The Hydro Penta – Large Modular Formicarium is built for mature colonies needing more space and precise environmental control.
Its name comes from the five independent hydration chambers beneath five isolated porous substrate zones. Each hydration chamber is connected only to its corresponding substrate section and physically separated from the others by internal walls, allowing you to fine-tune humidity across the formicarium. (See the second gallery image for a breakdown diagram.)
The central hydration chamber is surrounded by four corner zones, all disconnected by physical walls. This design lets you hydrate one or more zones depending on species needs or seasonal changes. While humidity inside each substrate area can be precisely managed, the overall air humidity will still equalize slightly across the entire nest.
Ants often prefer steep humidity gradients, and this layout makes that possible. You can keep one area fully hydrated while leaving others drier—ideal for creating conditions ants can choose from based on brood stage or food storage needs.
The substrate is highly absorbent. Start with small amounts of distilled water and increase slowly as needed (see our Hydration Guide for best practices). Filling the hydration chambers with perlite or vermiculite can also help buffer moisture transfer and reduce refill frequency.
Due to its large internal volume, we recommend this nest only for colonies that can occupy at least 50% of the space. Introducing small colonies may result in unused areas being filled with food waste or debris, increasing mold risk.
Optional: Add a red film or black lid for light-sensitive species. [Learn about light protection options] if you’re unsure which to choose.
Hydro Penta - Large Modular Formicarium
Dimensions: 18 × 18 × 2.8 cm ±3%
Weight: 660 grams ±5%
Tubing Compatibility: 9.5 mm (3/8") and 12.7 mm (1/2") vinyl tubingHydration Setup:
Before introducing ants, fill the four outer hydration chambers to full capacity and the central chamber to no more than half. Wait 24 hours before adding your colony to allow humidity to stabilize.For high-humidity species, the hydration process can be jump-started by adding 1–5 ml of distilled water directly into a few internal nest zones. Use caution not to over-saturate.
Moisture Buffer Tip:
Filling each hydration chamber with vermiculite or perlite helps slow water release into the substrate and provides longer-lasting, stable humidity.Handling Notes:
Avoid impacts or vibrations that may crack the glass or substrate. If removing the glass, ensure all mating surfaces are clean before resealing to prevent gaps.The Hydro Penta uses five GEN 2 hydration chambers, each with a direct hydration mechanism.
Each chamber feeds moisture into its own isolated porous substrate section—independent from the others and separated by physical barriers. This modular system allows you to maintain distinct humidity zones across the formicarium based on species needs or colony behavior.
For best results, fill gradually and monitor humidity patterns. Refer to the "Formicarium Hydration Guide" for detailed instructions.
**To better understand hybrid design logic and technical differences between models, visit our "Hybrid Formicaria Generations & Classes." reference page.
