24 7.76l2.83-2.83\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003ccircle cx=\"12\" cy=\"12\" r=\"4\"\u003e\u003c\/circle\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ch3\u003eGypsum nest keeps humidity stable for your ants\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe porous gypsum walls buffer moisture naturally: fill the water tower every few days and the nest stays in the right range without a hygrometer check every hour.\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\u003ccircle cx=\"12\" cy=\"12\" r=\"9\"\u003e\u003c\/circle\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M12 3v9l5 3\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ch3\u003eRed shading plate for stress-free ant observation\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnts cannot perceive red wavelengths, so the shading plate lets you watch tunneling and brood care without triggering a defensive response from the colony.\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\u003eSeparate feeding area keeps the nest clean longer\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFood stays out of the brood chamber, which cuts mold risk and means you spend less time cleaning and more time watching your colony work.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/article\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"yvk-prod-h2\"\u003eAcrylic ant farm with gypsum nest: full specifications\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\u003eSmall feeding area\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e10 x 12 x 9 cm\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 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\u003eLarge feeding area\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e12 x 20 x 9 cm\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 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\u003eNest chamber area\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e10 x 10 cm per module\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 3v18\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePrimary materials\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGypsum, acrylic, plastic connectors\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 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\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eExpansion type\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUnlimited modular (connect as many chambers as needed)\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\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHarmful chemicals\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\u003ePackage contents\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1 x ant farm set (configuration varies by set chosen)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"yvk-prod-h2\"\u003eSetting up and maintaining your modular ant farm 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\u003ccircle cx=\"12\" cy=\"12\" r=\"9\"\u003e\u003c\/circle\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M12 8v4l3 3\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003eBefore introducing any ants, fill the water tower and let the gypsum absorb moisture for at least 24 hours. Dry gypsum stresses a founding queen immediately.\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 2v4M12 18v4M4.93 4.93l2.83 2.83M16.24 16.24l2.83 2.83M2 12h4M18 12h4\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003ccircle cx=\"12\" cy=\"12\" r=\"4\"\u003e\u003c\/circle\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003eKeep the setup away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Gypsum holds temperature well, but a warm spot near a window will dry it out faster than the tower can compensate.\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 15v3M12 15v3M18 15v3\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003eClean the feeding area every 2-3 days. Remove uneaten protein (insects, egg) before it molds. Sugar water or honey diluted 1:5 with water stays fresh longer than solid sugars.\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\u003crect x=\"3\" y=\"3\" width=\"7\" height=\"7\" rx=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/rect\u003e\u003crect x=\"14\" y=\"3\" width=\"7\" height=\"7\" rx=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/rect\u003e\u003crect x=\"3\" y=\"14\" width=\"7\" height=\"7\" rx=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/rect\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M14 17h7M17 14v7\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003eAdd a new nest module only when the current one is at roughly 60-70% worker capacity. Connecting too early gives the colony more space than it can defend and regulate, which slows brood development.\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\u003eIf you keep a hibernating species like \u003cem\u003eLasius niger\u003c\/em\u003e, disconnect and store the nest modules separately in a cool location (4-10 C \/ 39-50 F) during winter. The gypsum survives hibernation conditions without cracking as long as it isn't frozen.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"yvk-prod-h2\"\u003eWho this expandable gypsum ant farm is actually built for\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"yvk-prod-sociomatch\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis setup works best for keepers who already have a founding queen or a small colony of 20-150 workers and want a home that won't need replacing in six months. It's a strong fit for \u003cstrong\u003ebeginner-to-intermediate ant keepers\u003c\/strong\u003e running common species like \u003cem\u003eLasius niger\u003c\/em\u003e (black garden ant), \u003cem\u003eFormica fusca\u003c\/em\u003e (black wood ant), or \u003cem\u003eMessor barbarus\u003c\/em\u003e (the seed-harvesting ant that loves a dry feeding area). Parents buying a first serious setup for a curious kid will find the modular design forgiving: you start small, add on as interest grows, and nothing goes to waste.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt's less suited for very large exotic colonies, army ants (genus \u003cem\u003eEciton\u003c\/em\u003e or \u003cem\u003eDorylus\u003c\/em\u003e), or species that need substrate depths greater than the 10 x 10 cm chamber footprint. If you're running a mature \u003cem\u003eCamponotus\u003c\/em\u003e (carpenter ant) colony of 1,000+ workers, look at our full formicarium collection for larger-format options.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"yvk-prod-h2\"\u003eModular acrylic ant farm: questions buyers ask before ordering\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"yvk-prod-faq-wrap\"\u003e\n\u003cdetails class=\"yvk-prod-faq\"\u003e\u003csummary\u003eWhich set size should I choose for a founding queen or small starter colony?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"yvk-prod-faq-answer\"\u003eSet 1 (from $59.95) is the right starting point for a single queen or a colony under 50 workers. It gives enough nest space without overwhelming a small group that needs to feel secure in a tight chamber. Sets 2-5 add more modules and feeding capacity, so choose those if you're transferring an established colony of 100+ workers or want room to grow without ordering again soon. You can always check our ant farm starter kits for a side-by-side comparison of what each set includes.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\u003cdetails class=\"yvk-prod-faq\"\u003e\u003csummary\u003eHow long does shipping take, and is tracking included?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"yvk-prod-faq-answer\"\u003eShipping times and carrier options are shown at checkout based on your location. All orders include a tracking number sent by email once the package ships. If you're ordering internationally, delivery windows vary by destination country, so check the estimated dates at checkout before confirming. Gypsum components are packed with protective foam to prevent breakage in transit.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\u003cdetails class=\"yvk-prod-faq\"\u003e\u003csummary\u003eWill the gypsum crack or degrade over time with regular watering?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"yvk-prod-faq-answer\"\u003eGypsum used in formicariums is designed for repeated wet-dry cycles. Under normal use (filling the water tower every 2-4 days, never submerging the chamber), the material stays solid for years. The main risk is freezing: if you store the nest during hibernation, keep it above 0 C \/ 32 F. Hairline surface marks can appear after 12-18 months of heavy use, but they don't affect structural integrity or humidity performance.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\u003cdetails class=\"yvk-prod-faq\"\u003e\u003csummary\u003eHow does this compare to a plain acrylic nest or a sand ant farm?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"yvk-prod-faq-answer\"\u003eA plain acrylic nest has no moisture-buffering capacity, so you're managing humidity manually with a wet cotton plug or external misting, which is less stable. Sand farms look great but are hard to clean and can harbor mold in the feeding area. This hybrid design gives you the visibility of acrylic panels, the passive humidity control of gypsum, and a separate feeding zone that keeps the nest sanitary. For most common species, that combination beats either alternative on day-to-day ease of maintenance. Browse our acrylic ant nest range if you want to compare formats directly.\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\":\"Modular Acrylic Ant Farm with Gypsum Nest and Water Tower\",\"image\":[\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1054\/9618\/3126\/files\/cro-packshot-8ac0240e.webp?v=1787886156\",\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1054\/9618\/3126\/files\/cro-benefits-f399405c.webp?v=1787886165\",\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1054\/9618\/3126\/files\/cro-lifestyle-d0db13b1.webp?v=1787886171\"],\"description\":\"Modular acrylic ant farm with gypsum nest chambers, integrated water tower, and separate feeding area. Expands infinitely by connecting additional modules. Red shading plate included. No harmful chemicals. Compatible with most common ant species including Lasius niger, Formica, and Messor.\",\"sku\":\"14:29#Set 1;200007763:201441035\",\"brand\":{\"@type\":\"Brand\",\"name\":\"Ma boutique\"},\"offers\":{\"@type\":\"Offer\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/hkuunx-fq.myshopify.com\/products\/acrylic-ant-farm-unlimited-expansion-ant-nest-with-feeding-area-gypsum-ant-house-pet-anthill-workshop-moisturizing-water-tower\",\"priceCurrency\":\"USD\",\"price\":\"59.95\",\"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 set size should I choose for a founding queen or small starter colony?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Set 1 (from $59.95) is the right starting point for a single queen or a colony under 50 workers. It gives enough nest space without overwhelming a small group that needs to feel secure in a tight chamber. Sets 2-5 add more modules and feeding capacity, so choose those if you are transferring an established colony of 100+ workers or want room to grow without ordering again soon.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"How long does shipping take, and is tracking included?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Shipping times and carrier options are shown at checkout based on your location. All orders include a tracking number sent by email once the package ships. Gypsum components are packed with protective foam to prevent breakage in transit.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Will the gypsum crack or degrade over time with regular watering?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Gypsum used in formicariums is designed for repeated wet-dry cycles. Under normal use the material stays solid for years. The main risk is freezing: keep the nest above 0 C \/ 32 F during hibernation storage. Hairline surface marks can appear after 12-18 months of heavy use but do not affect structural integrity or humidity performance.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"How does this compare to a plain acrylic nest or a sand ant farm?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"A plain acrylic nest has no moisture-buffering capacity, so you manage humidity manually with a wet cotton plug or external misting. Sand farms are hard to clean and can harbor mold in the feeding area. This hybrid design gives you the visibility of acrylic panels, the passive humidity control of gypsum, and a separate feeding zone that keeps the nest sanitary, which beats either alternative on day-to-day ease of maintenance for most common species.\"}}]}\u003c\/script\u003e","brand":"Ma boutique","offers":[{"title":"Set 1","offer_id":55088334405974,"sku":"14:29#Set 1;200007763:201441035","price":51.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"Set 2","offer_id":55088334438742,"sku":"14:193#Set 2;200007763:201441035","price":65.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"Set 3","offer_id":55088334668118,"sku":"14:175#Set 3;200007763:201441035","price":73.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"Set 4","offer_id":55088334700886,"sku":"14:10#Set 4;200007763:201441035","price":80.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"Set 5","offer_id":55088334733654,"sku":"14:691#Set 5;200007763:201441035","price":113.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"Set 6","offer_id":55088334766422,"sku":"14:173#Set 6;200007763:201441035","price":152.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"Small feeding","offer_id":55088334471510,"sku":"14:350850#Small feeding;200007763:201441035","price":33.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"Big feeding","offer_id":55088334504278,"sku":"14:200002984#Big feeding;200007763:201441035","price":46.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"Dry nest","offer_id":55088334537046,"sku":"14:366#Dry nest;200007763:201441035","price":28.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"Wet nest","offer_id":55088334569814,"sku":"14:1052#Wet nest;200007763:201441035","price":29.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"Plaster dry","offer_id":55088334602582,"sku":"14:496#Plaster dry;200007763:201441035","price":31.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"Plaster wet","offer_id":55088334635350,"sku":"14:350853#Plaster wet;200007763:201441035","price":34.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1054\/9618\/3126\/files\/cro-packshot-8ac0240e.webp?v=1787886156","url":"https:\/\/theformicarium.com\/products\/acrylic-ant-farm-unlimited-expansion-ant-nest-with-feeding-area-gypsum-ant-house-pet-anthill-workshop-moisturizing-water-tower","provider":"The Formicarium","version":"1.0","type":"link"}