Frequently asked questions
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General
- Do you sell live ants?
- No. Pherora does not sell or ship live ants. We make ant-keeping setups, habitats, and accessories.
- Do I need experience keeping ants before buying from Pherora?
- No. Our products are made to be approachable, even for newer ant keepers. That said, ants are still living animals, so it is always worth learning about the species you are keeping.
- What do I need to start keeping ants?
- Most new colonies start in a test tube setup. A test tube gives the queen water, security, and a small space to raise her first workers. As the colony grows, you can add a nest, outworld, tubing, and other accessories.
- What should I feed my ants?
- Most colonies need sugar and protein. Sugar can come from sugar water, honey water, or small pieces of fruit. Protein can come from feeder insects, cooked chicken, or other safe protein sources.
- Can I use your products for any ant species?
- Not every ant species has the same needs. Size, humidity, growth rate, and escape ability all matter. Make sure the product you choose fits the colony you are keeping.
Plinth
- What is the Plinth?
- The Plinth is a compact ant setup made for small colonies that are ready for more than just a test tube. It combines a nest area, hydration system, and acrylic outworld in one small footprint.
- Is the Plinth compatible with test tubes?
- Yes. The Plinth is compatible with standard test tubes that have a 16 mm outer diameter, also called 16 mm OD.
- How do I move my ants into the Plinth?
- The best way is to connect the test tube and let the ants move on their own. Try not to shake or dump them out. A natural move is usually much less stressful for the colony.
- How does hydration work in the Plinth?
- The Plinth uses a removable hydration chamber and twist-lock hydration tower. This makes it easier to add moisture to the nest without taking the whole setup apart.
- What size colony is the Plinth best for?
- The Plinth is best for colonies that are starting to outgrow their test tube setup or are becoming difficult to feed and maintain in a tube. In most cases, founding colonies should stay in a test tube for as long as possible before moving into a nest. Every species grows differently, so colony size, behavior, and comfort should all be considered before moving them.
- What is included with the Plinth?
- The Plinth includes the main printed base, acrylic outworld, clear acrylic nest viewing panel, hydration system, removable gate locks, hardware, and support for standard 16 mm OD test tubes
- What are the gate locks for?
- The gate locks are used to close unused entrances and connection points. They help keep the setup more secure when you are not using every opening, or when you need to access part of the setup for cleaning, feeding, or expansion.
- Can I expand the Plinth later?
- Yes. The Plinth is designed so you can expand your setup over time using compatible tubing and connections.
Orders
- How long does it take to ship my order?
- Most Pherora products are made to order. Please allow 3–5 business days for processing before your order ships.
Returns
- Where can I request a refund review?
- You can submit a request through our refund policy page: /refund-policy
- What should I do if my order arrives damaged or incorrect?
- Please submit a refund review request through our refund policy page. Include your order number, checkout email, and a clear explanation of the issue. If the problem is visible, photos may be requested so we can review it properly.
- Who pays for return shipping?
- Buyers are responsible for return shipping costs unless the issue was caused by us or the item arrived damaged or incorrect.
- Should I send my item back right away?
- No. Please do not send anything back until you hear from us. Returns sent back without approval may be declined.
Shipping
- How much does shipping cost?
- Shipping is calculated at checkout based on your location and the package size and weight.
- Why does processing take 3–5 business days?
- Many of our products are made in small batches or made to order. This gives us time to print, assemble, inspect, and package everything before it goes out.
- What should I do if my shipping address is wrong?
- Please contact us as soon as possible. If the order has not shipped yet, we may be able to update the address. Once an order has shipped, we cannot guarantee changes can be made.
- Will I receive tracking information?
- Yes. Once your order ships, tracking information will be provided when available.