Gecko Mountain v1. (Lots of Pictures)

[Wreptile]

This was posted almost a year ago by me, but since there is a new "Do-It-Yourself" section, I thought I'd share for the newer members of GeckoForums.

Alright, so some people know, I've been working on a project for one of my breeder tanks.
This was inspired by SLY's "Calypso's Canyon" which was inspired by Grinning Gecko's "Gecko Palace 3000".
All my supplies, I got from from Lowe's.

Tools used:
1" Styrofoam, Drywall mud, ice scraper, toothbrush, Rust Oleum Textured Paint, Rust Oleum, Liquid Nails glue gun.
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I first cut the pieces out, and put them together. It took me about 2 hours to cut all the pieces I wanted.

Close up.

Water Dish, with steps that lead up to it.

I then covered all the pieces in Drywall mud, instead of using grout. This works just as well, and hardens like a rock.

After Grouting.

http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o109
/_reptilefreak_/Misc/gecko_mountain_v1006.jpg

I then spray painted them, with Rust Oleum Textured finish. It works really well, and is all bumpy when dry. I used tan and grey.

First Layer of tan paint.

Close up of tan paint.

Then I did another layer, this time of the grey.

Getting it darker.

After that dried, I used Rust Oleum Clear top coat for a waterproof seal. (A lot of fumes at first, but after a week, it's gone.)

Final design, in the tank. Geckos love it!
Top view.

Top ledge, closest to the light.

Water dish, I love it!
Left side of the tank.

Rank side of the tank.

Whole tank.

Note:
There are many places for them to hide, including a styrofoam house I made, moist hide, and places to hife under the ledges.

Please, comment away!
I'd love to hear everyone's opinions.

Thanks,
Hayden

 

[bjleemkuil]

This is terribly awesome! <3

 

[Doubelminttwin]

Thats awesome looking, I hate you creative people... you make my geckos jealous :bigcry: lol

 

[Chevalrose]

Wow, that looks great.

How would you go about cleaning that? Just wiping it down?

 

[Remy]

Very nice! I've been thinking about tackling a project similar to this. I like your idea of using drywall mud, I may just end up doing that myself.

One thing I'm kind of iffy about... In using such toxic chemicals, the drywall mud, the spray paint and the sealant...
Are you worried this may affect your geckos? I'm guessing you left it out to dry in the open for a week or so (as you said for the waterproof sealant)
And, as Chevalrose asked, how do you clean it?

Once again, nice work!

 

[Wreptile]

Very nice! I've been thinking about tackling a project similar to this. I like your idea of using drywall mud, I may just end up doing that myself.

One thing I'm kind of iffy about... In using such toxic chemicals, the drywall mud, the spray paint and the sealant...
Are you worried this may affect your geckos? I'm guessing you left it out to dry in the open for a week or so (as you said for the waterproof sealant)
And, as Chevalrose asked, how do you clean it?

Once again, nice work!

Yes, I did let it air out for probably about 3 weeks before letting the geckos get near it.

For cleaning, I just use a damp cloth, because the sealent makes it waterproof.

 

[Remy]

I think I may just end up attempting this in the next few days...

 

[HaaStyle]

Very nice! I love the drywall mud idea

I did some rocks one time for my Dragons but the grout/cement coloring mix is a pain to paint onto Styrofoam (doesn't hold very well)

 

[liljenn]

That's awesome! Thanks for the ideas!!

 

[chechatonga]

HEY! This is a similar process that i use and i plan to sell projects in the near future! I have made many hides, A couple 3d climbable backgrounds, and random accessories and decor.
Some things i have done.
View attachment 31536 View attachment 31539
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[gotime]

that's awesome!!
verry nice!

 

[arnie]

i would buy one of your back grourds

 

[Wreptile]

i would buy one of your back grourds

Thanks man, but this example is nothing compared to other works. This one was my very first, so they've gotten better. I might make another thread showing my more current one's.

 

[Michelle81280]

That is awesome... theres some happy Geckos climbing all over

 

[Taquiq]

Wow! That is a wonderful creation!

 

[bman123]

That is sweet, I have been thinking of doing something like this. I'm sure it was cheap. I've never used drywallmud before on anything besides drywall. You need to sell these things.

 

[Wreptile]

That is sweet, I have been thinking of doing something like this. I'm sure it was cheap. I've never used drywallmud before on anything besides drywall. You need to sell these things.

I've seriously considered this before, but I've come to a conclusion that it wouldn't be worth it for the amount of time it takes.