The Test Tube Nest (Ant Farm Starter Kit) is a compact, practical setup that makes caring for your new colony simple and enjoyable. Your colony can be clipped straight in from purchase, no transferring or stress. Designed for both functionality and viewing, it allows you to watch your ants forage and grow while keeping feeding and maintenance effortless.
 
Key Features
Perfect for founding colonies: Securely fits our test tubes that colonies are supplied in, ideal for founding to small colonies.
Space-saving design: The compact shape means two nests fit neatly side by side, forming a tidy square, Ideal for ant keepers managing multiple colonies.
Two colour options:
Plain White — clean, minimal aesthetic.
Sand Speckled — natural finish that mimics fine grains.
Blackout covers included: Choose between brown or black to keep your colony comfortable and stress-free. Simply place your blackout cover over the red acrylic panel.
Easy assembly: No screws required, everything clips neatly into place (only the optional feet require screws).
Detachable feet: Allow you to run heat cables underneath for species that need warmth.
Observation-friendly: Includes a red acrylic cover for undisturbed viewing.
 
 What’s Included
2x 17mm Test tubes
2x Rubber plugs for expansion ports
2x Screws for optional feet
2x Cotton balls
1x Allen key
1x Red acrylic cover
1x Blackout cover (choice of colour)
1x Set of detachable feet
 
Dimensions
Length: 19 cm
Width: 11 cm
Height: 4.7 cm (without feet) / 5.5 cm (with feet)
 
Setting Up
Clip in the acrylic panels in their correct position.
If you plan to use a heat cable, attach the feet using the provided Allen key.
Slot in your colony — if it’s small, leave one tube dry and one tube with a water reservoir (the same style ants are shipped in).
For species such as Messor, they often use the dry tube for seed storage.
If your colony rarely uses the dry tube, you can set up both test tubes with water reservoirs as they grow.
If you purchased the Accessory Pack, follow the above but also:
Apply Climb Zero to the outer rim of the outworld lid.
Use the 2.5ml feeder for water.
Use the 1ml feeder for Sunburst ant nectar.
Place protein on the Small Feeding Dish.
When your colony is ready to expand, attach 10mm OD tubing to the side port and connect it to your next nest.
Tip: To make PVC tubing easier to fit, dip it in boiling water for 10 seconds before attaching.
 
Optional Accessory Pack — Only £7.50
Enhance your setup with this discounted bundle (normally £10.71+):
Climb Zero 5 ml – £1.75
2.5 ml Feeder – £2.99
1 ml Feeder – £2.49
Small Feeding Dish – £0.99
Tweezers (Straight) – £1.99
Pipette – £0.50
Bonus: Add a 60ml Sunburst byFormica bottle at a reduced price when you buy a Test Tube Nest.
 
Why Ant Keepers Love It
The Test Tube Nest is a reliable, low-maintenance setup that balances practicality with viewing enjoyment. Whether you’re founding your first colony or managing several, its convenient layout makes it the ideal ant starter kit for beginners and experienced keepers alike.