My setup

ranger519 · #1 11-11-2011, 12:30 PM

Here is my setup. I have had it going for about 10 months now. I used scorched pvc and a dremmel tool to do the logs. I started with bamboo but it was infeasted with a borring beatle so i had to start the whole tank over. I like the pvc it makes for nice places for them to hide. I used a hole saw to cut openings in the pvc. The geckos love it. My geckos don't have all the flashy red on them like the ones i see most people on here have but they are not real available in my area. They are pretty neat pets. They both will hand feed and lick baby food from my finger. Here is some pics of my setup. Im using a monsoon 400 as my auto mister. (had some initial problems with the mister but they seemed to correct the problem and send me a new one, works great now). These are my only reptiles.

daggekko · #2 11-11-2011, 11:39 PM

Nice job with the torch!!! I've seen some people post pictures when they've attempted to make unnatural natural logs. Yours looks really good. Did you dremel it after torching or before?

ranger519 · #3 11-12-2011, 08:56 AM

I first drilled the holes in the larger pvc. Then took the dremmel and etched the pvc. Its a long process but the more grooves you put in the more natural it looks. Then set up a fan to blow the fumes away from ya and slowly move the torch up and down to get the desired look you want. You can burn it pretty good and still looks good. Use the torch to smooth out the areas where you cut holes so there is no sharp edges. You can heat the pipe and bend it so its not always straight. Have a bucket of water to cool the pipe if you bend it so it holds the shape you bent it. Then scrub the heck out of it with water and a scotch pad. After cleaning it up it will lighten up in color and you can go back and darken areas that need it. Then soak in the tub ovenight while scrubbing and cleaning. Repeat as needed untill no more residue comes off on a rag. I let mine sit for a couple weeks and soaked and cleaned them one more time to make sure there was no residue left. I was worried suction cups would not hold the larger pvc so i hung it with braided fishing lin along with the cups. On the large piece i have 2 holes drilled in the back and one in the front. At the ends i made half holes in the back so when it is tight against the glass they have a way in and out. Overall pretty easy job but a little time consuming. The smaller pieces i blocked the holes with cork in fear they would get stuck in them.

PrestonG · #4 11-12-2011, 11:16 AM

That is a great technique! Thanks for breaking it down into steps, I have heard of it but never seen pics of the finished product it looks great and I am sure very easy to clean. Thanks for sharing.