L. Williamsi and Water Features

[cat_named_noodles]

I have a trio of L. williamsi coming next week, and would like to know how these guys do with water features? I have a 15 gallon tall all planted and set up for them and it includes a small water feature (water can be up to 2" deep). Do. L. williamsi swim well at all if one falls in the water? Should I add a bunch of rocks to the water feature so it's shallower?
I attached some photos of the tank showing the water feature (it's on the far left) . Thanks

 

[*ZERO*]

I would say yes, u never know... if a small gecko was to say fall from the top of said tank them the impact would possibly stun it making it unable to swim out and or escape regardless.

just my .02

 

[cat_named_noodles]

Very good point. I'll have to put more gravel in there tonight. Thanks!

 

[Dendro_Dave]

Should be fine as long as the shoreline is such that they are unlikely to get trapped under it trying to swim back if they fall in. Mine have a corner pond, and actually go down to drink even with out water agitation.
If your top is all glass you may wanna add a strip of mesh for ventilation (where a uv light could also go) I think the humidity might be a lil high in a completely or nearly so sealed tank. Mine has mesh strip and isnt as humid as it looks, especially in the top half.

Water is lil murky cuz i was screwing with tank right before pic

 

[cat_named_noodles]

Wow Dave, what a gorgeous terrarium! Actually I don't have any lid on my terrarium yet. It's one of the "old school" 15 gallon tall tanks, and I went and bought the wrong size screen lid. So I have to go exchange it soon. I have a 5.5 gallon all set up as a quarantine tank in case they come in w/mites and so I can see if they're eating.
The edge of the pond in my terrarium is nearly vertical, but doesn't have anything they can get stuck under. Do you think this is still ok?

 

[crestedtimm]

Geckos cant swim, EVERYONE knows that! :crackup:

Just put a few limbs/logs/ a rock, whatever, within the water, and your geckos will enjoy that beautiful terrarium you made for them. Do need some mesh in the lid, like Dave said.

Of course I prolly didnt even need to chime in, as Dave has already done the experiment for you!

Enjoy your williamsi!

Timmm

And GOOD thinking on the 5.5 mite treatment cage! Would be much more difficult to eradicate them from your natural viv.

 

[cat_named_noodles]

Geckos cant swim, EVERYONE knows that! :crackup:

Just put a few limbs/logs/ a rock, whatever, within the water, and your geckos will enjoy that beautiful terrarium you made for them. Do need some mesh in the lid, like Dave said.

Of course I prolly didnt even need to chime in, as Dave has already done the experiment for you!

Enjoy your williamsi!

Timmm

And GOOD thinking on the 5.5 mite treatment cage! Would be much more difficult to eradicate them from your natural viv.

Yeah I am probably going to make a mesh lid for the viv, as I am not happy with the size of the holes on the screen top at the lps at the moment. Till then they will stay in the quarantine tank. Speaking of which, I currently have a paper towel with damp sphagnum for substrate. Do you think it would be better to remove the sphagnum?
What's the best treatment for mites just in case? Thanks!

 

[Dendro_Dave]

You know, and im not encouraging anyone to mix species here...but i've noticed mites never seem to hang on long when i've had wc geckos mixed with dart frogs. I dont think the frogs actually pick them off the geckos, but i think they make it real hard for them to get established and breed in the tank. Just an observation, definate risks mixing species, especially with wc animals. I tend to avoid it now that i've got more experience.