Setting up your 
Ant Farm and adding Ants

Selecting an Ant FarmFor the best viewing experience, I highly recommend the newer Uncle Milton ant farm models. These updated versions come with sand and a connecting tube, and they are designed so you can clearly see the ants even when they dig along the left or right corners of the habitat.Many other ant farms make it difficult to see what the ants are doing when they tunnel near the edges, but the Uncle Milton design keeps those areas visible, which makes observation much easier and more enjoyable.You can also choose:A pre‑made formicarium with built‑in tunnelsOr build your own formicarium if you enjoy DIY projectsBoth options work well, it just depends on how hands‑on you want to be.Building Your Own FormicariumCreating your own formicarium can be a fun and rewarding project. Once your build is complete, you can connect it to the outworld the same way you would with a store‑bought habitat.

Setting up your ant farm the right way helps your ants stay healthy, hydrated, and comfortable while they build tunnels and grow their colony. Below is the exact setup shown in my pictures and the same method I personally use.  What You’ll Need  • Coconut fiber  • Sandtastik Play White Sand  • Ant Farm Kit Fine Perlite Sand  • Natural spring water bottle recommending (or filtered water, Never Use Tap Water!)   1. Prepare the Base Layer  Add ½ cup of coconut fiber as a thin layer to the bottom of the ant farm. This helps the habitat hold moisture and humidity and keeps the tunnels from drying out too quickly.  2. Mix the Substrate In a small container, measure and combine:  • Play sand  • Coconut fiber  • Fine perlite sand  Combine your sand, coconut fiber, and perlite, then mix thoroughly. I mostly go by texture, but I do start with about ½ cup of coconut fiber and add play sand and perlite sand, then adjust until it feels right. You’re aiming for a mix that’s mostly sandy with a little bit of coconut fiber, holds a little moisture, and packs well enough for tunnels. Fill the Ant Farm Place the prepared mix substrate into the ant farm. natural digging behavior.3. Add Spring Water or Filtered Water (Never Tap Water)  Slowly add water using a spring water bottle or filter water. The substrate should be damp, not wet.  • Damp = holds its shape when squeezed  • Too wet = soggy or muddy.  If you add too much water, let the mixture dry for a couple of days or replace it and start again. Use a small tool (like your green stick) to create a starter tunnel. This gives the ants an easy place to begin digging.

4. Set Up the Outworld  For the outworld, use a clear container so you can easily watch the ants explore. Drill a small hole for the connecting tube and attach it securely to the ant farm. The outworld is where you will place: Small dry dirt Food Water Any small items for enrichment And place the ants in the outworld. Keeping food and water in the outworld helps the main farm stay clean and makes maintenance simple. Ants will find their way to the ant farm from outworld.

The thin layer of coconut fiber at the bottom of the ant farm should stay dark brown. Check the moisture every two to three weeks. If the coconut fiber starts looking at a light tan and dry, it’s time to add water.  How to add water: Fill a test tube with water, attach your funnel tube into the bottom port hole. Let the water soak slowly.  Watering both sides: You can water both bottom ports. Fill one test tube with water on one side, then fill the test tube again with water to the other side. Doing this one time on each side helps keep the moisture even.  Fungus safe watering: Only add water if the fungus is not sitting right against the coconut fiber layer or touching near the bottom port area. If the fungus is close to one side, water the opposite side first one time, then check the coconut fiber on the fungus side. A lot of this is something you learn by looking, you’re watching the color of the coconut fiber and how close the fungus is, and you add water slowly so the ants can adjust. This keeps the garden safe while still giving the ants the moisture they need.  Why moisture matters:   Fungus‑growing ants rely on steady moisture to keep their garden healthy. A lightly damp bottom layer also helps other ant species keep their eggs from drying out.

Adding the Ants  Once the ant farm is set up and lightly damp:  • Place the ants gently into the dry outworld, Gentle shake the ants out of the test tube into the outworld near the funnel tube. Do not leave test tube inside the outworld.• They will explore and move into the farm on their own  • Keep the setup somewhere quiet and dim, add the red cellphane wrapper. • Check back later to watch them begin their tunnels This method keeps everything calm and safe for the ants.  How long does it usually take the ants to go into the ant farm from outworld? Usually anywhere from today or next day or couple days it shouldn't take long.

Ants stay healthiest when kept between 73–80°F. Avoid letting temperatures drop below 72°F.  Keep the ant farm away from:  • AC vents  • Heaters  • Drafts  • Strong sun from windows  • Rooms with big temperature swings  To help the ants feel secure and encourage tunneling, you can cover the farm with:  • Dark paper  • Red transparent cellophane - Ants cannot see red light, so red cellophane makes the habitat feel “dark,” which reduces stress and supports natural digging behavior.  How long does the red cellophane need to stay on?I leave it on there for as long as I like and when I'm ready to observe them with my flashlight anytime I can either turn the red cellphane over to the side to watch or shine to watch them while the red is still in place,

Are Gel Ant Farms Safe for Ants?Gel, Sand, and Formicarium  Are gel ant farms safe?  No. Gel habitats may look fun, but the gel:  • Grows mold quickly  • Does not provide proper humidity  • Does not support natural tunneling  • Can harm or kill ants over time Avoid gel farms completely.  Best Substrate for Ant FarmsThe safest and most natural option is 100% natural play sand mixed with materials that help hold moisture and keep tunnels strong.Recommended MixNatural play sandCoconut fiberFine perlite sand(Optional) Loam soilI haven’t tried loam yet, but many ant keepers do mix it with sand. For step‑by‑step instructions, see the “Setting Up Your Ant Farm” section in your Ant Care/Ant Farm page.What Is a Formicarium?A formicarium is a type of ant habitat where the clay tunnels are already built in. You can:  • Buy a pre-made formicarium  • Build your own