This terrarium is for the professional that wants to have both sides visible and a frame designed of wood that is readily disassemblable for cleaning. Useable volume is roughly 15.5"x19.5"x11/16". I am no longer using any kind of wood sealant because I'm convinced the ants don't like it. Also in general if the wood breaths slightly I believe this is generally a good thing. This will reduce the life of the frame but makes the ants much happier. To be used with species with workers no less than 3mm in length. One could still use these terrariums for smaller species but you'll have to devise your own method of suring up any cracks that very small species might get through. Also of note is the addition of the Moisture wicking system, this allows this type of terrarium to remain sealed until cleaning is required. It's simple and effective as well as secureable should some workers get too thirsty and endeavor to tunnel up the wicking tube. For a complete setup be sure to order the foraging area option.

This terrarium is made based on my Wood Construction pages. But you'll notice first the addition of the moisture cotton wicking system. Secondly the alteration of the inner grid system. Full grid is annoying to make - and annoying to the ants. They prefer long tunnels and the new grid accomodates that. Please see the above link to see pictures of this terrarium in operation with Camponotus Pennsylvanicus which are on cams. Right now I'm still working on the tolerances so while I suspect this is the best terrarium for smaller species I couldn't recommend it quite yet. Also if you've viewed these pages you'll notice I've added redundancy to the cotton wicking system this assures even if one wick fails you still have another (or two illustrated in picture) to provide moisture. Also you'll notice as a option the number of 7/16" holes for connective tubing. In principle I can do 6 on top AND on the bottom any more than two costs $1 each.

Intended for use with medium to large soil dwelling species. 3/8-1/2" workers and 1/2" or larger queens. (I hope soon to have a more natural looking chamber system. Currently I only have available the chamber system seen in photo.)

Intended for use with smaller species 1/8-1/4" (2-5mm) or smaller workers, 3/16-3/8" (4-9mm) queens.

Intended for use with smaller species 1/8-1/4" (2-5mm) or smaller workers, 3/16-3/8" (4-9mm) queens.

This claustral cell is based on my Claustral Cell Construction pages and was created to house queens off nuptual flights before committing a full terrarium to the colony. The reason many nuptual queens are not successful with their first brood and I don't like to waste space. A additional note: See the pictures below for the AC-C2 which illustrate the additional bit of wall length to be set into a water reservoir. I try to make this about 3 inches long - but it is rather easy to extend yourself should you wish some thing longer (too long and the water won't wick up to keep the chamber moist, too short and keeping it in reservoir becomes difficult if not impossible). Actual size may vary around 3"x3".

This claustral cell is based on my Claustral Cell Construction pages and was created to house queens off nuptual flights before committing a full terrarium to the colony. The reason many nuptual queens are not successful with their first brood and I don't like to waste space. This is my second and improved version. It is pretty much like a self contained terrarium and while it can be used like one feeding in this kind of system can be problematic. It really is meant to allow for colony to be kept in claustral cell for a few more weeks after first workers emerge (as if your feeding them they shouldn't forage very much). I still consider these experimental. Actual dimensions will vary but will never be greater than 3"x6"x1/4" and not smaller than 2x4x1/8. Typically they'll be around 2.5x5x3/16".

Clear Vinyl Tubing

In case one desires a length of tubing greater than that provided in the above Terrariums - or one simply wishes to purchase extra tubing. Note AC-Tube-3 fits nearly perfectly inside AC-Tube-5 and AC-Tube-5 fits nearly perfectly inside AC-Tube-7. The OD is 1/8" larger than the ID on all of the tubing above. Other larger sizes are available please e-mail to inquire. A NOTE: Conversion is 3/16" = 4.7625mm, 5/16" = 7.9375mm, 7/16" = 11.1125mm, 9/16" = 14.2875mm

• 3x3x5/8" Usable foraging zone
• 1 5/16" ID hole
• 1" of 5/16" OD connecting tube

I've found over time that it's best to have a completely seperate foraging area. Makes cleaning it easier, and in principle reduces chance of mold formation due to having foraging area in terrarium. In the one above there are three holes, 2 which are 7/16" the other which is 5/16". I find that the larger the tube connecting the foraging area the easier for ants to carry things in and out.

At this time I don't have a planing machine so these foraging areas are not perfectly sealed. I'm hoping soon to have the foraging areas sealed well even for tiny species.

2x 25KB

This is my feeding nipple design which is used to feed the ants various clear liquid sugar solutions (honey water, maple syrup, etc.). It is designed to be easily cleaned and refurbished so they may be swapped with new ones as they become clogged or old. Included is a bit of larger tubing so they can be attached to the standard sized tubing I provide with my terrariums and foraging areas. The only issues are that you should plug the open end in case ants chew through the nipple (when empty this will happen). To control the flow you either add a tighter or looser nipple tip OR adjust the angle from level to 45 degrees depending on the flow rate and consumption of the fluids by the ants. Instructions on how to construct use and refurbish will appear on this site in the coming weeks.