Welcome to the definitive guide for the Bantamarium V2. This is the series that started the revolution… The original, iconic cylinder that established our philosophy of a truly modular ecosystem.
Its unparalleled versatility and a massive range of compatible add-ons make it the perfect starting point for your first build and the powerful foundation for a sprawling, interconnected universe.
Whether you’re unboxing your first kit or planning your next expansion, this guide is your essential resource for mastering the V2 and bringing the habitat of your dreams to life.
The V2 Anatomy: How It Works
At the heart of the V2 series is a revolutionary modular system where every component connects with a simple and secure twist-lock mechanism.
This allows you to tailor your enclosure’s function and aesthetic in seconds.
Understanding the two core glassware types and the ecosystem of add-ons that connect to them is the key to unlocking the full potential of your Bantamarium.
The Core of Your Build: The Glassware
The foundation of every V2 build is the Bantamarium V2 Core Glassware. Your choice between the AERO and VAPO determines the primary function of your habitat from the very start.
AERO Core Glassware: This is the ultimate versatile core… An open-bottomed cylinder designed for maximum customization. It’s the ideal choice for arboreal, arid, or any habitat that doesn’t require direct water retention. Its true power lies in its role as a blank canvas, requiring a modular base to complete it.
VAPO Core Glassware: This is the watertight solution, featuring a slim base permanently sealed to the bottom of the cylinder. It’s the perfect choice for aquatic setups, paludariums, or high-humidity terrariums that require a standing water layer. It’s ready for water right out of the box, offering a simpler path for aquatic builds.
The Modular Ecosystem: Lids, Bases, and Tops
Once you’ve chosen your core glassware, you can customize it with a universe of modular add-ons that twist-lock into place.
Lids & Bases: The Connection Hubs. The Lids and Bases are the primary connection points of the V2 system. Nearly every Lid and Base features our signature Portal Ports, allowing you to link multiple enclosures together for horizontal expansion. The one exception is the Slim Lid, which forgoes ports for a sleek, low-profile design ideal for minimalist setups.
Tops & Caps: Environmental Control The Top (or Cap) fits securely inside the Lid to control the internal environment. The Light Top provides plant-sustaining LEDs, the Glass Top allows natural light, and the Blackout Cap ensures darkness.
For peace of mind, all of our tops come with rubber gauges, ensuring a snug, escape-proof fit that is essential for keeping curious inhabitants secure.
Choosing Your V2: Finding the Perfect Fit
The V2 series offers a variety of sizes and core types to match your vision perfectly. Making the right choice is a simple two-step process: first, pick the size that fits your project, then select the core glassware that suits the specific needs of your planned habitat.
Step 1: Choose Your Size
The TINY (3″): The Micro-Display. Our most compact enclosure is an ambitious choice designed for micro observations or decorative use.
While not intended as a long-term solution for most live inhabitants (outside of select microfauna), the TINY is perfect for housing a single spider, showcasing a beautiful ecosystem, or creating a tiny, maintenance-free art piece.
It features a unique, all-in-one top in either Glass or a keychain-compatible Light Top (available in Warm or Cool white light).
The MINI (6″): The All-Rounder. Our most popular size, the MINI, provides the perfect balance of a compact footprint and generous interior space.
It’s the ideal choice for creating lush small terrariums, housing developing ant colonies, or building a stunning mini aquarium where every detail matters.
The full range of V2 modular components is available for the MINI.
The NANO (10″): The Showcase. The largest of our classic cylindrical enclosures, the NANO offers the most volume for your most ambitious projects.
Its significant height and interior space make it suitable for temporarily housing larger inhabitants, supporting a greater quantity of inhabitants compared to the MINI, or creating tall, dramatic vertical scapes that command attention.
The NANO is compatible with most V2 add-ons.
Step 2: Choose Your Core Type
Choose the AERO Core if…
…your habitat does not need to hold standing water. The AERO’s open bottom is designed for maximum versatility with modular bases, making it the superior choice for arid or arboreal terrariums that require excellent drainage and airflow, or any setup where you plan to use the full range of add-ons like the DOCK system.
Choose the VAPO Core if…
…your habitat must be watertight. The VAPO’s sealed, integrated base makes it the clear winner for any aquatic or high-humidity setup. Choose the VAPO for nano aquariums, paludariums, or tropical terrariums where maintaining a water layer for humidity is essential. It’s your plug-and-play solution for any build that needs to hold water.
Getting Started: Care & Maintenance
Your Bantamarium V2 is designed to be a durable and long-lasting habitat, and a little bit of care will go a long way in keeping it pristine.
Whether you’re assembling your first kit or performing a routine cleaning, these simple steps will ensure both you and your inhabitants have the best experience.
Assembly: The Twist-Lock System
Assembling your V2 is a simple and tool-free process. Every major component… Lids, Bases, and the DOCK system… connect using our secure twist-lock mechanism.
Simply align the tabs on the component with the slots on the Core Glassware or adjoining part, press gently, and twist clockwise until you feel it lock firmly into place.
To disassemble, twist counterclockwise and lift. This intuitive system makes it easy to add new modules or access your habitat for maintenance at any time.
Cleaning & Upkeep
To maintain the crystal-clear view, we recommend cleaning the acrylic and plastic components with a soft, damp microfiber cloth.
Avoid using paper towels or abrasive sponges, as these can cause micro-scratches on the surface.
For a deeper clean, use warm water with a small amount of mild dish soap, and be sure to rinse every component thoroughly before reassembling the habitat to ensure no residue is left behind that could harm your inhabitants.
General Tips for a Healthy Habitat
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Placement is Key: Avoid placing your Bantamarium in prolonged, direct sunlight. This can cause excessive heat buildup and promote algae growth, especially in aquatic setups.
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Regular Observation: The best way to maintain a healthy ecosystem is to observe it daily. The panoramic view of the V2 makes this an easy and enjoyable part of the hobby.
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Know Your Inhabitants: The modularity of the V2 system gives you the tools to create the perfect environment, but always research the specific requirements for what you plan to keep. We manage hundreds of care guides to help with this
Personalize Your Build: The Add-On Ecosystem
Beyond the core components, a universe of specialized add-ons allows you to tailor your Bantamarium V2 to your exact needs and style. Our list of accessories is always growing, but they fall into two main categories: functional upgrades and aesthetic touches.
Functional Add-Ons: Nearly every V2 Lid and Base (except for the Slim Lid and Tall Base) features a discreet port on the back designed for our 8mL Liquid Feeder.
This allows for clean and non-intrusive hydration or feeding. For more advanced setups, the Bantamarium TAP can be integrated to turn any V2 into a functional dispensing station.
Aesthetic Add-Ons: Every standard V2 Lid and Base proudly features our B.e logo on a small, removable tag. This tag isn’t just for branding; it’s interchangeable.
You can easily swap it out with one of our colorful Bantamarium V2 Tags to add a unique accent or match a specific theme.
The Next Level: Expanding Your Ecosystem
Your first Bantamarium V2 is just the beginning. We designed it not as a static enclosure, but as the foundational cell of a potentially massive and interconnected world.
When you’re ready to move beyond a single habitat, the V2’s modular ecosystem offers limitless possibilities for expansion.
Building Up: Vertical Expansion
For arboreal inhabitants or tall plant scapes, the V2 series can be expanded vertically using our innovative Mid-Lids. These specialized modules act as both a lid for one enclosure and a base for another, allowing you to securely stack multiple Core Glassware units on top of each other.
Building Out: Horizontal Connectivity
The signature Portal Ports found on nearly every V2 Lid and Base are your gateway to horizontal expansion. By connecting multiple enclosures with tubing, you can create sprawling, interconnected worlds for a growing ant colony or complex, multi-environment setups.
Building a Command Center: The DOCK System
Take your organization to the pro level with the Bantamarium DOCK. This modular hub attaches to the base of your V2 setup, allowing you to add drawers, gates, and even create micro-habitats within the base itself, creating a true command center for your entire ecosystem.
Your Canvas Awaits
The Bantamarium ecosystem was born from a simple idea: the only limit to your miniature world should be your own imagination.
From the classic versatility of the Bantamarium V2, to the living art of the C2 Series, to the creative canvas of the R2 Series, there is a Bantamarium designed to be the perfect starting point for your unique vision.
Now that you understand the possibilities, the journey is yours to begin. Explore the collections, find the shape that inspires you, and start building the world you’ve been dreaming of.
