Future leopard gecko tank

[insignia100]

With my new Pro-line cages I was able to free up a 15 gallon tank that I've decided to start setting up as a leopard gecko tank. I started out by putting a coat of tan (actually "almond") silicone on the sides, back, and bottom of the tank. I used a gloved hand to spread the silicone and give it some texture. I wasn't too concerned with getting a perfect coat because the main goal was to make the future leo gecko more comfortable and feel more secure. I then went to Lowes and got some flagstone and a brick to make the stone hide/basking spot.

I've not yet decided on a substrate yet, but I'll likely go with calcium sand. I know that is controversial, but I've done some research myself and feel that it can be done safely (especially since there will be plenty of non-sandy areas in this setup).

[youngster]

Looks cool.

[insignia100]

The second brick won't be included in the final setup. I just put it there to see how it looked, but decided it takes up too much floor space. I also plan on a few more decorations as long as they don't take up too much space.

I'm also trying to come up with a way to disguise a humidity hide so that it doesn't detract too much from the look of the cage.

[insignia100]

Okay, a bit of an update. I think I like this even better.

[Trollbie]

That looks sweet! I also like the almond silicone idea!

[insignia100]

Managed to scrounge up an open bag of calcium sand that had just enough for the floor of the tank. I'm really digging the look. Going to try to find some fake plants to round out the tank.

[BarelyBreathing]

Calcium sand is the worst thing ever for reptiles. First off, geckos will actually eat it for the calcium. Second, even if small amounts are accidentally ingested, it clumps in the guts and causes impaction. I'd remove that and throw it away.

Also, I'd be a little worried about the size and weight of those rocks If that enclosure is accidentally bumped, those rocks could fall down and kill your animal. The enclosure is cool, but it isn't suitable for inhabitants.

[insignia100]

The rocks are VERY stable. It would take getting knocked off the stand for the rocks to fall, and in that case I think I'll have bigger issues to worry about. ;)

Regarding the sand, it seems like for every person that says its bad, there's a person that says its fine. Calcium supplementation should prevent them from eating the sand, too. That said, I may look into putting some tiles down instead. I won't be getting a leo for probably two months so I've got some time to experiment.

[BarelyBreathing]

Well the rock part is reassuring. I've learned my lesson about placing rocks in enclosures. I had a small stack of slabs and one of my dogs bumped the table it was on and the rocks came tumbling down. Thankfully nobody was hurt.

Tiles would be a much better alternative. It's better safe than sorry.

[Kingsnakechris]

Calcium sand is the worst thing ever for reptiles. First off, geckos will actually eat it for the calcium. Second, even if small amounts are accidentally ingested, it clumps in the guts and causes impaction. I'd remove that and throw it away.

Also, I'd be a little worried about the size and weight of those rocks If that enclosure is accidentally bumped, those rocks could fall down and kill your animal. The enclosure is cool, but it isn't suitable for inhabitants.

Was gonna say... wont the sand cause impaction???

[Kingsnakechris]

The rocks are VERY stable. It would take getting knocked off the stand for the rocks to fall, and in that case I think I'll have bigger issues to worry about. ;)

Regarding the sand, it seems like for every person that says its bad, there's a person that says its fine. Calcium supplementation should prevent them from eating the sand, too. That said, I may look into putting some tiles down instead. I won't be getting a leo for probably two months so I've got some time to experiment.

Why risk impaction?

[BarelyBreathing]

Calcium sand is worse than regular sand because it clumps when wet. If you must go with sand, go with children's washed play sand, and wait until your gecko is an adult. As long as your temperatures are alright and your gecko is well hydrated, it's much less of an impaction risk than calci-sand.

I still say tile is the best option.

[insignia100]

See, I've also read that you should NOT use playsand, or any silica sand, because of the sharp edges...

[Kingsnakechris]

Sharp edges or impaction....

[BarelyBreathing]

I personally would rather use play sand than calcium sand. I have play sand in a lot of my enclosures (not geckos).

[Lankyrob]

I never had geckos but when i had my other lizards i had a 80%reptibark and 20% calcisand subatrate (just split the floor space). the sand was under teh heatbulb and held the heat well, one of the lizards would partially bury itself under the light when basking. Both lizards seemed to use hte sand as their toilet area which was also good as it is really easy to spot clean :)

We would release their insects into the reptibark end of their vivs, occassionally the insexts would reach the sand before getting eaten but generally they were eaten on the bark.

[insignia100]

Well, I went ahead and got some tiles from Lowes for the bottom of the tank to replace the sand. I'll post some pictures up when it is finished.

[insignia100]

I personally would rather use play sand than calcium sand. I have play sand in a lot of my enclosures (not geckos).

Here ya go, BarelyBreathing! A new tile floor!

[insignia100]

One more. ;)

[Kingsnakechris]

NICE! Looks good.

[BarelyBreathing]

That looks awesome!

[Kingsnakechris]

Now let's talk about those thermometers. Haha just kidding. lol

[insignia100]

Yea yea! They were on the tank when I got it ($5 tank from the pet store when they were clearing out some old equipment). I will, of course, be using an appropriate thermometer and t-stat. ;)

[Kingsnakechris]

Lol I figured you would, after seeing the amount of effort you put into this project.
Just had to give you crap about them LOL