Ytong vs Acrylic - Which Is Better For An Ant Nest?

Ytong nest? Acrylic nest? Which is the better option? Which one should I buy for my ant colony?

In this article, we’re going to talk about two of the most popular types of ant nests, aiming to understand the differences and similarities between them, and find out which one is the better option for your specific ant species!

Let’s get right into it!

Introduction

When it comes to choosing the right nest for your ants, there are a few key factors to consider. The most important one, as you can imagine, is the species that you want to house.

Every species of ant has its own unique characteristics, such as distinctive behaviors, physical traits, and of course, the type of environment they prefer to live in.

Two of the most popular nest alternatives are Ytong and acrylic nests. But what are the differences? Which is better? To find the answer to these important questions, we first need to describe the two nest types.

Let’s start with the first type!

Ytong Nests

First, let's take a closer look at Ytong nests.

Ytong is a particular type of aerated concrete, usually used in construction. The lightweight material is very popular in ant keeping for its moisture-retention properties, which makes it ideal for the majority of humidity-loving ant species.

This material is highly porous, allowing air to easily travel through the nest itself. This key aspect helps regulate the internal temperature and humidity, and also helps to reduce the chance of mold outbreaks.

One of the biggest advantages of Ytong nests is that they are relatively inexpensive compared to other types of ant nests. In fact, if you enjoy D.I.Y. projects and want to build one yourself, the cost is almost negligible! You can easily find a medium-sized Ytong block for less than $5! That’s a steal!

For this reason, the majority of ant keepers like to build their own nests, saving a lot of money in the process. Ytong is extremely easy to work with, and building a Ytong nest from scratch is not that hard.

If you are interested in the idea, I would suggest you check out this tutorial! In this one, I explain in detail how to make a Ytong nest starting from a single block, using tools you already have at home!

However, there are also some drawbacks to Ytong nests. One of the biggest disadvantages of using this type of ant nest is that they can be very fragile. Due to their structure, and because the material is highly porous, it’s very easy to break or damage.

Another downside of Ytong nests is that they can be easily excavated. Many species of ants can chew through this material without any problem, and if not taken into account, it can become a serious issue!

For example, the major workers of the species from the Messor genus can use their large mandibles to break down the soft material, creating actual tunnels in the Ytong block! This can lead to massive escapes, which is certainly something we don’t want!

Now let’s move to the other option!

Acrylic Nests

This type of nest is completely different from the previous one. These nests are usually made of a clear, transparent plastic material that allows you to easily see inside the nest, facilitating the view of your ants.

They are typically built in a series of layers, placed one above the other to create the structure of the chambers. These nests are very easy to find online, and almost every online shop dedicated to ant keeping has its own line of acrylic nests!

If you aren't on a tight budget and don't mind the idea of spending some money on this very cool hobby, I would suggest you check out this guide! In this article, I list the best places to find ant farms for sale online!

Acrylic is an extremely durable material and can withstand the wear and tear of regular use without any issue. For this reason, acrylic nests usually last much longer compared to the more fragile Ytong nests.

They are also less likely to break if handled roughly or dropped on the floor or desk, which would likely completely destroy a nest made of Ytong.

Acrylic nests are also much easier to clean and maintain, making them a good choice for beginner ant keepers. Just remove the screws, wash them with water, dry them, reassemble the various pieces, and the job is done! You have a completely new nest!

However, there are also some disadvantages to using these types of nests. Acrylic nests are made with an impermeable material, which is the exact opposite of what we have in Ytong nests. This material prevents the air from traveling in and out of the nest, creating zones with stagnant air inside the chambers.

This characteristic significantly increases the chances of mold outbreaks inside the nest, which can threaten the well-being of your little friends!

Another con of acrylic nests is their poor humidity retention properties. These nests usually dry out extremely fast, and the humidity completely disappears not long after you hydrate them. This creates a harmful environment for your ants, and in some cases, it can cause a complete die-out of your colony!

Thanks to their unique structural design, acrylic nests are practically escape-proof! For this reason, they are the perfect choice if you need to house very small species of ants, such as Pheidole or Solenopsis.

If you like these types of transparent acrylic nests, you will definitely enjoy this ant keeping product! This is an acrylic ant nest made by Anthouse, a very popular ant keeping company based in Spain!

So, What's The Best Option?

They are both extremely valid options when it comes to housing your colonies! Like everything in our world, they have their unique advantages and disadvantages, and the final decision must take all of them into account.

Ultimately, the best nest for your specific case will depend on your situation, your needs, and the species of ant that you want to house.

I hope you liked this quick guide, and I really hope it helped you better understand the differences between these two very distinct types of ant nests!

If you are new to this fantastic hobby called ant keeping, you should definitely check out this tutorial! In this one, I explain in detail how to start this hobby with as little as $1! That’s a steal!