Take control of your own space age ant universe with the NASA inspired Super Antquarium.

Admit it, you've fantasised about playing God. The ultimate in control. The only problem with that is, it must be bloody hard work. Life and death, natural disasters... who needs the stress? Thank heavens then that some bright spark came up with Super Antquarium ¡V the micro universe that's yours to control, yet requires virtually no maintenance.

In 2003 NASA scientists, keen to examine the behaviour of animal life in space, conducted a unique experiment using a colony of ants and an amazing non-toxic, nutrient-filled transparent gel. Developed with special properties to withstand immense g-forces, the gel formed a habitat for the ants within a clear Perspex case. This exceptional colony was sent into orbits on the space shuttle, and the ants not only survived but thrived, creating fascinating tunnels in the microgravity of the gel.

The new Super Antquarium perfectly replicates the habitat created for the ants by NASA, allowing you to observe this fascinating microcosm of life. Who needs zero gravity when you can watch your army of ants do their thing at your desk? And best of all, you don't have to do a thing. No feeding, no watering; the gel contains all the nutrients your six-legged subjects need to survive, and if an ant bites the bullet, worker ants bring the body to the surface. All you have to do is watch and enjoy.

Make holes in the gel with the starter tool provided, and your ants will begin to create dozens of intricate, unique 3D tunnels through the gel for you to observe. Because this is a natural process, no two Super Antquarium sets are ever the same, so your desktop universe will be a genuine one-off. It might not be fast and furious action, but it's amazing just how engrossing the progress of your colony becomes.

The Super Antquarium is as close in conditions to the original NASA experiment as possible (without the spaceship, obviously), and is impressively large in size for the price. As well as the tunnel starter tool, which usefully doubles up as an ant catcher, the kit contains a magnifying glass for observation of your creepy crawlie chums in minute detail.

Whether you want to observe the wonders of nature, or are just sick of flushing goldfish down the pan, the Super Antquarium is perfect.

NB: NEVER place your Super Antquarium in direct sunlight. Do not place insects other than ants in the Ant Space. Around 15 ants is ideal. The average life span of the ants is six months, but the gel is reusable.