Essential Accessories for Your First Ant Nest

When you set up your first ant nest, it's easy to focus only on the ant nest itself and forget the accessories that make it actually work well day to day. This guide goes over what's essential to buy (and what's optional) for your first setup.

Last updated: August 2026.

Quick answer

The essential accessories when setting up an ant nest for the first time are: a natural substrate for the foraging area (sand with clay, coconut fiber or volcanic rock), a drinker to keep the colony hydrated, gate locks that prevent escapes when connecting modules, and connectors if your system is modular. If the ant nest doesn't already include a built-in humidity system, it's also worth checking the spare parts for the hydration system. Everything else (anti-slip pads, vertical legs, ventilation connectors) are useful upgrades but not essential to get started.

Accessory list by category

Hydration

AntMaster Drinker: water always available and controlled, with no risk of drowning.
Replacement thread for humidity system: a spare part to maintain the hydration system in AntMaster ant nests. If you want to understand how each system works, check our humidity systems 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 a natural look to the foraging area.
Natural cork tube and natural cork sheet: shelter and climbing surface for the ants.

Not sure what size foraging area to choose? Check our guide on how to choose the best foraging area.

Escape-proof safety

Gate lock: secures the gates between modules to minimize escape points, essential if you're setting up a modular system.
Anti-slip pads: stability so the whole setup doesn't shift or leave gaps.

Modular setup

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

Frequently asked questions

What do I need to buy besides the ant nest?

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

Are gate locks needed from day one?

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

Which substrate is best 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're after.