Mini Test Tube Outworld (Mini Round House)

Description

The Mini Test Tube Outworld (also called the Mini Round House) is a small outworld that plugs right into a test tube. An outworld is the ants’ feeding and exploring area. This one gives a brand-new colony (called a founding colony) a place to eat, drink and keep things tidy while it grows, before it moves into its first nest.

Who it’s for

Anyone with a young colony living in a test tube. It’s a good first step up from the tube alone, with no extra parts to figure out.

How it works

• Step 1: Set up a test tube with water, using cotton balls or PVA sponges. Watch our video on how to make a test tube setup.
• Step 2: Plug the test tube into the port on the side of the Mini Round House.
• Step 3: Add your ants using the tap and dump method (see below).
• Step 4: Your ants come out into the outworld to eat and explore, and go back into the tube to rest. Their water comes from the tube.
• Step 5: When the colony is ready for more room, move it into a nest.

What do I put into the test tube?

Fill the tube with water and plug it with cotton balls or PVA sponges. Our short video shows both ways.

How to put your ants in (tap and dump)

We prefer the tap and dump method. With the test tube already plugged in, your ants will find it quickly and move in when they’re ready.

• Step 1: Take the lid off the outworld.
• Step 2: Hold the tube your ants arrived in over the opening. Tap it gently so the ants drop out of the open end into the outworld.
• Step 3: Put the lid back on right away.
• Step 4: Leave them alone for a bit. They’ll find the test tube and settle in on their own.

If your ants sting, like Pogonomyrmex, wear exam gloves, and don’t handle the ants directly.

Pick your test tube size

Pick the tube by how big your ants are:

• 16mm: tiny and small ants
• 18mm: medium ants
• 20mm: large ants

Other test tubes may fit, but the inside width varies between makers and even between batches, so we can’t guarantee it. Extra test tubes are available as an add-on.

What’s included

• Mini Round House outworld (a small cylinder with a layer of gypsum cement and a mesh lid for airflow)
• A test tube that connects to the port (choose your size)

What you’ll also need

• Cotton balls or PVA sponges for the test tube setup
• A colony of ants

Add-ons

Add these when you order:

• Liquid feeder
• Feeding bowls
• Sand layer
• Test tube privacy screen
• Extra test tubes
• Second port
• 3D printed base with a slot for a heat cable
• Heat cable

Heating your setup

We recommend placing a Zoo Med 15-watt heat cable over the tube. If you add the 3D printed base, the heat cable slides into the slot on the base.

Pairs well with

• Pogonomyrmex Harvester Ant Starter Kit: the Mini Round House is the first outworld in this kit.
• A bigger nest for when your colony grows, like the AntQuarters.

A note on scratches

The Mini Round House is made of polystyrene, which scratches easily, especially with a sand layer added. Light scratches are cosmetic and don’t affect how it works. They aren’t covered by our replacement policy.

FAQ

What is a test tube outworld?

It’s a small container attached to a test tube. Your ants use it as a place to eat, drink and explore, while the tube is their home.

Is the Mini Round House the same as a mini outworld?

Yes. Most people call it a mini outworld. The Mini Round House is our name for it.

What size test tube do I need?

16mm for tiny and small ants, 18mm for medium ants, 20mm for large ants.

Can I use my own test tube?

It may fit, but the inside width varies between makers and even between batches, so we can’t guarantee it. If you think you’ll need more tubes, add extra test tubes when you order.

Do I use cotton balls or sponges?

Either works. Fill the tube with water and plug it with cotton balls or PVA sponges. Our video shows both ways.

How do I keep it warm?

Add the 3D printed base and a heat cable. The cable slides into the slot on the base.

How do I put my ants in?

Use the tap and dump method. With your test tube plugged in, take the lid off, tap your ants out of their shipping tube into the outworld, and put the lid back on. See the steps above.

Do I need a nest too?

Not at first. Your colony can live in the test tube and use the outworld for food. When it’s ready for more room, move it into a nest.

Why does mine have scratches?

Polystyrene scratches easily, and sand makes it worse. Light scratches don’t affect how the outworld works.