First GS Foam Build

[Veronica]

My leopard gecko used to be in a basic but functional 10-gallon setup. It was sufficient, but I decided that he would get more enrichment and exercise out of a 20-gallon setup. I decided to use the GS insulation foam to build it, and I'm pretty happy with the results. https://i.imgur.com/xXbbVeQ.jpg

[Bandit]

Man, that looks great! Well done!

[Veronica]

It was a lot of fun to build, and he seems to be enjoying the extra space and his ability to climb. I think leopard geckos enjoy vertical space more than we give them credit for.

[PanUzasny]

Wow, that's really cool! As I'm really new to the hobby, what is GS foam? Also, do you have any tips on creating these structures? Any online resources that you use?

[Veronica]

Here, I'll make a list of supplies and resources that I used

1 20 gallon tank with lid

1 spray-can of Great Stuff Gaps and Cracks (GS)–It was plenty for a partial background, but two would have been necessary if I wanted to fill in the windows I made or if I wanted to do three sides.

Coconut fiber–I don't know how much, but a lot

2 bottles of silicon–I used white, but brown would have been better

Various scraps of styrofoam–Thicker and harder is better since there is more room to trim and form it

Two small plastic cups for plants

Two small succulents

Desert potting mix–I made my own with sand and coconut fiber, but it's easy to find in a store.

Alright, that's it for supplies, I'll make a second post with the process.

[Veronica]

Resources:

GoHerping's youtube has several GS and styrofoam builds. I relied heavily on them.

And someone else posted their entire process on the Pangea forum. That was also a heavily relied upon DIY guide. Here's the link to her post.
https://www.pangeareptile.com/forums/showthread.php?2268-Naturalistic-Vivarium-Great-Stuff-quot-How-To-quot-LOTS-of-pics

[PanUzasny]

Veronica, thanks so much for the supplies list and the links to other resources - I'll have to give it a ago!

[Veronica]

No problem! I'm looking forward to making another myself, once I have room and a reason.