Hides

[CallDr]

One of my so called "pet peeves" is trying to find the Hides. ( at least for a 10 gal )

The Onion Humid Hide was the start of a DYI but in some respects better than retail ones.

I design Molds for a living. So I have decided to design a Hide that would act as a Humid / regular/ nesting and making it into 2 pieces.

While I am at it I want to design it so you can connect 2 ( or side by side ) for multiple Geckos in a single cage.

So..... any suggestions as to what you would like to have and can not buy..... let me know. Pics would be good of what you like and don't on what is out there.

The whole idea is to have space on the Bottom part to put Moss or other so it does not spill out in the cage. The other is easy access to by lifting up the Top, that would maybe have the option to just lock it, by a single twist, as to remove the hide for cleaning....ect

Tupperware is fine as a DYI but it's tupperware, and not made specifically for Gecko's.

I need specs..... for example 2" tall ? and intend this to be for a normal adult 8 to 10 inches long.

Any and all input is welcome. Again...... I want this to be not only a moist hide / extra hide...... but also one where the female can lay her eggs.



Thanks

 

[CallDr]

FYI.... I can also Mold ceramic which is a heat conductor. Meaning that I could have a Molded bottom for the Hot side.

It was suggested that having "hides alike" would be a good idea. I agreed and think any time you can take away a variable is good.

 

[marineman26]

would be a good idea if you added the ceramic into them I think. I would like to have one but can you get other colors? wouldnt mind having a black one

 

[thegeckoguy23]

that sounds great

 

[CapCitySteve]

Also, just a side note. You should make the entrance hole on top. Bedding slash nesting material is going to get thrown out of that hide when thegeckos dig. And I also like a black / opaque hide. The geckos seem to like them better.

 

[Taquiq]

+1 a hole on the top is better.

 

[CallDr]

I was wondering if to make the entrance on the top or side. I am thinking making it on the top but but like a side entrance version as to have it ventilated so it will not build up heat inside it over the UTH, yet block off any overhead lights.

Correct me if I am wrong. The Bottom needs to be at least 2 inches deep? to the to act as a lay box? If thats true then the total height could be 3 1/2" tall.

Now shape? The average body would need some kind of "size" but the Tail wraps around the side walls.

Any help on those dimensions?

I will make a drawing and post it with all the dimensions and design. It would be better to see..... to make suggestions.

As far as color. Thats not a problem. There are many plastics that can be molded. I want it to have a little "weight" to it and for sure and where it would not tip over but not too heavy in case of a slip...lol and crush the gecko or it's tail.

The "average" Body size of a 10" gecko is a spec I need. I assume the head and tail can bend or wrap around while inside, meaning the length does not need to need to be 10" long. The whole idea is to keep the size down, yet comfortable. W/L/H.

 

[CallDr]

Also....... can I get a pic of the most popular lay boxes?

 

[CallDr]

would be a good idea if you added the ceramic into them I think. I would like to have one but can you get other colors? wouldnt mind having a black one

Ceramic is a heat conductor and my thinking is it could be used as an extra layer if too hot under the hot side. I am still working on trying to solve a heat problem inside it for the Hot side. The idea is a design to distribute the heat evenly to avoid a "hot spot" created by the UTH.

FYI....... I decided to make this project with mindset as the Best possible product and not be concerned with price point. If I cut corners in order to save money on the retail side it would defeat the purpose of a first calls quality product. Why make a 10 dollar one, when 15 you could have the best? We waste 5 bucks all the time...lol.

 

[ariana]

i think you should take the hide and make it square,
then with the hole on the top theyd still have a lil space to sit on top of the hide.
i personally dont like round hides, i like boxy ones, they seem to fit better.
nice ideas tho :main_thumbsup:

 

[CallDr]

Take this exo terra med hide. I have 2 but there is wasted space that makes it longer than needs to be. This is really where I want to "improve" a good design and make it better.

 

[CallDr]

i think you should take the hide and make it square,
then with the hole on the top theyd still have a lil space to sit on top of the hide.
i personally dont like round hides, i like boxy ones, they seem to fit better.
nice ideas tho :main_thumbsup:

My goal is to split it in the middle from not square and not round either. This would give more freedom where you place it given your floor space. Some on makes a square one already. The idea is to give an ergonomic design based on the Gecko "comfort". Square is to square and round is too round. There needs to be some angles so the Gecko can change where in the hide it wants to lay but still be conformable.

Once I get the specs..... I will make a Proto-type fake Gecko and go from there on the Shape. I have found they like to lay along the outside wall inside.

 

[ariana]

My goal is to split it in the middle from not square and not round either. This would give more freedom where you place it given your floor space.

as soon as you have one made id like to see it

 

[CallDr]

So let me get this right...... we want it so they can lay on the top like to bask?

 

[bman123]

Square is better as it will fit in a corner perfectly. Those exo Terra medium hides waste space in the tank due to the funky shape. They don't fit good in a corner.

For a lay box put the entrance/exit hole in the top so you don't get your moss or whatever all over the tank when they dig it out. For a hide just put the hole in the front or side. I wish I had the resources to make stuff like this, I'd make alot of stuff.

 

[CallDr]

Square is better as it will fit in a corner perfectly. Those exo Terra medium hides waste space in the tank due to the funky shape. They don't fit good in a corner.

For a lay box put the entrance/exit hole in the top so you don't get your moss or whatever all over the tank when they dig it out. For a hide just put the hole in the front or side. I wish I had the resources to make stuff like this, I'd make alot of stuff.

I agree the shape needs to have a right angle for the corner..... plus I want to see if I can design it where you can have 2 side by side so to speak for Gecko 1 and Gecko 2.

The whole idea is to make use of the corner, wall or middle. Once i get the specs I will do varying shapes to optimum placement depending on where you need one ( or 2 ,3 ect )

 

[CallDr]

This will give an example what I am looking for. Is how they will lay inside the hide. As you can see the Tail does not have to be straight but the body and head position is what is needed....... any suggestions. Am I on the right track? In that respect the exo terra is good in the so called funky shape.

I think I can trim 2" off the ET and have it 7L x 6W x XX right now. Two inches does not seem like a lot..... but in a 10 gal it is. Height is not an issues if you can save floor space.

I still need a pic of an ideal Lay Box. It's the only part I don't have solid info on. Plus is the Lay part depth 2" deep enough? Come on breeders..... help me.

 

[ariana]

So let me get this right...... we want it so they can lay on the top like to bask?

not basking, as most of us dont use a light,
but for extra space. i have many of my leos who like to sit on top of their hides and watch me when im puttering around my room

 

[CallDr]

Thats what I meant. Flat enough to lay or sit on top of the hide.