This formicarium features a big footprint capable of housing large colonies; why the name "Hydro Penta"?; it has five interconnected sections, each with an independent hydration chamber that distributes humidity to porous substrate separated from other sections by plastic walls and tunnels. The results are complete hydration control (see the second image above for a diagram),
Key point: each of the five sections has a porous substrate that is only directly connected to its corresponding hydration chamber.
The center-round hydration chamber is surrounded by four independent sections that lead to the other four sections, but the substrate is not connected. This means the hydration chamber is connected to the least amount of substrate and can indirectly provides humidity to the rest of the formicarium through water vapour.
Being able to control humidity in each section of the nest means you can selectively dry up or increase humidity by area depending on the colony's needs. However, please keep in mind that although you can control the humidity of the substrate in each area, the actual humidity of the air inside will significantly depend on the overall humidity of the entire nest and temperature variances. Therefore, by watering only one chamber or side, you will obtain a steep gradient that ants often prefer.
This nest can hold a lot of water on its interior substrate; a little water in each chamber can go a long way; we recommend you start slowly and increase the dose as slowly as needed d. Please read the formicarium hydration guide section for instructions.
ADVICE: we only recommend this nest for mature colonies that can occupy at least 50% of its capacity; if you introduce a small colony into such a large nest, ants will likely store organic material in the empty areas, most likely leading to mould growth.
You can add on a pre-cut high-light transmission red film or a black plastic lid.
You can read more about the difference between light protection options here.
Hydro Penta Formicarium
Dimensions: 18 x 18 x 2.8 cm +/- 3%
Tubing compatibility: 9.5 mm (3/8") or 12.7 mm(1/2").
Weight: 660 grams +/- 5%
Before introducing any species, please fill up the four side hydration chambers with distilled water to their max capacity and the center one only to HALF capacity or less; we recommend introducing ants 24 hours after initial hydration.
NOTE > For high-humidity species, the substrate hydration process can be kick-started by adding 1 to 5 ml of distilled water throughout the bottom of a few internal chambers, Instead of waiting for water to make its way there.
Avoid intense vibrations or impacts, as this can crack the substrate and glass.
If you remove the glass from the formicarium, please ensure the glass is clean from debris and the top plastic surface, so there are no gaps between the glass and the frame on re-install.
The Hydro Penta has five GEN 2 hydration chambers that work with a direct hydration mechanism.
**Please read the "Formicarium Hydration Guide" before first use.
**Please read more about the "Hybrid formicaria generations and classes." to help you properly use the equipment by understanding the logic behind hybrid formicaria.