General Information: (If you are looking for a Ready-To-Ship Atrium, click here to view our current selection) *****Due to the size of the open chambers, this formicarium is considered a small to medium sized formicarium and can hold an estimated 1,000 to 2,000 medium sized ants, larger species such as Camponotus and Formica up to 1,000 (again, approximately)***** The Atrium is a new ant habitat (formicarium) from Tar Heel Ants. It features a 4x4x3 nestblock with 2 levels and an attached 4x4x3 foraging area via magnetic connection. A painted base holds the two units together and provides stability during moves. What makes the Atrium different? The Atrium is intended to provide additional opportunities for viewing and lighting that will assist in capturing videos and images. On the top is a viewing window, covered by magnetic glass panels. It maintains the privacy required by ants, humidity and drinking water through our proprietary water towers and nestmates, and offers connection ports on both the nest and foraging area for further expansion. ***When comparing to other Tar Heel Ants formicaria, the Atrium is larger (in terms of available nest space) than the Casita and would be in between the Casita and Nucleus III in terms of nest space. The foraging space is equal to that of the Fortress and Casita. The Atrium has one 3/8" and one 1/2" port for expansion as a standard feature (additional ports available upon request). Features: NEW 2 water towers 4x4x4 nestblock 4x4x4 foraging area Alate Window (top viewing area) 3 magnetically attached glass panels/ 3 sides for viewing Open-style chambers with spacious caverns and optional decor (see drop down options) Painted Base 1/2" port for connection and 3/8" port Nestmate and Nestmate Port Large Water Tower (Screen covered apparatus inside habitat for humidity) Optional Decor Optional Museum Glass Type III Material, our hardest material (sand-coated chambers) Options: Museum Glass - The museum glass would cover all three sides and the Alate Window (top panel) as well Mini Hearth Addition- This option allows for a discounted purchase of a Mini Hearth formicarium to start off your queen or colony in. Please use the comments field during checkout to enter in preferences for your Mini Hearth. All options (not including Glow material - $10 additional) for Mini Hearth are included. To view Mini Hearth options click here. Here are some links to the individual options videos: Interior Nest Colors Exterior Nest Colors Nestmates Décor Style Recommended Species Types - All Medium and Large Ants (except ants that grow fungus farms) especially Pogonomyrmex occidentalis, "honey pot" ant species, and Camponotus spp. Each of these species would benefit from this nest design as follows (this is not an all-inclusive list): Honey Pot Ants - Spacious chambers that give repletes room to hang from the ceiling, yet not enough room for them to be harmed during a fall. This design is similar to our Hearth formicaria line in that regard. Pogonomymrex occidentalis - The upper level gives a dry area to store seeds. Connections between the two levels inside the formicarium nest are a sandy, rough texture. This is different than the smooth "ladders" in our other formicaria where these ants spend time "learning" to climb. Camponotus spp. - Larger ants typically, our colonies have always utilized the ceilings of formicaria to hang upside-down. This design provides two larger 4x4 caverns for this activity and 4 viewing sides to view these ants hanging from. ****This is a custom formicarium page. Ordering from this page, please expect a build time of 3-4 weeks during normal times of the years and a 1-2 week additional period during peak seasons. Additional modifications to the formicaria on our website, custom requests, etc. will add further time as well. We do have an expediting service available for a fee and please email [email protected] or call us at 919-348-3642 if you are interested and need a formicarium faster. Thank you!***
