Here's a personal project for one of my small Pheidole colonies. This design would fit most small colonies and large founding queens.
I wanted to try something new regarding hydration and so instead of a water tower, I used more of a direct hydration system. Basically water is inserted into an internal reservoir where it is distributed to the rest of the formicarium by soaking the material. I filled about half of the reservoir up with sand to help maintain humidity longer. The top of the reservoir also has a seal, to prevent water saturated with particles from seeping into the colony's living space.
If you look closely you may also note a slight demarcation along the bottom. I don't know if it will work yet but the line is supposed to serve as a barrier of sorts to stop water reaching the bottom of the formicairum and potentially making the surface underneath wet. I also like how the tubing port is hidden from above, it gives the formicarium a nice aesthetic.
The images below show how the internal water reservoir was created, as well as the final product.
This looks amazing, as do most of your formicariums. What material did you use for the hydration? Like a clay or ?
Compared to the water tower, were you able to spot any pros and cons assuming you have been able to use it.