Meet The Cave 2.0, which features a discrete watering system, a gray textured mineral substrate that changes tone with moisture, and top and front glass window openings with excellent visibility so that light can enter one side so observation, photography or filming can happen on the other.
 
This ant formicarium is perfect for colonies with at least 25 to 50 workers; it is a spacious space, so it is best to move a mature colony ready for such ampleness. We also have a mini-version available.
 
Two heat cable canal positions run on the underside; one canal is closer to the front glass, while the other is closer to the rear near the water reservoirs. It is advised to use low-heat cables under 15 watts and regulate the cable temperature with a controller to a constant range between 25 and 31 degrees Celsius. 
 
You have the option to add on pre-cut light transmission red films and or black-out plastic lids.
 
The formicarium has two independent water reservoirs localized on the rear bottom corners; each has two small round tunnels to allow convenient access. As a result, this unit requires very little water. The water chambers control the humidity depending on the frequency and quantity of water added; the grey substrate changes tone or coloration depending on the moisture level, ranging from a clear whitish gray to a darker tone. Therefore, it is best to add water on a planned schedule; for example, "add 1mL of water every five days to one side only); see further instructions in the formicarium hydration guide.
 
For filming and photography, we recommend using a diffused light source on the side glass; on the image gallery, you can see a LED handheld flashlight with a paper towel in between the glass; the Speedlite flash head also has the built-in diffuser extended. 
 
Why is gray a good colour for photography? A gray background will look different depending on how much light hits it, the direction in which it is hit, and the colour of such light. With minimal effort, you can turn a gray backdrop into white, black, or pretty much any colour you can imagine; gray is a chameleon of sorts; gray has no predominant "hue," being true neutral like white or black. True neutrals are neither warm nor cool and have no temperature or "colour cast."
 
This 2.0 model replaces the original cave design from the year 2020.