This is my first ever 'build' and I'm going to post updates as I go. Feel free to chime in if you know of a better way of doing things, as I'd hate to get to the end and discover a fatal flaw in design.
Anyway, this setup is based around an 8 gallon Fluval Ebi aquarium I won last year and haven't used yet. Measurements are 12 x 12 x 14 and will be set up for Viper geckos. I'll be using a fine quartz sand minimally as a substrate for what areas are exposed per recommendation of the Thad at Ohio Gecko. The goal is to make a decent looking, multi-piece setup.
Supplies
- 3/4 inch styrofoam sheets - $6/7 at Lowes
- Super glue
- Sanding block
- Steak knife
- scissors
- bathroom caulk
- unsanded grout
- spray on sealant
The tank. I pulled the premade background off already.
After two nights of cutting out layers, it was a learn as you go sort of thing. Scrapped the first project and ended up with one I liked. Here are the main three pieces. Each of the hides are accessible with the removal of a piece or two.
And, put together.
All four pieces. The fourth is a shaped 'background' of sorts.
And again, together. I forgot to take a picture after I sanded down the main pieces when I stuck it in the tank for fit.
Next step will be to caulk the gaps and add some more shape. Any thoughts so far? At this point, I haven't purchased a heat pad yet. I could either lay it on the back half or the right half, as the back right corner needs to be warm for the humid hide and the front left corner needs to be cool for the water dish. Again, I'm open to suggestions! This is a first attempt and I still have 4 sheets of styrofoam.
Anyway, this setup is based around an 8 gallon Fluval Ebi aquarium I won last year and haven't used yet. Measurements are 12 x 12 x 14 and will be set up for Viper geckos. I'll be using a fine quartz sand minimally as a substrate for what areas are exposed per recommendation of the Thad at Ohio Gecko. The goal is to make a decent looking, multi-piece setup.
Supplies
- 3/4 inch styrofoam sheets - $6/7 at Lowes
- Super glue
- Sanding block
- Steak knife
- scissors
- bathroom caulk
- unsanded grout
- spray on sealant
The tank. I pulled the premade background off already.
After two nights of cutting out layers, it was a learn as you go sort of thing. Scrapped the first project and ended up with one I liked. Here are the main three pieces. Each of the hides are accessible with the removal of a piece or two.
And, put together.
All four pieces. The fourth is a shaped 'background' of sorts.
And again, together. I forgot to take a picture after I sanded down the main pieces when I stuck it in the tank for fit.
Next step will be to caulk the gaps and add some more shape. Any thoughts so far? At this point, I haven't purchased a heat pad yet. I could either lay it on the back half or the right half, as the back right corner needs to be warm for the humid hide and the front left corner needs to be cool for the water dish. Again, I'm open to suggestions! This is a first attempt and I still have 4 sheets of styrofoam.
