New Habitat Construction

M

maximum

Guest
Hey, thanks to the inspiration of some on this forum and some other websites, I have decided to design and construct my own habitat for my leo(s) that are coming Aug. 12.

Here are some pics:

Supplies:
Liquid Nails Small Projects Adhesive (probably any construction grade & waterproof adhesive)
Grout
Grout sealer
Styrofoam or polystyrene (comes in sheets)
Sand (for aesthetics/rough appearance)
Serraded blade (i.e.- steak knife)
Tape measure
Hammer and finish nails (optional)

Day 1:
Carved out rough shape of design, added details.
Secured pieces that i wanted together w/ nails.
Glued pieces together.
Let set overnight.

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There are three distinct pieces in these pictures. The backdrop and hollowed block on right is one. On the far left, the dish and transition piece atop it is two. Finally, the cave underneath on the far left and other pieces are the third. This way, getting things in and out is easier and the final product will be easier to disassemble and/or clean.

It is important to also note that I planned this ahead. I would STRONGLY recommend drawing up some plans of what you want to do beforehand. Remember, measure twice and cut once!

To give credit where credit is due... I got my help here:
http://koti.welho.com/jkoski3/terraario/gekkotausta2.html
http://www.blackjungle.com/gallery/talltank/page1.html
http://www.freewebs.com/herptips/fakerock.htm
...and my inspiration for the design here:
http://koti.welho.com/jkoski3/terraario/gekkotausta1.html
 
Last edited by a moderator:
M

maximum

Guest
Also, I went for the rough, gritty, brown sand to make it look a little more realistic than white, fine play sand (which may instead be used for the substrate later on).

Also, the grout is "Premium-grade, Polymer-Modified Unsanded Grout." Something similar to what you used, Ro? It's a 10 lb bag. The sand comes in a 50 lb bag only :shocked2:. Don't even ask what I'm gonna do with 50 lbs of sand...

More later! :builder2:
 
R

rrhill

Guest
I get the grout with sand in it. And that bag of grout will last you a long time...I hope you need to re-grout the tile in your bathroom or something :D

The only issues I can see is that area that looks like a high hide box. It needs some support under it, with the grout on it is going to be pretty heavy. I hope you were not planning to grout the styro in the tank??? You will need a way to get the finished background in & out of the tank with the grout on. I am not familiar with that brand of grout sealant. I use TileLab and brush it on the grout. I recommend not being conservative with the grout sealer. I usually put 2 or more coats on mine.

Oh yeah...wear a dust mask when you mix the grout!! And don't forget some finished pics!
 
M

maximum

Guest
thanks for the tips.

i will be taking it out of the tank and grouting/sealing it, and then replacing it into the tank. the whole thing will be removable! i have left sufficient room on either side to allow for build up from the grout.

how many layers do you recommend? 2-3?

and i'll be generous with the grout and sealer. ;)
 
M

maximum

Guest
are you talking about the box on the right side? that is actually (you can't tell from the pics) empty, more like a box with an open top and bottom. i am going to put a blue light inside of it (hanging) and then cover the top with a fake plant, draping over the sides. that way, at night i can get some "hidden" light coming from underneath the "box," shooting down. i thought it would add a nice touch...like moonlight!

now that i think about it, incase the gecko(s) climb ontop of it, i'd better put some support under it. maybe some rocks or driftwood will suffice. i'll see how sturdy it is after grouting!
 
M

maximum

Guest
also, after everything is done, i'm going to use velcro to secure the pieces to the back wall of the aquarium. :)
 
R

rrhill

Guest
Velcro should work well, use a long strip across the top and maybe shorter strips down the sides.
It looks like you have a good plan. I can't wait to see you finished project!
 
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