1st customized tank...Opinions needed...

[missf410]

Hi,

I have been a leo mom since 2006. The tank they reside in is 18"W x 36L x 16H. I'm fin ally at a place in my life where I can spoil them.

Anyways, my point in writing is to get some feedback on customizing my tank. Right now they (Spots and Tangerine) reside in a single level dwelling with one elevated ramp, four hiding spots, a big shallow water dish, and a shallow worm dish. The elevated ramp is a new edition and they love using it. I am currently using reptile carpet, but would like a few suggestions on a new flooring substrate, please.

Can you suggest what materials I can use to build a second or maybe third level in their home? The elevated ramp is made out of NON treated one by fours and covered in reptile carpet to cover any sharp edges. I just don't want to make a mistake. Please any suggestions are welcome.

Thanks!

 

[OnlineGeckos]

For substrate I'd recommend giving slate tiles a try. They're so cheap to buy, easy to clean, retains heat well, absolutely no impaction problems, no sticky toes/teeth unlike repti carpet, and they give the leopard geckos a natural rock ground feeling. They also look great and natural to boot. It'd be a good upgrade from repti carpet in my opinion.

 

[doublet74]

I use vinyl stick tiles. Same benefits as slate. Except they are even on the bottom so they lay flat on the bottom of the tank.

 

[Chosen010]

Or you could go the route of many others here and start actually customizing everything with polystyrene. Grout it and seal it with acrylic sealant. There's a custom viv thread here somewhere that has a lot of neat ideas.

I went that route with my 20L the other day. I've got 85% floor coverage with a single custom fitted polystyrene floor grouted and sealed and it looks like sand, but no risk of compaction etc. You can get as creative as you want with that stuff..

 

[missf410]

Thanks!

Thank you for responding. I have grand plans for my tank. I'll take pics and post it on here.