Seeking advice for creating visual barriers between neighboring enclosures

[mkschaefer]

I recently divided a 55 gallon aquarium into four distinct enclosures by securing three panes of glass with silicone. I constructed a fixed lid and a hinged lid for each compartment utilizing more glass, window screen, screen frames. Only two of the enclosures are complete (pictures to follow) and one houses a pair of Phelsuma laticauda. Each enclosure now measures 12"x12"x18". I plan on utilizing the other enclosures for more Phelsuma.

I am trying to figure out how to create a visual barrier between each enclosure. As each compartment shares one side with a neighboring compartment, I'm trying to figure out the best way to provide a visual barrier.

Does anyone know of a commercial film that would work? Would a non-toxic paint work? Regardless of the side I paint, the residents of at least one compartment will physically contact treated glass.

My concern is that some species may stress others. I am considering placing my Strophurus pair in one of the cages and may use the others for juvenile Phelsuma kochi. I am planning on getting some Phelsuma klemmeri, Phelsuma robertmertensi, or another species and may place them in the enclosures.

The basic idea was to have four distinct enclosures within one giant display. It has turned out nicely, but I want to care for the geckos properly without adding any stress to the animals.

Some of my other geckos are within eyesight of one another (particularly a P. standingi pair and a P. kochi pair), but they don't share bordering enclosures.

Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

 

[kruler]

you could get some of that cheesy aquarium background they have at pet shops, or just laminated pieces of paper.

I doubt you need it though. I have phelsuma enclosures side by side and have never witnessed any aggression between neighbours.

 

[rhatfield]

you could also get the plastic used for the bottom of large florcent lights at home depot. It difuses light, but you cant see through it.

 

[MadtownGeckos]

Hello,

Hopefully my first post will be a helpful one

I did the same thing as you, splitting a 55 into 4 sections but with a few differences. I made front screen doors by knocking out the front pane of glass and making a frame for the doors of each section. I also used plexi for the dividers instead of glass. Mine is used for R. Ciliatus, but I recently wanted to do the same thing as you now, block the sight of neighboring geckos through the plexi.

I bought a sheet of PVC type material. I forgot exactly what it is called but it is basically a sheet of PVC and can be found at Home Depot and Menards near the tileboard. I really like it because it has a rougher side to it as well as a smooth side. I'm sure many other home improvements stores carry it as well. It can be easily cut with a pair of sheers or exact-o knife and either glued on with hot glue or silicone or many other adhesives. If I ever split another aquarium I will most likly just use this as the dividing sheet and skip the plexi all together. Here are some pictures.

Hope this helps!