15x15cm Ant Arena / Cube

Ant Arena

Compact ant arena for small colonies, test tube setups or as an extension for existing formicariums.
The arena is suitable for feeding, observation and as a small outworld area.

It is a compact and stable cube frame for building ant arenas, formicariums, terrariums or custom display boxes.
The system was specifically designed for 15 × 15 cm acrylic glass panels and allows easy assembly as well as quick panel replacement.

Technical Data

Outer dimensions: designed for 15 × 15 cm acrylic glass panels

Material: optimized for 3D printing, such as PLA, PETG, ASA and similar materials

Fastening:

8 × M4 screws

8 × M4 threaded inserts / heat-set inserts

Modular plug-in and screw system

Interchangeable side panels

Front connection opening for extensions or tube connectors

Included Parts / 3D Print Files

1 × base frame

4 × side struts

1 × top frame

Required Additional Parts

8 × M4 screws

8 × M4 threaded inserts

5 × acrylic glass panels 150 × 150 × 2 mm

Possible Uses

Ant arena / formicarium

Quarantine or rearing box

Mini terrarium

Modular extension system for existing setups

Update V2 – Improvements

Changes in V2

Additional inlet and outlet
The cube now has an additional connection, allowing extensions, tubing or additional modules to be connected more flexibly.

Improved openings for ants
The inlets and outlets have been redesigned so that ants no longer need to climb strongly to get in or out of the cube.
This makes the setup more natural and easier for the animals to use.

Ventilation mesh in the side struts
The side struts now include integrated ventilation mesh for improved airflow inside the cube.

Important Printing Note

To make sure the ventilation mesh works correctly, the mesh in the side struts should be printed with the correct settings.

Under Objects, the mesh should be printed without top and bottom shells.

Recommended settings:

Top Layers: 0

Bottom Layers: 0

Infill: 40%

Infill Pattern: Cross-Zag

Infill Layer Offset: 0.2 mm
These settings provide the best results for the ventilation mesh.

More Ant Keeping Models

You can find more ant nests and ant keeping accessories on my profile.

I am gradually adding more models for ant keeping, including nests, adapters, feeding dishes and other useful accessories for formicariums and test tube setups.

Feel free to check out my other models if you are interested in more ant keeping designs.