Terra nests

Introducing the Versatile Terra Nest Range: Perfect Homes for Every Ant Colony Stage

 

Finding the perfect home for your growing ant colony can be a rewarding but sometimes challenging journey. You need a nest that adapts to their needs, offers security, and allows for seamless expansion as your tiny tenants thrive. Look no further! Our revolutionary Terra nest range is designed with the ant keeper in mind, offering a modular system that grows with your colony, from a single queen to thousands of workers.

 

Explore the Terra Nest Family:

This incredible range offers a nest for every stage of your ant colony’s development. Please refer to the specific description in the listing of the nest you ordered for precise details:

• Micro Founding Terra: The Perfect Start for Small Queens: Designed specifically for founding smaller ant species, ideal for housing a single queen as she establishes her first workers.
• Founding Terra: Nurturing Early Growth: A comfortable first home for a single queen and her initial workforce, accommodating colonies up to 10-20 workers.
• Terra XS: Supporting Young Colonies: As your colony expands, the Terra XS provides ample space for young colonies ranging from 10-50 workers.
• Terra S: Room to Flourish: Stepping up in size, the Terra S comfortably houses colonies from 40-80 workers.
• Terra M: For a Thriving Workforce: Providing significant space for established colonies, the Terra M is suitable for populations between 80-200 workers.
• Terra M 4 Way: Endless Expansion Potential: Identical in size to the standard M, but featuring four connection ports, allowing for limitless expansion as your colony continues to grow.
• Terra L: Accommodating Large Empires: Designed for substantial colonies, the Terra L can house populations from 200 to over 1000 workers.

(Please note: All worker counts are species-dependent. Smaller ant species will generally require more workers to fill the same space compared to larger species.)

 

The Terra Advantage: Effortless Expansion and Versatility

Experience the ultimate in ant colony management with our Terra nests, featuring innovative magnetic connections and versatile expansion options!

• Effortless Expansion with Magnetic Connections: Our Terra nests feature strategically placed magnets, making the connection of new nest modules quick and incredibly easy. Simply bring two nests together, and the magnets will do the rest!
• Seamless Integration of Add-ons: The magnetic system also allows for the effortless attachment of our range of add-ons, including hydrometers for monitoring humidity and water towers for providing a separate water source.
• Modular Design for Long-Term Growth: The ability to easily link nests means your ant colony will never outgrow its home. Expand as needed, creating a custom habitat tailored to your colony’s size and needs.
• Understanding Magnetic Polarity: The magnets on our nests have different polarities, allowing multiple nests to link together securely. Opposite polarities will attract and connect (+ to -), while the same polarities will repel (- to – and + to +). Please carefully review the product description for your specific nest to understand the polarity of each connection point. Take a moment to familiarise yourself with which sides connect before introducing your ants, ensuring you have the expansion plan you desire.

 

Introducing the Enhanced Terra v3 Range: Superior Security and Easier Use!

The latest evolution of our popular Terra nest range, the v3 series, takes ant-keeping to the next level. We’ve listened to your feedback and incorporated key improvements to ensure the safety and well-being of even the smallest ant colonies.

What’s New in v3?

• Unbeatable Escape Prevention for Micro Species: Our newly integrated metal mesh within the hydration element provides an impenetrable barrier, guaranteeing that even micro species can’t escape. Enjoy complete peace of mind knowing your tiny ants are secure.
• Reduced Risk of Flooding: Accidental overwatering is now much less of a concern! The metal mesh helps regulate water flow, giving you valuable time to react if you add too much water.
• Intuitive Polarity Markings: Connecting your Terra nests has never been easier! We’ve added clear + and – signs to the magnets, so you can instantly see which sides will connect (remember, opposites attract!).

Hydrating Your Terra Nest: Essential for a Healthy Colony

The designated hydration port, located on the top of each Terra nest, allows you to easily replenish the moisture levels within the plaster nest. Maintaining proper humidity is crucial for the health and development of your ant colony.

How Does it Work?

Our ingenious design features a built-in mesh within the plastic exterior of the nest. This mesh has precisely sized holes that allow water to pass through to the plaster core while being too small for even determined ants to escape should they ever manage to chew through the plaster.

Initial Hydration and Regular Maintenance:

When you first receive your Terra nest, we recommend filling the hydration port to the top and allowing 10-15 minutes for the water to be fully absorbed into the plaster. This initial hydration will provide sufficient moisture for your colony to get started.

Important Considerations for Hydration:

• Avoid Overwatering: Be cautious not to add excessive water. Once the plaster is fully saturated, any additional water will flood the nest, potentially harming your ants.
• Heating and Condensation: If you are heating your nest from the bottom, be aware that significant hydration can lead to condensation buildup on the acrylic top. If you choose bottom heating, consider hydrating less frequently or opting for top heating to mitigate condensation.
• Regular Hydration: After the initial saturation, we recommend adding only 1-2ml of water per week. These nests are designed to retain moisture effectively, so a little goes a long way!
• Monitor and Adjust: The ideal hydration frequency will depend on the ambient temperature and humidity of your environment. Observe your colony and adjust the amount of water accordingly. You’ll soon find the optimal hydration routine for your specific setup.
• Hydration is Optional with Alternative Water Sources: If you are providing your ants with a separate water source, such as a water feeder, hydration of the nest itself may not be necessary. In such cases, err on the side of caution and add less water than you think is needed to avoid over-hydration.

Oops! Overwatered Your Nest? Here’s How to Fix It.

Don’t worry, it happens to even the most experienced ant keepers! If you accidentally add too much water to your Terra nest, follow these simple steps:

1. Grab some cotton wool.
2. Gently stuff the hydration hole with the cotton wool. This will act like a sponge, drawing the excess water out of the plaster.
3. Wait a few minutes for the cotton wool to absorb the moisture.
4. Remove the damp cotton wool and replace it with fresh, dry cotton if there is still excess water in the nest.
5. Repeat this process until all visible excess water is gone.

Important Note for Seed-Eating Species!

For ant species that primarily feed on seeds, it’s crucial to consider their natural behaviour of storing seeds within their nest. If these seeds come into contact with moisture from the hydrated plaster, they are likely to germinate and potentially lead to mould growth inside the nest.

Our Recommendations for Seed-Eating Species:

• Provide Alternative Water Sources: We strongly advise against hydrating the nest directly for seed-eating species. Instead, offer them a separate water source. Our water tower add-on is an excellent solution for providing clean drinking water without increasing humidity within the nest.
• Consider Linking a Separate Hydrated Nest: Another strategy is to connect a separate, unpopulated Terra nest and hydrate only that module. Your ants will naturally store their seeds in the driest available area.
• Crush Seeds Before Feeding: If you choose to feed seeds within a hydrated nest, we have found success in crushing the seeds first. This prevents them from germinating even if they come into contact with moisture.

Contents of Your Terra Nest Package:

Upon receiving your Terra nest, you will find the following components:

• Clear Acrylic Top: Remember to carefully peel off the protective film before use to reveal the crystal-clear viewing pane.
• Alignment is Key: Ensure the hydration hole on the acrylic lid aligns perfectly with the hydration port on the nest base. If it doesn’t, gently rotate or flip the lid until it fits correctly.
• Screws: The number of screws included varies depending on the nest size to ensure a secure fit:
  • 4 x 8mm screws for Micro Founding Terra
  • 5 screws for Founding Terra (4 for the nest + 1 for the outworld handle)
  • 4 screws for sizes XS/S
  • 8 screws for size M
  • 13 screws for size L
• Blanking Plates: These are used to seal any unused connection ports, helping to maintain optimal humidity levels and prevent escapes:
  • 1 blanking plate for both Founding nests
  • 2 blanking plates for sizes XS/S/M (You will receive blanking plates with opposing polarity for nests XS and larger)
  • 4 blanking plates for size L
• Allen Key: For tightening the screws during assembly.
• Optional Add-ons (if ordered):
  • Red Cover: Provides darkness and reduces stress for your colony.
  • Tubes: For connecting nests and outworlds.
  • Water Tower: A convenient and safe water source.
  • Hydrometer: For accurately monitoring humidity levels within the nest.

The Terra nest range offers a flexible, secure, and user-friendly housing solution for ant keepers of all levels. Explore the possibilities and create the perfect environment for your thriving ant colony!