Build - Calypso's Canyon 1.0

[SLY]

Build - Calypso's Suite

So this was inspired by shanti's (Grinning Gecko's) Gecko Palace 3000. Started work today, and am now just waiting for things to dry.

I made the entire bit from foam, and also decided to redo the lighting I was using.

The tools used: Saw, Knives (Found bread knives to work well), Liquid nails adhesive and caulking gun, sandpaper, grout (sanded, premixed), grout/tile sealant, spray paint (other paint works, too), paintbrush, and lots of ground cover.

What I intended to put in the tank:

The foam used (purchased at Lowes...it comes in sheets twice this size...I only used a half sheet for this whole project) It's 1/2" polystyrene.

General Mockup:

Almost finished mockup (just had to round some corners)

After grouting:

This paint is awesome. Automatic texture and color that I wanted. It's like 7 bucks a can. Different Colors

After Paint:

New lighting. LED lights. A little brighter. These are like 30 bucks at Lowes.

Up until now (the sealant is drying as I write this), the entire project has taken me about 12 hours, and I've spent about $70 on materials (excluding the shiny new plants and hygro/thermometer.


It's not as artistic as the Gecko Palace...but it should still look nice, and my baby Leo (Calypso) should be happy!



Finished pictures up tomorrow!

 

[hybrid]

Wow very nice. I'm about to start finishing mine. You both have inspired me to show the process as well.

 

[Grinning Geckos]

Lookin good! :main_thumbsup:

 

[Geck-O]

Now I feel like making something else for my gecko.... What would make a gecko very happy?

 

[Grinning Geckos]

Now I feel like making something else for my gecko.... What would make a gecko very happy?

Lots of food! LOL :main_laugh:

Beyond that they like heat, hidey-holes, and things to climb on.

 

[Zynx_Keekeio]

awesome can't wait!!

 

[thekooliest]

Sweet.

 

[daveim]

I was thinking, if you want to make a true suite for your gecko it needs a spa. Put the humid hide with an open bottom over a pan of hot water with mesh on op of the pan of water. Then your gecko will truly be spoiled rotten!

 

[SLY]

Sorry guys. I know I promised finished shots by now, but I'm still waiting for things to air out (the spray paint vapor is intense, and leos have a little respiratory system!)

In the next couple of days, I promise!

 

[SLY]

Well for some reason I can't edit the original post, but here's the finished product!

And don't chew me out for the loose substrate...I know, I know, but I know people who've kept on sand, walnut, and bed-a-beast, and every gecko is the epitome of gecko health. I've seen more problems with other substrates.

And Here's Calypso! (second time she's shed since I've had her)

Thanks for looking!

I'll be happy to answer any questions.

 

[SLY]

P.S.

She's a juv...that's why her tail is so skinny.

 

[Grinning Geckos]

Not a major chewing out...just pointing something out you may not have noticed. Leos are not built for life on sand. They're big and stocky with tiny feet and skinny toes. Watch your leo for a bit, you'll see her feet sink in every time. They're physically built for areas that are more like the caves and climbing areas you've built. This goes beyond all the stuff you probably already know and chose to ignore.

Beyond that, it looks sweet. Good job.

 

[Halley]

Another thing is your thermometer, it’s up at the top, you want to place it lower, where the gecko lives.

 

[ToddandFreya1895]

it looks great man.. flawless except for the sand... I wouldn't even risk it...

 

[Nancy]

Thanks for the "how-to". I love the way you made everything. I agree about the sand. I found some really nice cheap slate tiles, 18" x 18" and cut to fit the bottom of my tank. They look very nice and help keep a nice warmth to the bottom.

 

[jakemyster44]

THat looks cool, I'm sure you have heard all tere is about sand... I am just going to reccomend switching from sand to tile, slate, reptile carpet, or paper towel.

 

[HepCatMoe]

Leos are not built for life on sand. They're big and stocky with tiny feet and skinny toes.

wow, good point. did you notice that yourself or have it pointed out to you? and then if you had it pointed out to you, who did it? or where did you read it?

i only ask becuase i think its very observant, and relative, and id be interested to read/talk to the person that first noticed that.

i think i will try to start looking at my fatties with a biologists eye.
just call me darwin jr.

 

[Grinning Geckos]

I noticed it when I first got into leos. I had a display tank with papertowels and thought it was ugly, so I switched to sand without researching. The geckos freaked out and it was apparent why - they kept sinking in! I'm sure they learn to live with it, but it's quite obvious they're not built for it.

I'm also a bit of a freak when it comes to animals. I may not be able to rattle off scientific names, but I know a lot about a very wide variety of animals and the ecosytems they live in. Once I saw the geckos sinking, I got to thinking about the types on animals that I know do live in sand and saw I had it all wrong. In sand, you've got two basic reptile body types...ones that are "tubular" shaped (little change in shape from head to tail) with short legs for quick movement under the sand, or lightweight bodies with long toes for staying above the sand. When you start looking at the bodies of desert reptiles like knob-tails and leos, you can see they're made for more solid ground. Even though knob-tails are kept on sand, it's sand with a high clay content so it packs and they can dig stable tunnels. It's not at all like loose sand.