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Geckohappy   Sargent_horvath   LGL   Geckohappy   Sargent_horvath   Morquinn   ReptileRodent   Kilowattjohnson   Van-halen   Geckohappy   Chugalug93   Rrrragdoll   Beardyboy   NEWTMAN456   Dragon boi   Geckohappy   Dragon boi   Geckohappy   Dragon boi   Geckohappy   Jj342   Geckohappy   Tripm   Jj342   Ribbonsnakeyy   Geckohappy   Ribbonsnakeyy   Ribbonsnakeyy   Geckohappy   Ribbonsnakeyy  
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 #812611


Geckohappy
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 HUGE Leopard Gecko Tank & how to guide

The tank was free... a big old piece of crap that even the thrift shop was going to throw out. It was some sort of display case. It’s easy to find something similar, just look at cabinets and try to see them sideways with glass in place of the doors.



OK, here it is, the big old display cabinet after I cut the ends off. It was a bit too big to fit where I needed it to, and I didn’t want any area where the leos wouldn’t be visible to me, so I cut about an inch and a half off of each end and replaced the sides. I sealed the gaps with wood putty (the kind that hardens and can be sanded.)



Here I start to build the shelves and forms before adding plaster



You can see the pressed paper kitty litter liner (white) and the plastic items as well as the heated rock (which has been tested and will have a heavy covering of plaster to diffuse the heat) The litter liners can be easily cut and screwed right onto the wall. The plastic things are made for keeping items from sliding around in the trunk of your car. They are perfect for this.



Here I am staring to coat the items in plaster



and a close up. After this, I sanded and smoothed the plaster using a drywall sander, which looks a little like a cheese grater. The holes keep it from clogging due to all of the plaster.



Not shown is a step when I painted everything white with primer. Now I am beginning to cover the rocks with primer that I have colored with acrylic paint. The main paint I am using is a Zinsser product for priming and sealing. I am also adding some paint to create the illusion of more rocks on the back wall. The dark lines you see in the lower right are the beginnings of the shadow shade I will use to define the forms. I sculpted them with soft curves instead of deep creases to make them easier to keep clean (and so bugs have less places to hide) The dark paint gives more depth to them and adds depth where there is none at all, such as the back flat area.



Shadow shading completed



Now I coast everything with a final clear sealer (also by Zinsser) and add the plants using Gorillas Glue, which must sit overnight. (they need to be propped in place while they cure)

And here is the final result, with hides added and the waterfall which was also painted using the same process.



I still need to paint the exterior, but that’s a much easier process :)



and here is a breakdown of contents:

The red arrows point to heated areas. I will see if I need to add a heat mat under the humid hide, but for now it’s just going to be moist moss.

Blue arrows indicate water sources. The one on the right is a slow moving waterfall.

The green arrow points to where the moss will be in the huge humid hide.

Yellow arrows indicate removable hides, the rest are built in, but accessible.

The cow skull is just a decoration, lol.

The lid is screened with low wattage UV bulbs on a 12 hr timer. This enclosure is equal to a 76 gallon tank, (more if I included the full height, but I shortened that measurement since extra height isn’t really used.)



Suggestions and comments welcome!
05/31/06  04:40PM

 #812654


Sargent_horvath
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   Message To: Geckohappy   In reference to Message Id: 812611


 HUGE Leopard Gecko Tank & how to guide

Oh My that is a beutiful Tank, do you know what size it is?? (gallons)

Jesse

05/31/06  05:03PM

 #812658


LGL
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   Message To: Geckohappy   In reference to Message Id: 812611


 HUGE Leopard Gecko Tank & how to guide

That’s awesome!!!! Looks great and very realistic (the plaster rocks and stuff). You did a great job!!!

LGL
05/31/06  05:06PM

 #812667


Geckohappy
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   Message To: LGL   In reference to Message Id: 812658


 HUGE Leopard Gecko Tank & how to guide

Thanks guys! It’s about 76 gallons... maybe more, but I didn’t include the full height in my calculations since the leos don’t use it.
05/31/06  05:11PM

 #812793


Sargent_horvath
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   Message To: Geckohappy   In reference to Message Id: 812667


 HUGE Leopard Gecko Tank & how to guide

Yea i cant wait for the weekend, so many garage sales and i will buy a tank.

Jesse

05/31/06  06:19PM

 #813980


Morquinn
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   Message To: Sargent_horvath   In reference to Message Id: 812793


 HUGE Leopard Gecko Tank & how to guide

That is the coolest gecko enclosure I have seen... (well its pretty much the first, I dont keep geckos... yet) you did an awesome job. That gorilla glue is SO strong, Ive used it, and its way better than super glue. Two thumbs up!
06/01/06  01:52PM

 #814219


ReptileRodent
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   Message To: Morquinn   In reference to Message Id: 813980


 HUGE Leopard Gecko Tank & how to guide

That setup....Is FREAKING AWESOME!!!!!! You did great. I love the skull!

06/01/06  04:20PM

 #814733


Kilowattjohnson
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   Message To: ReptileRodent   In reference to Message Id: 814219


 HUGE Leopard Gecko Tank & how to guide

Sweet setup....

I’m in the process of setting up a few proto-type tanks for my shop....
I’ll post some pics when I’m finished....

Once again, Very SWEET...


Kilo
06/01/06  09:23PM

 #815373


Van-halen
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   Message To: Kilowattjohnson   In reference to Message Id: 814733


 HUGE Leopard Gecko Tank & how to guide

hey what did you use to make the rocks out of?
06/02/06  11:57AM

 #815471


Geckohappy
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   Message To: Van-halen   In reference to Message Id: 815373


 HUGE Leopard Gecko Tank & how to guide

Thanks everyone! If anybody wants to try this and needs help, please feel free to contact me.

Van-halen... the rocks were built with pressed paper kitty litter liners (available at most larger pet shops) and other obects which were screwed into the walls, then coated with plaster of paris, available at any home improvement or hardware store.
06/02/06  01:08PM

 #819693


Chugalug93
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   Message To: Geckohappy   In reference to Message Id: 815471


 HUGE Leopard Gecko Tank & how to guide

That cage is gorgeous ... great job


mike
06/05/06  12:35AM

 #821302


Rrrragdoll
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   Message To: Chugalug93   In reference to Message Id: 819693


 HUGE Leopard Gecko Tank & how to guide

Wow that is so artistic! So these primers and paint are ok with the reptiles? I’ve never seen the plaster used before only the spray foam. I wonder if those materials would work for creating a tree frog enclosure as they absorb everything through the skin.
06/06/06  01:03AM

 #824025


Beardyboy
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   Message To: Van-halen   In reference to Message Id: 815373


 HUGE Leopard Gecko Tank & how to guide

Can you give me a more descriptive step by step process on how you built the tank? Can it be made for a beardie?

06/07/06  08:57PM

 #824128


NEWTMAN456
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   Message To: Beardyboy   In reference to Message Id: 824025


 HUGE Leopard Gecko Tank & how to guide

I’ll give you 10 bucks for that. Great job GeckoHappy. An indepth tut would be awesome.
06/07/06  09:48PM

 #824906


Dragon boi
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   Message To: NEWTMAN456   In reference to Message Id: 824128


 HUGE Leopard Gecko Tank & how to guide

amazing, i’m trying out the same thing with some huge vivs soon, one is 6ft l x 5ft h x 2ft w and the other is in the shape of an L, not sure of that ones measurements just yet but thats has really helped me! thank you, hwever i don’t think it will work in my iggys and wd tanks cos they need reather high humidity and POP will turn to mush in water.... i’m gonna use tile grout insted. ow and that heat rocks a godd idea but just be carful. if it cracks it could start a fire and you wouldn’t know if it did crack. also i know that sand substrate looks godd but it’s gonna kill your leo. i just lost mine. don’t know what he died of. it was soo sudden but i wouldn’t want you to have to go through that.

06/08/06  01:48PM

 #825110


Geckohappy
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   Message To: Dragon boi   In reference to Message Id: 824906


 HUGE Leopard Gecko Tank & how to guide

Hi there, glad you like it and it gave you ideas!

There is no sand. It’s fake :) It’s all solid plaster, sealed and totally waterproof. (I poured a bucket in and left it to see if it would hold and it did, no peeling. The paint is fully scrubbable. Once plaster sets completely, it doesn’t break down when wet, and sealed, it’s incredibly durable. There’s an even tougher material out called Winterstone that is durable enough to be used outside. I’m a professional sculptor, so I know the materials well. The plaster won’t crack over the heat rocks, you’d need a sledgehammer to break it open now. The rocks are buried enough to dissipate the heat. I have had them on for a week with thermometers on top. I’ll probably add a thermostat for extra security anyway. I also have a dimmer installed on the heat items for use in the summer. On top of that, they are connected to a surge suppressor.

I’m so sorry you lost a leo... it’s funny how attached we can get to these cold-blooded guys isn’t it?
06/08/06  03:46PM

 #826232


Dragon boi
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   Message To: Geckohappy   In reference to Message Id: 825110


 HUGE Leopard Gecko Tank & how to guide

your tellin me, i cryed like a baby......
well ok i just wanted to make sure about the hot rock and sand, well no i know theres no sand.lol. can’t wait to do mine, what paint did you use? and what did you seal it with. i’v got aquarium sealent but that would look awful. what did you use? how thich was the plaster of paris?

06/09/06  10:46AM

 #826263


Geckohappy
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   Message To: Dragon boi   In reference to Message Id: 826232


 HUGE Leopard Gecko Tank & how to guide

I used Zinsser brand sealer. It has low fumes and it’s non-toxic when dry. I used the white as a primer base first, then colored the same white paint with acrylics. Finished off with Zinsser clear sealer. If you go to Zinsser dot com you can find a dealer near you.

I mixed my plaster thick, to the consistancy of cool whip (once it stands for 15 20 minutes) I use a higher plaster to water ratio than on the box, but I don’t measure exactly.
06/09/06  11:29AM

 #827551


Dragon boi
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   Message To: Geckohappy   In reference to Message Id: 826263


 HUGE Leopard Gecko Tank & how to guide

cool, i’m gonna get some of dat suff. do you nkow if it is water proof enough to be used on a water fall? also are those cacti fake? they look awsom! thankx for the info again.
06/10/06  01:59PM

 #827681


Geckohappy
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   Message To: Dragon boi   In reference to Message Id: 827551


 HUGE Leopard Gecko Tank & how to guide

I painted it on my waterfall and I’ve been running it for a week before putting my guys in. It seems to be holding up fine. I don’t know about long term tho, but at least it’s non-toxic. the waterfall is from a thrift shop and made of molded plastic, but the rocks were black which didn’t match my design so I painted them.

Yup the cacti are all fake, all of the plants are. I may do fine keeping pets alive, but my luck with plants is rather dismal :oP
06/10/06  04:32PM

 #829523


Jj342
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   Message To: Geckohappy   In reference to Message Id: 827681


 HUGE Leopard Gecko Tank & how to guide

lol, same here with plants( runs in the family ) but I bought a 30$ waterpump for a 30$ waterfall, so I’m defenitely going to use it with my custom leopard gecko tank I’m making. It’s going to be like yours, but smaller. and it’s going to be a square corner tank.
06/11/06  11:53PM

 #830310


Geckohappy
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   Message To: Jj342   In reference to Message Id: 829523


 HUGE Leopard Gecko Tank & how to guide

Sounds great! Be sure to monitor your humidity levels and try to set the flow of the waterfall at the lowest setting (usually a small switch on the pump) the less splash, the less problems you will have with the humidity getting too high for the leo. It will still be enough to circulate.
Plus, there is less sound. It can be annoying when you keep thinking that you hear water running somewhere ;)

Be sure to post pictures!
06/12/06  04:46PM

 #830350


Tripm
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   Message To: Geckohappy   In reference to Message Id: 812611


 HUGE Leopard Gecko Tank & how to guide

Your enclosure is great - and your pictures are awesome. Would you mind posting some more detail shots. As many close-ups as you can stand. I can look at your set up all day without getting bored. I love the background too - i assume you painted the skyline?

anyway, keep up the excellent work. I wish I could come live in your tank!
06/12/06  05:17PM

 #831004


Jj342
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   Message To: Geckohappy   In reference to Message Id: 830310


 HUGE Leopard Gecko Tank & how to guide

oh yeah,i was going to set it to low, and moving water evaporates slower. and I’m going to get more heatlamps so it would be harder for it to be too humid.and I’ll post plenty of pics as soon as i get a camera.
06/13/06  12:10AM

 #832131


Ribbonsnakeyy
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   Message To: Jj342   In reference to Message Id: 831004


 HUGE Leopard Gecko Tank & how to guide

What kind of plaster did you use? did you plaster everything or just the items you added? i am turning an entertainment center i have gotten for free into a snake tank, all advice will be great fully accepted

06/13/06  07:54PM

 #832164


Geckohappy
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   Message To: Ribbonsnakeyy   In reference to Message Id: 832131


 HUGE Leopard Gecko Tank & how to guide

I’ll try to take more close shots and post them son.

The plaster was regular plaster of paris form Home Depot. Lowes had added silica to theirs which makes it slightly dangerous to work with. Most hardware stores will carry the normal type. I smeared it almost everywhere except the ceiling. I poured it on the bottom and shaped it to resemble sand and rocks. I think that would be good for a snake too, since you can round the corners to make it easier to wipe out and mice can’t hide so easy.
Post pics of your progress!
06/13/06  08:32PM

 #832328


Ribbonsnakeyy
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   Message To: Geckohappy   In reference to Message Id: 832164


 HUGE Leopard Gecko Tank & how to guide

i will thanks
06/13/06  09:59PM

 #832389


Ribbonsnakeyy
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   Message To: Ribbonsnakeyy   In reference to Message Id: 832328


 HUGE Leopard Gecko Tank & how to guide

Here are some pics of a waterfall i made....[IMG]http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g168/ribbonsnakeyy/93fe1823.jpg[/IMG][IMG]http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g168/ribbonsnakeyy/waterfall2.jpg[/IMG]sorry the first one is so small, computer probelms

06/13/06  10:37PM

 #832869


Geckohappy
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   Message To: Ribbonsnakeyy   In reference to Message Id: 832389


 HUGE Leopard Gecko Tank & how to guide

Nice waterfall! I’m sure you will find them lying in there from time to time.
How do you change the repticarpet? Do you have to take out the whole waterfall? I just got rid of the repticarpet in my tanks. I liked it for a while, but I hated cleaning it. It seems to harbor mold and bacteria. I’m going to switch to tile as soon as possible. Paper towels are easy, but not that pretty to look at. I like the way the plaster in my new enclosure can just be wiped clean.
06/14/06  10:25AM

 #833595


Ribbonsnakeyy
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   Message To: Geckohappy   In reference to Message Id: 832869


 HUGE Leopard Gecko Tank & how to guide

Yea, i hope the plaster works good for my too in my new tank, yea i HAD to take out the whole thing but now i have this jungel bedding stuff, its sweet, its lose like dirt but its a mix of cal sand, dirt, coconut husk and a few pieces of lil bark. The plaster of paris, i looked at in ace hardware and it said indoor and nothing about being water proof so i desided to wait and ask you again on exactly wat kind of plaster to get. so what kind did you get again for like the hundreth time LoL

06/14/06  06:50PM
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