setting up a vivarium

got what might seem an odd question, I'm considering going up to a reptile show this Sunday to get hold of a trio of crested geckos. now I had been planning on going on from the show to pick up stuff from an ebay auction (a 60by45by65cm vivarium, brand new, with background, locks fake plants, though obviously a 3foot one would be more preferable)) however the seller has gotten back to me saying that he wont be available.

this is a bit of a nuisance as I'm not likely to head that way again for sometime as I would combine the journey as it'd make it a round trip of 300 miles, as opposed to doing 200miles round trip for the show, and 300miles round trip for the vivarium. when I'd seen the locations I'd thought wonderful I'll do it in one trip.

however, obviously, if I can get a vivarium at the show for a good price then this post is somewhat redundant. however waht I've been wondering is both how long could I keep some hatchlings in a basic setup and what that basic setup should be (obviously I would then order an alternate vivarium that can be delivered)

I have several aquariums (currently have 9 fishtanks running) and have some 45by30by30 (10g) tanks that are currently empty. if I get some mesh would this be adequate until I get a proper vivarium setup for them .

one final thing, with regard water, I do have a carbon filter on the tap (inline) that does remove chloramine, however I use dechlorinator on all my tanks anyway (I use Seachem safe, which is about 25 times as strong as the rubbish they sell in Pets@home) (1/4tsp treats 240l of water) should I use some of the water that I give my fish to provide drinking/misting water for the geckos

Temporary vivarium for cresties:
generally cresties prefer a viv that's taller than longer, but if you're getting little ones it doesn't matter. Here's what a temporary viv should have:
secure cover
non-sand substrate (some people use tile, or paper towels or repti carpet. I'd recommend against paper towels because you're going to have to mist the cage
fake or real potted plant for hiding
food bowl (some people get one that can stick on the side of the tank)
water bowl
some sort of hide that you can put on the bottom

You don't need lights (unless for the plants); they're nocturnal
you don't need heat unless you are in antartica


Permanent viv:
It's best to have a front opening viv, oriented in the tall direction because they're arboreal and also they tend to flee upwards, so a top opening viv is a problem. Best choices are Exoterra 12"x12"x18" or the next largest size

Some people use only fake plants in their viv. I have a planted viv which works really well for me and I'll describe it. For other choices, google around:

2" (or so) layer of hydroton clay balls (also marketed as LECA, available at many hydroponic shops and also www.blackjungle.com) for drainage
layer of mesh to separate the layers

2-3" of moistened coco fiber (bed-a-beast, etc)

I plant some appropriate plants (ask at the expo) into this. I also used a fake vine which I twisted around so the plants could climb up it.

I have a water dish and a food bowl, as well as a hide on the floor of the tank


I hope this is helpful.

Aliza

thanks.

I was looking at the 24"x18"by24" as a minimum, the 36x18x24 was the prefered choice for me to get (if I can get it at a reasonable price) I want to go all glass to avoid the need for an additional light (electric bill is high enough with just my fish tanks)

I will try it out with live plants, but may have to resort to fake ones if my luck with plants goes (try looking after them they die, neglect them and they do fine...)

with regard the use of things like peat as a substrate, I read they become bio-active, reducing the need for cleaning, (dont jump on this, I am a fishkeeper, I know that there is no replacement for cleaning and maintenance) if I have a peat based soil I take it like filter media you only change a bit of it at a time with regard cleaning the tank.

with regard hides, are things like cork tiles usable for this, I will be trying to make it as natural looking as possible.

like I said, the reason I ask about the small 10g tanks is purely because at this moment I dont have a viv, (though obviously I will be looking at the expo as well)

If you have live plants you will need some kind of light (compact florescent is OK) or they will die. I have had my 4 planted tanks with coco-fiber substrate for 1-4 years and I never clean. They smell good, I have roly poly bugs in there that breed and help eat the poop and the plants that can handle my poor lighting situation thrive.

Aliza