Additions to the tank. *Picture Heavy*

[fOOlsgOld]

So I've been working on some fake rock to put in the tanks so my babies have something to climb on. FINALLY got them done and put them in there unsure what the reaction would be as these two are a bit skitty. You tell me how you think they adjusted
As soon as I got my hand out Bashful was checking out the feed bowl (a big deal as I've had to drop them in cause the worms in the bowl won't be touched).

After a bite it was time for some exploring.

"I'm Queen of the world!"

Spaz and Bashful both out....

and enjoying their new area.

 

[bubblez825]

awwwwwww so cute! I love the one with bashful on top of the rock lol. Theyre both very pretty girls ya got there

 

[fOOlsgOld]

Thank you Emily. I'm working with them to get them calmed down. They have chilled out a lot since I got them but they still freak out sometimes. Spaz would love to have you think she was going to take your arm off if you touched her. She will fly around the tank, turn and face you with her tail up in the air waving around like she is an eight foot long monitor ready to strike instead of a six inch gecko.

 

[Lacedolphin]

very neat! What did you use to make them?? Loved that second pic, too cute!!

 

[fOOlsgOld]

I used styrofoam for the base and glued the layers together with construction adhesive. I used grout to cover them with (about 8 layers total) till they seemed really solid and the grout wouldn't indent or flex when I picked it up. Then I just put 2 or 3 coats of sealer on it and it was done..... I was planning on painting it some before I was finished but forgot to :main_lipsrsealed:

 

[LeapinLizards]

Looks GREAT Shenandoah!!! Good job They obviously are enjoying it!

 

[GECKO DUDE]

Wow that looks awesome and give me ideas.

Great Job:main_thumbsup:

 

[fOOlsgOld]

Thanks guys, I have pictures of the rock/hide I made for my male Argento that I'll have to post up later. They seem to really like having something other then just the hides in their tank.

 

[fallen_angel]

That's AWESOME!!! I really like it, very well done!

 

[vctkiller]

Is there a how to guide of making one of these?

 

[fOOlsgOld]

I tried to find some of the ones on the forums but couldn't really find a compleat one.
Here are the things I used
Adhesive Caulk- To glue the foam layers together
Grout - Any sanded or unsanded type will work fine, just pick your color.
Grout Sealant - To (duh) seal the grout.
Styrofoam - I used the white stuff made from little balls (like the packing material) but I would recommend getting the sheets of foam from the lumber department of your local home supply store. It would be easier to shape and form to what you need.
Paint Brushes - I just got the 99cent ones from Lowes. I think they were 1 1/2inch brushes. Don't get good ones as they will be trash once you are done.

Measure the tank and decide on how big you want your rock to be. Decide on a shape and design (I'd suggest drawing it out) and then cut your foam to about the size you want. To get rougher more natural looking edges I broke all of mine off and left the clean cut edges up against the side of the tank.
You can use bamboo kabob sticks to hold your layers of foam together while you work them around into what you like. Once you have the foam layers together in the way you want use a caulk gun and the adhesive to glue the layers together. Make sure to get around the edges well so they won't come appart even a little while you are applying the grout. I didn't and there were times that I picked it up and the grout cracked where the layers came together.
Now for the fun/messy part. If you aren't able to work outside I would suggest using a LOT of news paper to cover your work area (and wear an old shirt LoL) as the grout will get all over. Use a cheap tupperware container to mix the grout and water in. For the first layer or two make it about the consistency of pancake mix. You want it thin to start with just to get a quick coat on the foam. Make sure to let it dry for an hour between coats, as you use thicker grout you may have to wait longer.
Once you get the first layer or two of thin grout on you can thicken it up to about the consistency of a cake mix (can you tell I cook too? lol) i.e. pick some up on the brush and it should take about 5-10 seconds for it to start dripping off. You want to do anywhere from 2-4 layers like this (letting it dry between) until you have enough grout on there where it won't crack when you press on it. If you want a rough layer of grout on top make another very thick batch of grout and just play with it till you get it looking the way you want.
When the last layer of grout is finished drying read the directions on the sealant and follow them. Mine just said to brush on a coat of sealant and let it dry for an hour, reapply and let dry again. To test the sealant just drip some water on the rock, if it beads up then you're good to go, if it soaks in dry off the grout and apply another coat or two. It took 4 coats for me to be happy with it (3 coats would have been more then enough probably).

I spent a total of $35 give or take and I have enough material to make a LOT more hides and rocks. The most expensive was the grout and sealer at $10 each, adhesive $3, foam $6, two brushes $2. The only thing I'm going to have to get again next time I want to make some more is the brushes.
Hope this helps you out some,
Shannon

 

[Gecko Euphoria]

Very cool you're quite the artist I'm super happy to see them so happy, and looking so good. I love you're tanks a rock they are great. I think they will eventually get used to you try just putting your hand on the floor of the enclosure and let them come to you that way they go on there own free will and dont think you are a predator flying down to grab them thats what I always do with new geckos. But I know they can be tamed as I hold all my geckos and make sure they are able to be handled I've only ever been bit once and it was cause I grabbed the gecko and it was scared now I do it on their terms it just earns their trust better that way. Just how I do it. Thought that may help you calm em down. Looks like you are doing fine though they are looking beautiful as ever. Take care,

Adam

I tried to find some of the ones on the forums but couldn't really find a compleat one.
Here are the things I used
Adhesive Caulk- To glue the foam layers together
Grout - Any sanded or unsanded type will work fine, just pick your color.
Grout Sealant - To (duh) seal the grout.
Styrofoam - I used the white stuff made from little balls (like the packing material) but I would recommend getting the sheets of foam from the lumber department of your local home supply store. It would be easier to shape and form to what you need.
Paint Brushes - I just got the 99cent ones from Lowes. I think they were 1 1/2inch brushes. Don't get good ones as they will be trash once you are done.

Measure the tank and decide on how big you want your rock to be. Decide on a shape and design (I'd suggest drawing it out) and then cut your foam to about the size you want. To get rougher more natural looking edges I broke all of mine off and left the clean cut edges up against the side of the tank.
You can use bamboo kabob sticks to hold your layers of foam together while you work them around into what you like. Once you have the foam layers together in the way you want use a caulk gun and the adhesive to glue the layers together. Make sure to get around the edges well so they won't come appart even a little while you are applying the grout. I didn't and there were times that I picked it up and the grout cracked where the layers came together.
Now for the fun/messy part. If you aren't able to work outside I would suggest using a LOT of news paper to cover your work area (and wear an old shirt LoL) as the grout will get all over. Use a cheap tupperware container to mix the grout and water in. For the first layer or two make it about the consistency of pancake mix. You want it thin to start with just to get a quick coat on the foam. Make sure to let it dry for an hour between coats, as you use thicker grout you may have to wait longer.
Once you get the first layer or two of thin grout on you can thicken it up to about the consistency of a cake mix (can you tell I cook too? lol) i.e. pick some up on the brush and it should take about 5-10 seconds for it to start dripping off. You want to do anywhere from 2-4 layers like this (letting it dry between) until you have enough grout on there where it won't crack when you press on it. If you want a rough layer of grout on top make another very thick batch of grout and just play with it till you get it looking the way you want.
When the last layer of grout is finished drying read the directions on the sealant and follow them. Mine just said to brush on a coat of sealant and let it dry for an hour, reapply and let dry again. To test the sealant just drip some water on the rock, if it beads up then you're good to go, if it soaks in dry off the grout and apply another coat or two. It took 4 coats for me to be happy with it (3 coats would have been more then enough probably).

I spent a total of $35 give or take and I have enough material to make a LOT more hides and rocks. The most expensive was the grout and sealer at $10 each, adhesive $3, foam $6, two brushes $2. The only thing I'm going to have to get again next time I want to make some more is the brushes.
Hope this helps you out some,
Shannon

 

[fOOlsgOld]

I'm glad you are happy with how they are looking Adam. They really are all sweet geckos. Argento (the APTOR male) is such a talker too, I'll just have him on my shoulder and he'll squeak and chirp at me for no reason, not like hes scared but just talking to me.