So, that only took 2 years *Gecko Palace 3000*

[Grinning Geckos]

Yes, that's right! It's the triumphant return of the Gecko Palace 3000! And, it took only 2 years to complete. I guess that's what you get when you work with sub-contractors. :main_laugh: In fairness to me, most of that time it was just sitting and gathering dust, waiting for me to finish painting it.

The first shot shows the "dramatic" lighting. I found these LED lights, and they are SWEET. Only uses 5 watts.

These are various shots of the tank with flash. It shows the tank assembled. If anyone is interested, I have shots of it pre-grout that shows all the layers, hidey-holes, and complexity.

I'm just letting it air out for a week, then the geckos get to move in!:main_thumbsup:

 

[BalloonzForU]

Can you make one for me? I'll wait the two years!! I'd love to curl up in one of those amazing hides!!

Awesome Shanti!!

 

[LizMarie]

WOW!! i dont know what else to say. i wish i had enough talent to do that. lol

 

[Kwyk]

Great great awesome.
But have fun cleaning poo out of unreachable corners

 

[Grinning Geckos]

Not at all...it all comes apart in layers in about 30 seconds. There are 7 parts, not including the humid hide, water bowl, or food dishes.

 

[Grinning Geckos]

For the curious, this is how it works...

The small humid hide is gone now...now it's a second warming spot.

 

[Zynx_Keekeio]

Wow I'm speechless

 

[AntMan612]

That's amazing, Shanti! There should be a contest for best naturalistic leopard gecko enclosure. This one may blow away the competition, though.

 

[Grinning Geckos]

That's amazing, Shanti! There should be a contest for best naturalistic leopard gecko enclosure. This one may blow away the competition, though.

LOL Thanks!

 

[hondawingsfly]

thats really good prolly one of the nicest gecko inclosures ive ever seen

 

[fallen_angel]

Wow, very gorgeous and amazing!! Some very lucky leos are going to be the happiest geckos ever

 

[Golden Gate Geckos]

WOW!!!!!! That enclosure is better than my first apartment! I wanna be one of your geckos...

 

[Grinning Geckos]

WOW!!!!!! That enclosure is better than my first apartment! I wanna be one of your geckos...

Yea, I'd move in too, but I can't get my big belly to fit....let alone the rest of me. :main_laugh:

 

[RepBex]

O my I want one how much did it cost ?

 

[nats]

Wow! I've never seen one that nice before.

You are a genius! :main_yes:

What is that stuff made out of?

 

[thekooliest]

thats really good prolly one of the nicest gecko inclosures ive ever seen

That is the nicest gecko enclosure you will ever see.



I love it, its amazing

 

[hoppslover]

That is truly a wonderful display tank. You should be very proud of yourself.

 

[dprince]

Shanti, that is TOTALLY awesome!! Your geckos must LOVE it. :main_yes:

 

[Nick44]

what type of materials did you use? and where is a good place to purchase such materials?

 

[Grinning Geckos]

The geckos haven't moved in yet, but I'm sure they will enjoy themselves when they get there. LOL We've started calling it "The Penthouse". Ozzy's tank is "The Suburbs", and the rack is "The Projects".

The majority of the tank was built with pink insulating foam that I got from Home Depot. You can only pick it up in 4' x 8' sheets, but you end up using more then you might think. I filled in some areas with expanding foam insulation. I made sure all surfaces were rough, then coated it with 3 coats of grout (I think I just used the cheapest I could find). After it was REALLY dry (think 2 years is enough? LOL), I painted it with acrylic artist paints. Once painted, I gave all surfaces 3 coats of a matte water-based sealer over several days. The sealer dries in 1-2 hours and cures in about 6...but I'm giving it a week of airing out to be safe.

The most difficult part was figuring out the layout, and how to make EVERYTHING easily accessible. This is my 3rd (and by far - best) tank build, so I knew what a bad build was, and what to avoid. It was like making a puzzle from scratch. The painting to make it look like stone was EASY...I could easily make a tutorial of how to do it if anyone is interested. I have plans for moving Ozzy into upper-middle class, and making a new tank from scratch for Bob the snake, so I have the opportunity.