First steps and setup guide for your AntMaster ant nest
Welcome to your new AntMaster ant nest!
In this guide we explain what to do when you receive your order and how to properly set up the ant nest before introducing your colony.
To set up your AntMaster ant nest before introducing the colony: remove the lid and the acrylic protective films, fill the humidity system with water only, fit the gate locks, and connect the modules of your AntMaster modular ant nest (for example, from the Terra range). Follow the 9 steps in this guide in order; at the end you'll find a full check before introducing the colony.
Last updated: September 5, 2026.
If you've also purchased a foraging area, you should assemble it first following our
[Foraging Area Assembly Guide].
Before you start, lay out all the pieces on a table and make sure to work carefully and without rushing.
Step 1: Check that everything is in order
Before setting up the ant nest, check that all the parts are in perfect condition and that no component is missing.
Check especially:
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That the modules are undamaged.
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That the lids are correctly fitted.
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That the gates slide correctly.
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That the magnets are in place.
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That the humidity system is correctly installed.
If you find any part damaged, missing or defective, do not continue with setup and contact us as soon as possible so we can help you.
Step 2: Remove the lid
The ant nest's lid is held in place with screws.
Remove the screws by hand, without using tools, and keep them somewhere safe.
Once all the screws are removed, you can lift the lid off completely.
Step 3: Remove the acrylic protective films
The lid has two protective films to keep the acrylic from getting scratched during shipping.
Remove both films before continuing:
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One film is yellow.
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The other is semi-transparent.
Make sure to remove both protective layers completely.
Once removed, put the lid back on and screw all the screws back in properly.
There's no need to overtighten them.
Step 4: Prepare the humidity system
Locate the glass vials used to feed the humidity system.
Screw the vials into their corresponding inlets, but don't fill them yet.
Once fitted, gently pull the humidity system out of the ant nest.
You shouldn't need to use force. If you feel resistance, check that the vials are properly screwed in and that the system is free.
Step 5: Fill the humidity system
With the humidity system out of the ant nest, you can now access the area where the water is stored.
Carefully unscrew the mesh to access the inside of the system.
Fill it with water only.
Do not add any other liquid, product or substance to the humidity system.
Once filled, put the mesh back on and screw it in properly.
Don't overtighten it. It should be firmly closed, but applying too much force could damage the part.
Step 6: Put the humidity system back in place
Once prepared and filled, put the humidity system back into the ant nest.
It should go in easily and without needing force.
The system has magnets that keep it correctly positioned and press it against the humidity sponge.
Do not force the humidity system into place.
If the sponge is completely dry, we recommend moistening it slightly before fitting the system for the first time. This helps ensure good contact between the two parts from the start.
Step 7: Fit the gate locks
Once the humidity system is set up, fit the corresponding locks onto the ant nest's gates.
These locks keep the connections closed until it's time to connect the different modules or allow the ants through.
Check that each lock is correctly fitted and that the gates work without difficulty.
Step 8: Connect the modules
If your ant nest is made up of several modules, you can now connect them to each other.
Line up the modules correctly and use the corresponding connection system.
Check that they're correctly joined before opening the gates.
If you've also purchased a foraging area, connect the system following the corresponding instructions and make sure all connections are properly closed before allowing the ants through.
Step 9: Check the ant nest before introducing the ants
Before introducing your colony, do one final check:
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The lid is properly closed.
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The screws are snug.
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The acrylic protective films have been removed.
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The humidity system is correctly fitted.
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The humidity system contains only water.
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The sponge is correctly positioned.
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The gates work correctly.
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The locks are fitted.
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The modules are correctly connected.
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There are no damaged or loose parts.
If everything checks out, your AntMaster ant nest is ready to receive your colony.
Remember: don't force any part during setup. Every component is designed to fit and work easily.
You're now ready to start your new colony with AntMaster!
Frequently asked questions
What do I do if a part is missing or arrives damaged?
Do not continue with setup. Contact us as soon as possible so we can help you and fix it.
What do you fill the humidity system with?
With water only. Do not add any other liquid, product or substance.
Do the lid screws need to be tightened a lot?
No. The screws are removed and fitted by hand, without tools, and don't need to be overtightened.
What do I do if the humidity sponge is dry at the start?
Moisten it slightly before fitting the humidity system for the first time, so that contact between the two parts is good from the start.
How long does it take to set up the ant nest?
There's no fixed verified time: it depends on the number of modules in your ant nest and how unhurried you go. Follow the 9 steps in this guide without rushing; there's no need to do it quickly.