Aquarium Conversion for crested gecko questions

[RichL]

Hiya all - im new here so please dont molest me just yet

OK - I have a paln in mind, I am about to empty my large aquarium - due to complicated heath reasons, I cant deal with large volumnes of water anymore as well as the issue of family caring for it when im ill.

We've had leopard geckos in the past so they are used to caring for geckos for me.

The tank is 100cm across, 50cm top to bottom and 40cm front to back - its only 3 years old and cost alot so im reluctant to bin it (was £500 with cabinet) so I want to turn it into a luxury Crested Gecko hotel - hoping to house a group of four or so.

OK - I understand they dont require heat lighting - so I will use the aquaray LED lighting that is installed - given it produces little heat i think its ideal for the daylight requirements - I will also install some sort of UV lighting - well, not sure on that - still unclear as to they need it - the best ive seen is 'they may benefit' and when it comes to beasties - i err on caution and their welfare. I know they are nocturnal so again a little unsure about the necessity - id rather keep costs down if i can.

Heating - now this bit im unsure of - ie how it all works (HELP) its been 20years since I had leopards, so heating has moved on abit since the old heatpads - now then, this tank is big n heavy - so do I put the heatpad under the substrate or should I opt for cable heater - i know i shouldnt mount a pad on the side or back walls in case of burning the little guys feet.

Also - my lizard room (also my bedroom) is quite warm at night, but im not sure of the temps. In terms of automation for the heater, do i buy two heaters with timers etc or just concentrate on the daytime temp? I fully intend insulaging the outside of the tank anyway (back n both sides)

I also know the geckos will need high humidy - so given the size of this tank - will i need to do alot of spraying? Would i be best served investing in a mister? How much ventilation do I need in the hood (im building)? Also - was planning on having a layer of small round rocks ont he base, then cover this with either fine stainless or plastic mesh, then the actual substrate going on top of this (ie moss n bark mixture or whatever) so that there is a reservoir of moisture held within - is this a good idea? If so - how then and what heater system is best (ie cable) and again - would i use it under the substrate or under stones (dumb questions i know)

what substrate do you recommend

I was planning on using fake plants etc to begin with, and lining the back wall with bark type tiles (the exo type stuff) - if i used this approach - would i then be able to put a mat behind this (outside tank or inside) thus no burns for gecko (i hope) again ideas etc please.

The tank is also quite deep and obviously no front door opening so I was going to build or buy some sort of shelf (actually a few) for feeding stations, I figure this way, no food contamination from substrate and given these critters are tree living mainly, eating at floor level wouldnt be natural to them - again, does this seem fair plan?

The exisiting lid is a one piece 'board' affair so I was thinking of building a hood - so I am wondering how much should be mesh if any? There are two openingins at the top in the back wall of he tank (for pipes n wires etc) which I was going to fill with fine mesh - each hole is abou 2inches tall and 4 inches wide. Is this adequate ventialtion or do you suggest some more in the hood?

I live in the south west of england so we rarely get 'cold' weather - im primarily concerned about the heating issues and the humidity long term - so ventilation and retention of heat/damp are my concerns.

Thanks in advance and sorry for long post - i hope perhaps these questions may help someone else in future too. This is a sort of longer term project - I dont imaginge it being done by easter (Equipment to buy n setup 1st) so im just planning ahead and making a list of things i need (potention crimbo pressies too )

Obviously im going for the natural look so i will be using alot of plants n branches etc (fake plants) and I am considering a small waterfall set up too (to help with humidity as well as looks - im used to the sound of running water with fish tanks)

I'll also make a picture diary as I go along

 

[RichL]

Went to the DIY store today and had a good look around

Decided to get two adjustable plastic venting grills - which I will mount intot he existing tank lid (after cutting appropriate holes)

Im going to use a 20w 17x11 inch hatmat on the side of the tank - and have the thermostat probe just off the inside wall of the viv

I think I will rig up some sort of fan system into the lid - mainly for summer months, two to draw air in and two as extractors, 120mm pc fans ought to be adequate for this.

I also intend using a habba mister at a later date (regular hand held sprayer for now)

Id still like advice on substrates though please

Just ordered sum parts n things for the viv - including some rock effect background and a couple of magnetic feeding shelves from Stickyfeet (great idea these)

Next big job is emptying and cleaning/sterilising the tank then cutting neat vent holes in the lid

 

[jpstodwftexas]

I am no expert by any means but If your ambient temperature is adequate then there should be no need for any time of heating pad. The Lights will help with temperatures

I googled this Information
New Caledonia has a temperate climate with two main seasons: cold (June to August) and hot (mid-November to mid-April). Water temperatures drop to 21°C in the cold season, and average air temperatures are around 24°C during the day and 15°C at night. Travellers wanting to laze around on the beach should avoid these months, but for hikers this is an ideal time to visit New Caledonia. In the hot season average maximum temperatures vary between 26°C and 30°C. The cyclone season occurs during the hottest months, January to March.

As you can see there is a range of temperatures. I doubt wild Crested Geckos have "Heating Pads".

My Tanks are 100% Natural.. no fake nothing in them. For Soil/substrate I use a Compost enriched soil a mixture of Clay, compost and sand.

For Furnishings I use Cork Flats, Cork Tubes, Lianna Vines, sumba vines, and any other wood branches that are cool looking.

 

[RichL]

daylight lighting is from LED unit which produces zero heat

My room temp (currently) is only 18deg c at best

Heat mat sint cutting the mustard either - i tried a 20w heatmat on the outside of the tank and cant feel the heat on the inside glass (although it is 10mm toughened gkass on my tank)

Looks like im going to have to go the reptibulb route but my concern now is even with a mesh guard that the gecks will burn themselves or something

Cant use mesh hood on my tank either :-x

 

[moridin]

Check your temps with a thermometer before you get the lamp, and probably before you attach that heat mat too. I found that my house is around 19C, but when I set the tank up, added a little moisture and put the top on that the tank's internal temp went up to 22C, which was fine for the cresties.