zuper8
New member
I have seen many posts on this forum recommending turning horizontal enclosures upright as an inexpensive way to give some height to the enclosure of an arboreal species.
However, no one has explained how to do it well, and working through it in my head I can see a few problems coming up. Was wondering if folks could chime in who have done this, or even post some examples of successful conversions for beginners like myself who would be looking into it. I am thinking of Tokay geckos specifically but I hope this thread will be helpful for other species too.
Obviously you turn it upright and get screen clamps. I figured you could get some peel and stick "feet" for underneath to make the top easier to remove.
So questions/ potential issues:
1. Heat lamp: I imagine you would place it directly on the glass at the top, in order to heat the tank sufficiently. However, would the glass get too hot and potentially burn the gecko?
2. If you hung the lamp on a stand, could it ever keep the tank warm enough in places that get cold winters?
3. Wouldn't all the heat escape out the screen top which would now be in front?
4. If you wanted any substrate, what is a cheap way to box it in so that it doesn't all fall out every time you take off the screen?
Again, any examples would be great... thanks! Nice vertical enclosures aren't easy to find cheap, I paid $250 for mine. If I got another Tokay I would be looking into turning a horizontal tank upright instead, if it's feasible with the substrate and heating.
However, no one has explained how to do it well, and working through it in my head I can see a few problems coming up. Was wondering if folks could chime in who have done this, or even post some examples of successful conversions for beginners like myself who would be looking into it. I am thinking of Tokay geckos specifically but I hope this thread will be helpful for other species too.
Obviously you turn it upright and get screen clamps. I figured you could get some peel and stick "feet" for underneath to make the top easier to remove.
So questions/ potential issues:
1. Heat lamp: I imagine you would place it directly on the glass at the top, in order to heat the tank sufficiently. However, would the glass get too hot and potentially burn the gecko?
2. If you hung the lamp on a stand, could it ever keep the tank warm enough in places that get cold winters?
3. Wouldn't all the heat escape out the screen top which would now be in front?
4. If you wanted any substrate, what is a cheap way to box it in so that it doesn't all fall out every time you take off the screen?
Again, any examples would be great... thanks! Nice vertical enclosures aren't easy to find cheap, I paid $250 for mine. If I got another Tokay I would be looking into turning a horizontal tank upright instead, if it's feasible with the substrate and heating.
