Japanese style Vivarium

[Sybilestial]

If anyone knows of any items that mimic traditional Japanese design, send me a link! From Torii gates to Mt. Fuji to the humble japanese tea house, I'm looking for it all!

On a side note; Can I use live bamboo and live red maple bonsai for my Leopard Gecko as long as I cover any potting soil/water with smooth stones she can't eat/move/dig through?

 

[acpart]

If you use those live plants for the enclosure, I recommend you put them in pots that can be lifted out so you can take them out and water them, since lots of water in the environment is going to raise the humidity above what it should be.

Aliza

 

[Sybilestial]

That was the plan. They are also going to remain on the cool side of the tank, though I might just get an artificial bonsai. She does need some real plants, though succulents don't really mesh with the theme unless there are japanese succulents.

 

[PoppyDear]

I found some decor but I have heard red maples can be poisonous to reptiles and it is toxic to other animals, so I would not risk it. However, jade plants (Which can be made into bonsais) and more tropical air plants look nice and are safe, I like bulbosa air plants. You can find some pretty nice (Albiet expensive) fake bonsai on Amazon. I have found some products online, not necessarily for reptiles or fish, meaning you will have to carefully inspect them for dyes, harmful ingredients, etc. If you decide to use them.

Here are some things I have found:
Water Bowl Ideas
•https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00X...6_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=N18Q63WD15E6326K044E
•https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B008...D3BFJ371C1BVBSZ7&dpPl=1&dpID=81+4ZCdbzHL&th=1
•https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00J...use+statue&dpPl=1&dpID=51rfRw8rRQL&ref=plSrch

Decor
•https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B073RDRMD4
•https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BGWD6E...t=&hvlocphy=9005483&hvtargid=pla-297484549194
•https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01BXLUEZK

Hides
•I would reccomend you go to a pet store and look at their fish supplies for oriental decor, keep an eye out for sharp edges. I have looked online for such hides but can find none. Your best bet is to decorate some natural looking rock hides and find some hollow bamboo to use as a hide. (I think a member sells dried bamboo here) You may also want to make hides or your own decor from some nice drift wood or styrofoam which can be carved and painted.

Substrate
•You may be able to find some textured white or grey tiles at Home Depot that match the theme.

Whatever you choose to do, make sure the products will be safe for your pet and do not compromise their ability to hide or live their lives normally simply for enclosure aesthetics.

If you do make such an enclosure would love to see it!

 

[Sybilestial]

For water bowls, I'll have to use small, clear dishes as it seems like she can't even see her food. She only eats when I put it where she can see it, so hopefully clear bowls help. I do want to use the koi pond as decor, but if I'm using tile or paper towel, I'm not sure how I can incorporate it into her terrarium. I could find some stacking stones or something and create a natural slope or I could just layer on some tile. I'll add it to my list just in case, thank you!

I was thinking of using sakura trees as well. Oh my gosh, the ivy staircase planter looks perfect to put live bamboo in! I'll be using this!

Hides are definitely my number one priority as her setup right now is poor, though temporary.

Tree trunk with "bonsai." I've only seen the medium in store at my Petsmart, so I have to get the large. It's also hollow so she can actually climb to the top from the inside. This will be perfect as a warm hide because the heat can reach through the top and bottom. There are reviews and other Leo owners say theirs love it, so I hope mine will, too.

Bonsai bridge. Now I haven't seen the size for this, but it looks like it could be big enough that she could "hide" under the bridge. In any case, this won't be an official hide for her, but I think it'll be engaging and maybe she'll like to climb all over it.

Thank you!

 

[Sybilestial]

I just found - on Etsy - someone who makes 3D Backgrounds (like the ones you get with the terrariums) except they are custom made. Why this appeals to me is because not only does this person own herps and does extensive research, we can work on a design that is functional and SAFE. This way, we will create it in a way in which my Leo cannot climb up the wall. Not sure about the theme within the theme (festivals, country side's, Mt Fiji, hot springs, etc.) but I am very excited to come up with design ideas.

Any suggestions would be helpful. I will have one piece of the wall have a sakura tree hide. Since there are tons of hides that are hollow trees that have a hole at the top, this should not be a problem for her. Not sure what else.