P.Grandis enclosure setup

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DavD

New member
Hello everyone,
I wanted to know how critical is it to horizontal branches/bamboos?
I want to setup a bio active vivarium and i'm still self debating on the design, I really don't want to put those horizontal bamboos sticks...
What i'm thinking of doing is only setting the background on the backside and the right side, and then have bambos/cork branches going from the right side to the backside.
Will it work for the animal?
I want it to look good, but the animal well being is way more impotent to me.
The vivarium will be the exoterra large xtall(already bought it).
 
J

JoshMason17

New member
I have experience with a Gold Dust Day Gecko, the only difference from the P. Grandis being that it is smaller. I highly recommed adding in slanted/horizontal branches or bamboo (bamboo is best) for your gecko, as they really don't seem to like traveling along the ground whatsoever, in fact I've seen mine on the ground twice and at least weekly on the ceiling of his enclosure. I'll attach a photo of my enclosure for you, but basically what I did is purchase 24 in of bamboo (this was enough for me, but with an enclousre larger than 12x12x18 you'll want more) from joshsfrogs.com and then cut it in half. I then propped up each piece with other pieces of wood in the cage at around 45 degree angles putting one in in the substrate (sealing off that end) and leaving the other end accessible and pointed up. My gecko absolutely loves basking on top of these and retreating to the out of view side when I get too close. When he wants to rest he crawls inside. I'd highly recommend doing this.
IMG_4200.jpg
 
D

DavD

New member
JoshMason17 said:
I have experience with a Gold Dust Day Gecko, the only difference from the P. Grandis being that it is smaller. I highly recommed adding in slanted/horizontal branches or bamboo (bamboo is best) for your gecko, as they really don't seem to like traveling along the ground whatsoever, in fact I've seen mine on the ground twice and at least weekly on the ceiling of his enclosure. I'll attach a photo of my enclosure for you, but basically what I did is purchase 24 in of bamboo (this was enough for me, but with an enclousre larger than 12x12x18 you'll want more) from joshsfrogs.com and then cut it in half. I then propped up each piece with other pieces of wood in the cage at around 45 degree angles putting one in in the substrate (sealing off that end) and leaving the other end accessible and pointed up. My gecko absolutely loves basking on top of these and retreating to the out of view side when I get too close. When he wants to rest he crawls inside. I'd highly recommend doing this.
View attachment 48036
Click to expand...

Thank you for the response!
If i would do some thing like this:
How to Make a Tree out of Cork Tubes - Josh's Frogs How-To Guides
Would it be ok?
In my head, i'm thinking of doing some kine of a tree with 2-3 branches on each side, going to side and the back.
Will this type of tree work for them?
I'm thinking of doing a full bio active vivarium.
 
Elizabeth Freer

Elizabeth Freer

Well-known member
Hi ~

A warm welcome to Geckos Unlimited!

I also highly recommend both horizontal and diagonal bamboo for your Phelsuma grandis as perches and as hideouts. Josh's Frogs (800-691-817 eight) may be an excellent source! Bamboo is attractive and appealing to day geckos.

If you'd rather not use aquarium-safe silicone to attach the bamboo, use Adams brand suction cups. Cut bamboo to the approximate length. Then place a plastic suction cup in each end. That will probably hold the bamboo securely in place. (Those suction cups are especially available during the holidays.)

Here's additional info for keeping Phelsuma grandis.
 
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J

JoshMason17

New member
DavD said:
Thank you for the response!
If i would do some thing like this:
How to Make a Tree out of Cork Tubes - Josh's Frogs How-To Guides
Would it be ok?
In my head, i'm thinking of doing some kine of a tree with 2-3 branches on each side, going to side and the back.
Will this type of tree work for them?
I'm thinking of doing a full bio active vivarium.
Click to expand...

The picture I posted on my previous response is a fully functional bioactive setup that still sustains itself. I don't even have to mist it because I have a misting system. I also haven't bothered will isopods, and only use springtails. The only thing I have to do is change out the food. I use Pangea Completed Diet with Insects so I don't have to bother feed insects.

About that cork tree, it looks pretty nice but that looks like a fairly complex project. If you think you can do it, go ahead, but I'd advise you to make it where the gecko can't get inside of it because they are quite flighty little guys. I have noticed, however, that once you create the bioactive set up they come out much more and seem much happier! Good luck!
 
Elizabeth Freer

Elizabeth Freer

Well-known member
DavD said:
Thank you everyone!
I will use bambo :)
Click to expand...

You're welcome, DavD.

Using bamboo sounds SO MUCH easier! I'm sure your Phelsuma grandis will still be satisfied.

I phoned Josh's Frogs a couple days ago. They confirmed that they usually have ~2 inch diameter bamboo for sale. :)

I recommend feeding insects now and then plus one of the complete powdered diets like Pangea's. Be sure to feed those insects well 24/7. If you need recommendations for the best veggies, click this link.

 
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Elizabeth Freer

Elizabeth Freer

Well-known member
DavD said:
ty for the help guys, this is my enclosure after setup
View attachment 48077
Click to expand...
You're welcome.

You've done a great job providing various basking sites for your Phelsuma grandis! Really!!!

What type, brand, and strength lighting are you using?

I suggest adding lots more additional foliage -- real or silk, to fill in the front of your setup. That will provide many needed hiding places to make your grandis feel safe.
 
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D

DavD

New member
Elizabeth Freer said:
You're welcome.

You've done a great job providing various basking sites for your Phelsuma grandis! Really!!!

What type, brand, and strength lighting are you using?

I suggest adding lots more additional foliage -- real or silk, to fill in the front of your setup. That will provide many needed hiding places to make your grandis feel safe.
Click to expand...

I'm using 4 50W of those garden leds, I hope it will be enough for the plants :X(Also using zoomed UVB)
I made some mistakes in the background construction, but i will try to add more plants.
 
D

DavD

New member
Elizabeth Freer said:
You're welcome.

You've done a great job providing various basking sites for your Phelsuma grandis! Really!!!

What type, brand, and strength lighting are you using?

I suggest adding lots more additional foliage -- real or silk, to fill in the front of your setup. That will provide many needed hiding places to make your grandis feel safe.
Click to expand...

I'm using 4 50W of those garden leds, I hope it will be enough for the plants :X(Also using zoomed UVB)
I made some mistakes in the background construction, but i will try to add more plants.
 
Elizabeth Freer

Elizabeth Freer

Well-known member
DavD said:
I'm using 4 50W of those garden leds, I hope it will be enough for the plants :X(Also using zoomed UVB)
I made some mistakes in the background construction, but i will try to add more plants.
Click to expand...
Sometimes learning is all about trial and error.

Zoo Med's UVB is excellent! Did you choose a linear 10.0 UVB? T5 or T8? 12 or 18 inches long? Zoo Med's current recommendation is to change the tube annually.

Consider adding additional plants planted in their own pots. I use green plastic pots or terra cotta pots for my Phelsuma's sansevieria.
 
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