TeaandMilk
New member
I'm making this thread for my current ideas for a DIY vivarium, but also for the sake of my sanity and my gecko's health. If I can get onboard with a family member to construct a viv. then this will probably start being built on summer or late spring. Depends on the conditions.
Currently, my gecko is living in an 18 gal tank. Close to a window that lets in indirect light from the sun and a UTH so heat and lighting isn't a problem. But I'm considered that maybe it's just a little too small. My only other option is a massive 42 gal tank, now it sounds nice until you realize you can't reach into it since it's near 24" tall. If it weren't for that my gecko would be in there right now. So instead I will sell said tank and all its gear to help pay for the care and upgraded for my gecko.
Tank options I'm considering:
1) Exo-terra medium/long or the medium/wide advanced tanks, I do see the front doors as a major plus to help reduce the stress on my geckos part and easier maneuverability on mine.
2) Buy a 30-20 gallon fish tank.
3) Construct my own out of wood and metal using the help from my Eagle Scout grandpa and architect father. A builder's dream team right here.
Regardless there are certain things I do want to preform as a facelift to any of the above tank options. Below you will see the mentions of clay, plants, and other forms of viv setup for Leos.
CLAY
Now, before you start asking about which store is get it at, and what area of the crafts section. I was hoping to use the clay you'd sculpt with in middle school or high school. That stuff. Now, I still go to high school, to add I do plan on getting my college education at an art school as well. Thus, I'll have access to kilns and clay bodies alike (probably would be better if I did the hides in high school though). My only problem is this, I don't know if clay is safe. I'm assuming it is since well, it's practically earth. Once fired it's waterproof, meaning it won't become clay again or worse. So that's one thing off the list to worry about. It can be sanded since in my experience clay pieces not spun on the wheel can form dangerously sharp edges. But what this really comes down to is would it be toxic for future use? So I'll post information on the location and mineral compostions of each clay body suitable for structures.
PLANTS
So given the small amount of light coming through my room I need an idea of what plants could benefit the appearance and health of the tank. I've heard that air plants would make a suitable plant for leopard geckos given their care and little light requirements. I would however like to see what else could be done on the same front, since I do own air plants of my own as well.
Suggestions to the best viv are welcomed ;3; I really do want good health for my scales bab but also a little more eye pleasing as well- resin hides and a piece of driftwood only go so far.
Currently, my gecko is living in an 18 gal tank. Close to a window that lets in indirect light from the sun and a UTH so heat and lighting isn't a problem. But I'm considered that maybe it's just a little too small. My only other option is a massive 42 gal tank, now it sounds nice until you realize you can't reach into it since it's near 24" tall. If it weren't for that my gecko would be in there right now. So instead I will sell said tank and all its gear to help pay for the care and upgraded for my gecko.
Tank options I'm considering:
1) Exo-terra medium/long or the medium/wide advanced tanks, I do see the front doors as a major plus to help reduce the stress on my geckos part and easier maneuverability on mine.
2) Buy a 30-20 gallon fish tank.
3) Construct my own out of wood and metal using the help from my Eagle Scout grandpa and architect father. A builder's dream team right here.
Regardless there are certain things I do want to preform as a facelift to any of the above tank options. Below you will see the mentions of clay, plants, and other forms of viv setup for Leos.
CLAY
Now, before you start asking about which store is get it at, and what area of the crafts section. I was hoping to use the clay you'd sculpt with in middle school or high school. That stuff. Now, I still go to high school, to add I do plan on getting my college education at an art school as well. Thus, I'll have access to kilns and clay bodies alike (probably would be better if I did the hides in high school though). My only problem is this, I don't know if clay is safe. I'm assuming it is since well, it's practically earth. Once fired it's waterproof, meaning it won't become clay again or worse. So that's one thing off the list to worry about. It can be sanded since in my experience clay pieces not spun on the wheel can form dangerously sharp edges. But what this really comes down to is would it be toxic for future use? So I'll post information on the location and mineral compostions of each clay body suitable for structures.
PLANTS
So given the small amount of light coming through my room I need an idea of what plants could benefit the appearance and health of the tank. I've heard that air plants would make a suitable plant for leopard geckos given their care and little light requirements. I would however like to see what else could be done on the same front, since I do own air plants of my own as well.
Suggestions to the best viv are welcomed ;3; I really do want good health for my scales bab but also a little more eye pleasing as well- resin hides and a piece of driftwood only go so far.
