DIY Enclosure

[n1nn0]

I'm very new to leopard geckos, I only have one at the moment. I'm currently keeping hm in a plastic bin.

After browsing through some of your enclosures, I decided to build one. The design is a box with an interior dimension of L24 x W12 x H14 inches. More or less a 10 gal volume. The pieces are made in such a way that it can be disassembled when not in use or subsequent attachments can be made should I decide to expand the size. Materials are mostly wood, 1x1, 2x1/2, 2x1 wood and 1/16 plywood. The glass cover is 1/8 thick. I used a self elastomeric paint for its waterproofing quality. It is much lighter than an aquarium.

Front

Top
I decided to make it both front loading and top loading for ease of maintenance. Screen top is used for ventilation.

Rear

Side

Interior detail
I used an elevated platform to mount the tiles. I will then put a UTH under one tile. The gap should prevent overheating and burning my shelf.
The removable tile also makes it easy for me to clean it when needed.

I used a textured tile.

Side Ventilation
I couldn't find plastic vents, so I settled for a stainless sink drain cover.

This is still half done. I can only work on my enclosures on weekends, but I'm planning to put a second level and maybe some fancy decor.

Feel free to comment, I may have missed a critical design requirement.

 

[RepBex]

That is fantastic
i wish i could do that lol

you have done well and attuallly the drain covers look good

keep us updated

 

[gecko geek]

thats awsome

 

[bitterbeauty]

Very nice! You have built an awesome home for your gecko!

 

[brad.a.c]

Very cool! That's awsome!

 

[Jaiden23]

That looks professional! My leo is very jealous lol. You did an awesome job on that and I can't wait to see it completely finished.

 

[jblayza]

AWESOME!!!

 

[gage]

great setup

 

[leonut]

looks great! do you have previous carpentry experience?

 

[n1nn0]

looks great! do you have previous carpentry experience?

Thank you for your kind replies.

No professional carpentry experience except for the occasional repairs and DIY projects done at home. I once built a dog house for my Mini pscher. There's so much you can learn on the internet.

I will post pictures when the interior design is complete.

 

[jmeg]

Very impressive.

I'm curious to know how long it takes you.

That way if I ever tap into my inner handy-man I'll be prepared.

 

[n1nn0]

jmeg,

It took me approximately 5-6 days to build this one. Painting slows down everything because drying is required between coats.

 

[jmeg]

See, painting would be my best part.

Coat of paint, sit and watch it dry, repeat.

It's the cutting straight lines and driving nails that I have issues with.

 

[RepBex]

any updates ?

 

[Tanner505Geckos]

looks awsome your gecko will be very happy

 

[ordinaryoddity]

looks pretty good, im about to starting building a large rack for several tanks to sit on, ive got it all measured out and 3D modeled in Google SketchUp

just one question... in that first picture, whats in the black bowl on the bottom left? cant figure it out...:main_huh:

 

[n1nn0]

jmeg,

To ensure your lines are straight, you would need an L shaped 90 degree ruler, or whatever it is called. Remember to always measure twice and cut once. Don't rush it.

RepBex,

I will most likely complete the set-up in 2 weeks, since I get to work on it on weekends only.

ordinaryoddity,

That is the waterdish. That was an old picture when my gecko was still a hatchling. I place some white pebbles in the dish to prevent the gecko from getting stuck in the dish. I'm not really sure if this is necessary, but I am already used to doing this for my scorpion and tarantula enclosures.

 

[jmeg]

Actually, with me it's 'Measure twice then go call someone who knows what they're doing'.

One of the benefits of age is knowing my limitations.

 

[Halley]

cool!

 

[n1nn0]

any updates ?

Finally!

The fake rock 2nd level, this is where I placed the humid hide.

After painting.

This is the finished product. After painting.