There are enclosures designed for function, and then there are those designed to make a statement. The Bantamarium C2 series exists for that second reason.
Conceived as a piece of living, interactive art, the C2’s stunning circular frame is made to be the centerpiece of any room.
It transforms a miniature habitat from a simple desktop curiosity into a breathtaking wall-mounted display.
This guide is your handbook for mastering this unique fusion of nature and design, from understanding its precision engineering to choosing the perfect model for your artistic vision.
The C2 Anatomy: How It Works
The defining feature of the C2 series is its elegant, circular form. But beneath this simple, artistic shape lies a framework engineered for clarity, security, and effortless maintenance.
Understanding how these components work together is the first step in appreciating the Bantam C2 not just for its beauty, but for its intelligent design.
The Bantam C2 Core Frame
The foundation of the Bantam C2 is its robust Core Frame, a single, solid piece of plastic that forms the 8.5″ diameter by 1.75″ thick main body.
This ring-shaped structure is the hub for all functionality. The back acrylic panel is permanently sealed into the frame for a perfect, leak-resistant fit and a consistently clear rear view.
All of the C2’s connectivity—the V2-Compatible Portal Ports, the Top Opening for light and air, and the Liquid Feeder Port… are integrated directly into this solid central structure, ensuring strength and reliability.
The Removable Front Panel & Sealing System
To allow for maximum access to your build, the Bantam C2 features a fully removable Front Panel.
This component, consisting of a durable plastic frame with its own sealed acrylic panel, is designed for a secure, press-fit assembly.
The Core Frame has a small interior ridge lined with an array of snap-fittings.
To assemble, you simply press the Front Panel firmly onto the Core until it clicks securely into place. For a superior habitat environment, a rubber gasket is seated inside this ridge.
When the Front Panel is attached, this gasket creates a firm, air-tight seal, which is perfect for maintaining the stable humidity required in a terrarium and provides an essential layer of security for your inhabitants.
The Interchangeable Logo Tag
Every Bantam C2 Front Panel features our signature interchangeable B.e Logo Tag at the top-center position. This small detail provides a final touch of personalization.
The standard tag can be easily swapped out for any of our colorful Bantam V2 Tags, allowing you to add a unique color accent that can match your scape, your clock hands (on the HORO), or the decor of your room.
Choosing Your Bantam C2
The C2 series is defined by its two unique front panels, each offering a distinct way to frame your miniature world.
This isn’t just a choice between features; it’s a choice of artistic intent.
Do you want a pure, minimalist window into a living world, or a functional masterpiece that fuses nature with the passage of time?
The RING: The Minimalist Canvas
The RING is the C2 in its purest form. Its front panel is a crystal-clear, unobstructed window, designed to draw the eye directly to the world inside with zero distractions.
This is the choice for the purist, the professional aquascaper, or anyone who wants their intricate scape… the delicate plants, the carefully placed hardscape, or the active inhabitants… to be the undisputed star of the show.
If your goal is to create a complex, detailed miniature world and present it like a specimen in a modern art gallery, the RING is your perfect canvas.
The HORO: The Functional Timepiece
The HORO transforms the enclosure from a simple display into a functional and captivating timepiece.
It integrates a silent, reliable analog clock mechanism directly into the front panel, with your living ecosystem serving as its dynamic, ever-changing face.
To ensure it always matches your aesthetic, the clock hands are designed to be easily removed and are interchangeable with a growing collection of different styles and colors.
The HORO is the ultimate conversation starter and a statement piece for any room, perfect for those who appreciate innovative, customizable design.
The Art of Display: Creative Builds
The Bantamarium C2 is more than a habitat; it’s a piece of art waiting to be curated. Its unique circular frame invites a different approach to scaping and display, encouraging you to think like a painter or a sculptor.
Wall-Mounted Living Art
The C2’s signature feature is its ability to hang flush against a wall, transforming your ecosystem into a living, breathing portrait.
The integrated keyhole hangers on the back of the Core Frame are designed for secure and stable mounting.
This allows you to elevate your habitat from a simple tabletop item to a sophisticated piece of wall decor.
Setting the Scene with Backdrops
The quickest way to add depth and theme to your C2 is with a custom background.
The optional C2 Back Cover add-on is designed to hold our Bantam Backgrounds… a digital library of high-resolution printable art.
In minutes, you can install a backdrop that transports your C2 to a serene skyscape or a retro pixel-art world.
Customizing Your Time (HORO Specific)
For HORO owners, the customization goes a step further. The timepiece itself is a canvas.
The interchangeable clock hands allow you to match them to your interior scape, your room’s color scheme, or simply your mood, ensuring your functional art piece is perfectly tailored to your personal aesthetic.
Getting Started: Basic Care & Assembly
The Bantamarium C2 is engineered for a simple and intuitive user experience. From its tool-free assembly to its easy-to-clean surfaces, caring for your new enclosure is straightforward, allowing you to focus on curating your living art piece.
Assembly & Panel Removal
To attach the Front Panel, carefully align it with the ridge on the Core Frame and press firmly and evenly around the edges until you hear and feel it “click” into place via the secure snap-fittings.
To remove it for maintenance, gently but firmly pry the panel away from the core, starting at the top from behind the logo. The secure, air-tight seal from the rubber gasket may provide some resistance, which is normal.
HORO: Battery & Hand Replacement
The HORO’s clock mechanism is designed for effortless maintenance. The central clock housing is held in place by a secure press-fit.
To change the battery or swap the hands, you can safely remove the entire mechanism from the outside of the front panel using a gentle pry-and-press motion, giving you direct access without ever having to open your enclosure.
Cleaning Your Bantam C2
To maintain the crystal-clear view, we recommend cleaning all plastic and acrylic surfaces with a soft, damp microfiber cloth.
Avoid using paper towels or abrasive sponges, as these can cause permanent micro-scratches on the acrylic.
For a deeper clean, use warm water with a small amount of mild dish soap and rinse thoroughly.
General Tips for a Great Build
Plan Your Artwork: Before you begin, have a vision for your scene. Consider how the circular frame will influence your design.
Lighting Your Scene: The C2’s Top Opening is designed for the C2 Light Set add-on, which provides a vibrant, plant-capable light source.
Placement Matters: Avoid placing your enclosure in direct, prolonged sunlight, which can cause excess heat and encourage algae growth.
An Expanded Gallery: Connecting Your Bantam C2
While the C2 series is designed to be a breathtaking standalone art piece, it is a true Bantamarium at its core… built for connection and modularity.
The V2-compatible ports integrated into the Core Frame are your gateways to an expanded universe.
Imagine your C2 RING serving not just as a beautiful display, but as the most elegant ant farm outworld imaginable, linked directly to a matching C2 Colony nest.
The ability to connect means your creative vision doesn’t have to be contained to a single frame; it can grow into a sprawling, functional, and ever-evolving ecosystem.
Your Canvas Awaits
The Bantamarium C2 series was created for those who believe a habitat should be a statement. It’s a fusion of nature and design, a functional sculpture, and a living portrait.
You understand the engineering and the artistic potential; now the gallery wall is yours to fill. Explore the Bantam C2 RING and HORO, choose the model that speaks to you, and start creating a masterpiece.
