Exoterra use

[playbus]

Hi all. New here, mainly a dart frog keeper, but also have leos, pygmy chams, and lots of mantids.

I have a 12x12x18 exoterra that i've cracked the bottom on- so no longer any good for my darts etc. Before I tackle removing the black surround, and replacing the glass, are there any geckos that would use this tank without needing humidity to be too high. I really like Phelsuma Klemmeri and Nigrista but wasnt sure if a), viv is big anough for a pair, and b), how high the humidity needs to be, as if the substrate is too wet, the tanks starts leaking slightly.

Thanks in advance!

 

[PassPort]

Try any of the arboreal aussies, like Oedura or Strophurus. If you're looking to keep price down, then any of the common Pachydactylus or Hemidactylus species make fascinating captives. Ptyodactylus are great too and relatively cheap!
-Kevin

 

[cliff_f]

You could always put some aquarium silicone on the crack. That will usually stop any leaking.

 

[Marty]

You could always put some aquarium silicone on the crack. That will usually stop any leaking.

You may be playing with fire when you do that though. I did exactly that and set up my naturalistic tank to the 9s, then had to rip it all out 'cuz I sprung a leak few weeks later. I guess it would all depend on what kind of a crack and where and how good you're with silicone, but for little extra work and money I'd probably replace the whole glass pane. Just too much at stake... unless you don't go with a fancy setup that can be rebuild in short time, then I guess no big loss. I'd just caution you if you do a crazy setup, because you'll be pissed later... I know I was.

 

[playbus]

You may be playing with fire when you do that though. I did exactly that and set up my naturalistic tank to the 9s, then had to rip it all out 'cuz I sprung a leak few weeks later. I guess it would all depend on what kind of a crack and where and how good you're with silicone, but for little extra work and money I'd probably replace the whole glass pane. Just too much at stake... unless you don't go with a fancy setup that can be rebuild in short time, then I guess no big loss. I'd just caution you if you do a crazy setup, because you'll be pissed later... I know I was.

Repaired it once, lasted about 2 months. Have replaced whole panels before etc, the issue I have is no idea how to remove the black surround on the bottom without damaging it. Think i'm gunna preform surgery and repalce the bottom, so any pointers very welcome!

 

[Marty]

You're on your own there. All I can say is ... fresh, sharp blades and keep your fingers away.

 

[cliff_f]

Marty, Just to clarify what I meant I didnt mean to let the tank hold water but you should be able to keep some nice moist substrate with out it leaking. Also that should help to keep the crack from spreding.

 

[Marty]

That makes sense... I guess if there's no water it can't leak. I always think in terms of keeping 4" of water at the bottom...frog habit :blushing:

 

[bareass]

did you try calling a windshield repair place? i'm sure htey could help.

 

[geckodan]

The glass is quite tricky to get out and involves lots of swearing and some blood. The silicon used deep in the plastic tracking is very stubborn. I smashed it properly then used a narrow screwdriver and prised it out in a million pieces. Getting a new glass in is worse and you will never get a tight seal like the factory seal without great globs of silicone. You would be better off turning it into a dry exhibit or alternatively , leave the original glass in place and silicon a whole new piece over the top (inside the tank) and seal this in.

 

[dactylus]

Repair job,....
..... easiest solution is to silicone a new piece of glass on top of the broken base.

 

[cliff_f]

That would be a really good idea just to silicone a whole new piece on the top. Then you could still put water in there and shouldnt have any leaks at all.

 

[Marty]

Repair job,....
..... easiest solution is to silicone a new piece of glass on top of the broken base.

sounds like a winner!

 

[playbus]

The bugger I have is the background is made of expanding foam / silicone etc, so thats why was looking at the option of removing the glass from the bottom. Now tempted to look at pouring a resin into the base to seal it....

 

[Riverside Reptiles]

Hi all. New here, mainly a dart frog keeper, but also have leos, pygmy chams, and lots of mantids.

I have a 12x12x18 exoterra that i've cracked the bottom on- so no longer any good for my darts etc. Before I tackle removing the black surround, and replacing the glass, are there any geckos that would use this tank without needing humidity to be too high. I really like Phelsuma Klemmeri and Nigrista but wasnt sure if a), viv is big anough for a pair, and b), how high the humidity needs to be, as if the substrate is too wet, the tanks starts leaking slightly.

Thanks in advance!

I think that the easiest thing to do is what you yourself suggested in your first post...slap some silicone on the crack and just use the enclosure for a animal that doesn't require large amounts of humidity. Then you don't have to worry about it leaking or not. There's tons of geckos out there that would be fine for that sort of application.