Connection Materials for Ant Farm Nests & Arenas

Ant Docking Station

Why a docking station for every nascent colony?

This is where the ant hobby begins. The ultimate start for any colony smaller than 50 workers. The small colony in a test tube needs shelter, a quiet place. Many ant species can benefit from a warm temperature, and you want to be able to connect your test tube to an outworld in a good and aesthetically pleasing way. Making a connection between the test tube and the outworld is always the first step in the hobby. After this is done, the colony can retrieve food from the outworld and dispose of their waste. There is only 1 product available worldwide that allows you to arrange all of this in one go.

The Docking Station is a must for every nascent ant colony up to about 50 workers!

Specifications and use

What can you and your ants do with this product and how do you use it?

Custom made
The test tube L (16mm diameter and 150 mm long) fits precisely into the Docking Station.

Shelter for your ant colony
The lid closes precisely over the test tube for good shelter for your colony (for the moments when you are not looking).

Ventilation in the docking station
Ventilation openings are incorporated into the lid, for healthy air circulation around the test tube.

Heating for rapid and healthy development
Openings are made at the bottom where a heating cable can be placed in multiple ways without the risk of condensation. Various temperature increases can be achieved by placing a cable partially or completely. An explanation of how it works and which temperature increases you can achieve can be found in the included instructions.

Connection to the tunnels
From the Docking Station, the ants will manage the transport through the tunnels to outworlds and new nests. The connector piece from test tube to tunnels fits precisely onto this Docking Station.

A feast for the eyes
The Docking Station looks sleek and neat. It makes all other products currently available for a test tube obsolete. No more holders made of acrylic or wood. No more shelter from foils, pieces of cloth, cardboard, or sleeves. No more fiddling, but professional and ready for the future of your colony in one go!

What you receive

The product consists of two parts. The dock comes with a base part into which the test tube fits and a lid that closes precisely over it. A few options can be ordered immediately here at attractive offer prices!

1. A test tube with nesting provision (moisture reservoir) if you do not yet have a nesting tube, or want to replace it (see example in the photos)
2. A connector piece to connect the test tube to the tunnel tubes.
3. Half a meter of tunnel tube to connect with the outworlds and nests.
4. A heating cable to provide your ant colony with the ultimate temperature for rapid and healthy development, so that they are quickly ready for a new, additional nesting environment!

Ant-Blox test tube connector transparent

Transparency Make your ant colony clearly visible with this fully transparent connection from the test tube (16 mm diameter) to the classic 10 mm connection hose. Please note: this test tube is only suitable for our Test Tube size L. Therefore, the connector is not suitable for test tubes other than this exact size.

For years, we have been using a black rubber connector in the ant-keeping hobby. It works fine, but there's always room for improvement! That's why, in recent years, we developed a completely new connection under our new brand Ant-Blox. With this new connector, you no longer lose space, as the connection is no longer inside the test tube; instead, you slide the Ant-Blox connector over the test tube. This prevents any damage to the test tube. The black connector could be pressed too hard (causing the plastic test tube to break). More importantly, this new connection makes everything visible; no more black sections where you don't know exactly what's happening with your ant colony.

Of course, you keep your colony well-protected in the test tube, but during weekly care, it's important and, above all, fun to be able to thoroughly check and see everything. And now, even when the nest tube is protected, you can secretly see a bit more of the transport to and from the colony—how cool is that!

We want every ant hobbyist to experience this unique new product. That's why, for a limited time, you can order 1 free connector with your purchase, so you can replace your black connector as soon as possible. This offer is valid until February 28th. Please note: We will send a maximum of 1 free connector per order!
 

Ready for the future? If you look closely at the connector, you'll see that there's not only a 10 mm connection point but also a larger connection possible on top (with the rubber ring). This connector is also prepared for connection using a completely new tunnel system. We will introduce this in 2025. Just as you can build with LEGO, you will soon be able to build your own ant city with the Ant-Blox tunnel system. With this connector, you are already prepared for it and will soon be able to combine your setup with the entire new Ant-Blox line.

Flexible connection hose  

Flexible transparent connection hose for connecting and coupling Ant Farms, nests, and outworlds. The price is per 50 cm. For example, if you want 2 meters of hose, order this product 4 times.

The hose has an 8 mm inner diameter and a 10 mm outer diameter. This means the hose can be used for openings of 9 mm (tight fit) or 10 mm.

Test Tube S  

Test tube S can be used for many purposes. As an option, a nest filling can be chosen, in which case the test tube is suitable for breeding a colony or as a replacement for your current one.

Please note that plastic tubes may have slight scratches/blemishes. This is absolutely no problem for the use of the tubes and is inherent to the manufacturing and transport process by factories; unfortunately, we cannot change this!

Dimensions:
length - 75 mm
diameter - 13 mm
volume - 5 ml

 

Test Tube L

Test tube L can be used for many purposes. As an option, you can choose a nest filling, this way the test tube is suitable for breeding a colony or as a replacement for your current one.

Please note, plastic tubes may have slight scratches/smudges. This does not affect the use of the tubes at all and is inherent to the production and transport methods used by factories; unfortunately, we cannot change this!

Dimensions:
length - 150 mm
diameter - 16 mm
volume - 20 ml

 

I-Connector  

This is a high-quality, I-shaped connector. The ribbed design ensures a good grip on the hose. This connector is intended to join two pieces of hose together. Handy when you have many loose pieces of hose or when you have accidentally cut a wrong piece.

Application  

You can easily connect habitats to an Ant Farm with this. Give your ants more possibilities. In nature, they also divide their chambers/habitats underground several times and emerge from the ground in different places.

Specifications  

The I-connector has an inner diameter of just under 10 mm. This means you can tightly connect a hose with an outer diameter of 10 mm. The ultimate combination is with our transparent 8/10 mm hoses.

V-Connector  

This is a high-quality, V-shaped connector. The ribbed design ensures the hose remains securely tensioned around it. This 90-degree angle allows you to perfectly fit your setup.

Application  

You can easily connect habitats to an Ant Farm with this. Give your ants more possibilities. In nature, they also branch out their chambers/habitats several times underground and emerge at different places above ground.

Specifications  

The V-connector has an inner diameter of just under 10 mm. This means you can securely connect a hose with an outer diameter of 10 mm. The ultimate combination is with our transparent 8/10 mm hoses.

T-Connector  

This is a high-quality, completely transparent T-shaped connector.

Application  

You can easily connect two habitats to an Ant Farm with this. Give your ants more options. In nature, they also branch out the tunnels to their chambers multiple times underground, and they emerge above ground in different places.

Specifications  

The T-connector has an inner diameter of just under 10 mm. This allows you to securely connect a hose with a 10 mm outer diameter. The ultimate combination is with our transparent 8/10 mm hoses

Y-Connector  

This is a high-quality, Y-shaped connector. The ribbed design ensures the hose remains securely attached.

Application  

You can easily connect two habitats to an Ant Farm with this. Give your ants more options. In nature, they also branch out their chambers/habitats several times underground and emerge above ground in various places.

Specifications  

The Y-connector has an inner diameter of just under 10 mm. This allows you to securely attach a hose with a 10 mm outer diameter. The ultimate combination is with our transparent 8/10 mm hoses.

X-Connector  

This is a high-quality, X-shaped connector. The ribbed design ensures the hose stays firmly attached.

Application  

With this, you can easily connect three enclosures to an Ant Farm. Give your ants more possibilities. In nature, they also split their chambers/enclosures multiple times underground and emerge in different places above ground.

Specifications  

The X-connector has an inner diameter of just under 10 mm. This allows you to securely connect a hose with an outer diameter of 10 mm. The ultimate combination is with our transparent 8/10 mm hoses.

End Cap  

An end cap to close a 10 mm opening. The cap is made of transparent plastic and bends very easily so you can close the opening easily and neatly.

Please note, you can use this to close all products, except the 9 mm openings of the Acrylic Ant Farms.

Test Tube Cap  

This is a high-quality, ventilated cap for test tubes, sizes M and L.

Application  

This cap can be used instead of a cotton plug. Especially when a colony is very young (a few workers), breeding and feeding can take place in the test tube, and this cap comes in handy. The cap can also be used well during periods like winter dormancy.

Specifications  

The cap has a length of approximately 3.5 cm. The inner diameter is approximately 12 mm and the outer diameter is approximately 19 mm. This means the cap can be used for all test tubes up to a diameter of 18 mm.

Ant tray WHITE

Application

This product is designed to store your test tubes in a structured manner in a sleekly designed tray. Your ants are immediately well protected and care is simplified. A perfect accessory for the "true" ant keeper.

Use

The product is suitable for a maximum of 5 test tubes. Test tubes M and L are suitable for this product.
 

Ant tray BROWN

Application

This product is intended for structured storage of your test tubes in a sleekly designed tray. Your ants are immediately well-protected, and it simplifies their care. A perfect accessory for the "true" ant farmer.

Usage

The product is suitable for a maximum of 5 test tubes. Test tube M and L are suitable for this product.
 

Ant tray GREEN

Application

This product is designed to store your test tubes in a structured way in a sleekly designed tray. Your ants are immediately well-protected and it simplifies their care. A perfect accessory for the "real" ant keeper.

Usage

The product is suitable for a maximum of 5 test tubes. Test tubes M and L are suitable for this product.
 

Ant's Kingdom Toolkit

Handy set of accessories to prevent any surprises.

Contents of the set:
- Closing caps 4x
- Escape prevention oil
- Pipette 4x
- Protection sleeve test tube
- Ant-Blox - Test tube connector transparent
- T connector
- Transparent hose
- Syringe 3ml with needle
- Syringe 5ml
- Tweezers

The set contains 4 pipettes, ideal for using each pipette for a different food source. Two different syringes, with and without a needle. The variant with a needle makes it easy to apply liquid in hard-to-reach places. The variant with the wider tip (5ml) is ideal for plaster and acrylic ant farms.

The various coupling materials ensure that you are never caught off guard. You can also use our closing caps to seal all our products and even connectors and hoses, as they have the same inner diameter.

No stray ants thanks to the escape prevention oil. Ants cannot get a grip on it, useful for applying under the lid of an arena. When you want to remove the lid, the ants cannot easily climb out.

Protect your test tube well with the unique protection sleeve. The queen loves a sheltered and quiet place. The sleeve provides this perfectly.

A complete toolkit that is useful for every ant keeper!

Antcover for Ant Farm Master & Universe  

Antcover to protect the ants in your Ant Farm Master Emperor. This antcover has a luxurious appearance and is of durable quality.

You can optionally leave a part of the Emperor exposed to light. You can then cut off a part of the cover if needed. However, it is always better to keep the nest part completely sheltered for the ants. You cannot see through the cover.
 

Standard Dimensions:  

We supply the antcover per piece in these standard dimensions (custom-made for the Master Emperor)

length - 150 mm
width - 100 mm

If the area you want to protect is larger than these standard dimensions, please order multiple units.

Antcover for Ant Farm Master & Universe  

Antcover with which you can protect the ants in your Ant Farm Master General. This antcover has a luxurious look and is of durable quality.

You can also leave part of the ant farm in the light if necessary. You can then cut off part of the cover. Of course, it remains better to leave the nest part completely sheltered for the ants. You cannot see through the cover.
 

Standard Dimensions:  

We supply the antcover per piece in these standard dimensions (custom-made for the Master General)

length - 210 mm
width - 140 mm

If the area you want to protect is larger than this standard size, please order multiple copies.

Antcover for Ant Farm Emperor  

Antcover to protect the ants in your Ant Farm Master Emperor. This antcover has a luxurious look and is of durable quality.

You can also leave a part of the Emperor exposed to light if you wish. You can then cut off a part of the cover. It is, of course, better to keep the nesting part completely shielded for the ants. You cannot see through the cover.
 

Standard Dimensions:  

We supply the antcover individually in these standard dimensions (custom-made for the Master Emperor)

length - 400 mm
width - 250 mm

If the area you want to protect is larger than these standard dimensions, please order multiple copies.

Red film for test tube nest

Red film that keeps ants visible in their nest or during transport, but makes them feel like they are in the dark. The film is easy to stick around a test tube or suitable for other applications.

length - 100 mm
width - 60 mm

Immediately ready for use. Also order the test tube with water and cotton wool to immediately start transporting ants or an ant nest.

Red film for ant farms  

Red film with which you can protect your Ant Farm. The film is easy to cut to size as desired. We advise using this film to protect part of the nest. You can also leave a part exposed to light. The adhesive film darkens quite a bit, so keep that in mind (observing will become a bit more difficult, but that is of course good for the ants)!
 

Standard Dimensions:  

We supply the film per piece in these standard dimensions:

length - 150 mm
width - 100 mm

If the surface you want to protect is larger than this standard size, please order multiple copies.

Red film for Ant Farm General  

Red film to protect your Ant Farm Master General. The film is easy to cut to size as desired. We recommend using it to protect part of the nest. You can also leave part of it exposed to light. The adhesive film darkens considerably, so keep that in mind (this will make observation a bit more difficult, but that's good for the ants, of course)!
 

Standard Dimensions:  

We supply the film per piece in these standard dimensions (custom-made for the Master General)

length - 210 mm
width - 140 mm

If the area you want to protect is larger than this standard size, please order multiple pieces.

Red foil for Ant Farm Emperor  

Red film that allows you to protect the ants in your Master Emperor Ant Farm. The film is easy to cut to size as desired, so you can, for example, make openings or cut where the screws are located.

You can also leave a part of the Emperor exposed to light. The adhesive film does darken a bit, keep that in mind (observing will therefore be a bit more difficult, but that is of course good for the ants), but the film is very nicely transparent!
 

Standard Dimensions:  

We supply the film per piece in these standard dimensions (custom-made for the Master Emperor)

length - 400 mm
width - 250 mm

If the surface you want to protect is larger than this standard size, please order multiple copies.

Petrol gauze  

Petrol gauze is a very finely woven stainless steel mesh. This mesh stops even the smallest creatures. You can use it to properly shield your own arena or ant farm.

Specifications  

Wire thickness: 0.16 mm
Mesh size: 0.26 by 0.26 mm
Dimensions: 10x10cm

Fine Mesh  

Fine mesh is a very finely woven stainless steel mesh. This mesh stops even the smallest creatures. You can use it to properly enclose your own arena or ant farm.
 

Specifications  

Wire thickness: 0.16 mm
Mesh size: 0.26 by 0.26 mm
Dimensions: 20x20cm

Petrol gauze  

Petrol gauze is a very finely woven stainless steel mesh. This mesh stops even the smallest creatures. You can use it to properly shield your own arena or ant farm.
 

Specifications  

Wire thickness: 0.16 mm
Mesh size: 0.26 by 0.26 mm
Dimensions: 50x50cm

Ants Are Heroes

With every ant set or individual ant colony purchased, you receive a full-colour instruction booklet. Therefore, "Ants Are Heroes" is no longer necessary.

But whether you have purchased a product from antfarm.co.uk or are simply interested in the life of ants, this booklet will help you with background information about your ants.

You can find ants everywhere around you: in the garden, in the forest, under stones, sometimes even in your home. They are often seen as pests, but in doing so, we do these animals an injustice. An old saying goes: 'Go to the ant, consider its ways and be wise' (King Solomon, Proverbs 6:6 from the Bible). You will find that the more you see of these creatures, the more you will appreciate them. You can truly learn from them. An ant colony is a wonder of nature.

In this booklet, you will find all sorts of interesting facts and background information about ants. Good to know when studying ants, but also useful for, for example, a presentation or talk.

Happy reading!

Jan-Peter Oudenampsen