Essential accessories for your first ant farm

When you set up your first ant farm, it's easy to focus only on the ant farm itself and forget about the accessories that truly make it function well day-to-day. This guide reviews what is essential to buy (and what is optional) for your first setup.

Last updated: August 2026.

Quick Answer

The essential accessories when setting up an ant farm for the first time are: a natural substrate for the foraging area (sand with clay, coconut fiber, or volcanic rock), a water feeder to keep the colony hydrated, gate locks to prevent escapes when connecting modules, and connectors if your system is modular. If the ant farm doesn't already include an integrated humidity system, it's also a good idea to check the replacement parts for the hydration system. The rest (anti-slip pads, vertical legs, ventilation connectors) are useful improvements but not essential to start.

Accessory List by Category

Hydration

AntMaster Feeder: always available and controlled water, with no risk of drowning.
Replacement screw for humidity system: spare part to maintain the hydration system of AntMaster ant farms. If you want to understand how each system works, check out our humidity system guide.

Substrate for the foraging area

Natural sand with clay: natural finish, ideal for foraging areas and naturalistic setups.
Coconut fiber: light texture for a more organic finish.
Volcanic rock: adds texture and natural aesthetics to the foraging area.
Natural cork tube and natural cork sheet: shelter and climbing surface for ants.

Don't know what size foraging area to choose? Check out our guide how to choose the best foraging area.

Anti-escape security

Gate locks: secure gates between modules to minimize escape points, essential if you are setting up a modular system.
Anti-slip pads: stability to keep the assembly from moving or leaving gaps.

Modular setup

Modular connector: securely joins modules and foraging areas.
Vertical leg for modules: if you want to grow in height instead of just horizontally.
Ventilation connector: improves airflow, recommended in humid climates.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I need to buy in addition to the ant farm?

At a minimum: substrate for the foraging area and a water feeder. If your ant farm is modular, add gate locks and connectors.

Are gate locks necessary from day one?

Yes, especially if you connect several modules together: they reduce the risk of escapes, one of the most common problems when starting out.

What is the best substrate for beginners?

Natural sand with clay is the most versatile option to start with; coconut fiber and volcanic rock can be combined depending on the finish you are looking for.