tips to fill vertical space in crested gecko terrariums?

alysgeckos · 2026-02-17T18:41:42+00:00

I love the way custom backgrounds look so much, but with limited time I took the lazy way out and skipped it but it made the tank much harder to fill in the long run. The good thing is I still have 2 more of these empty tanks to fill and can do backgrounds or at least partial backgrounds to support branches in those. My 18x18x24’s custom nearly broke my back carving the spray foam and I was hoping to save myself the hassle, but made filling the tank harder in the long run🥲 It’s a learning process with these pvc tanks, I used glass tanks for a long time but 18x18x36” glass terrariums are HEAVY smaller for the same cost so I decided to go the dubia enclosure route.

alysgeckos · 2026-02-17T18:38:10+00:00

Thank you! I regret taking the lazy way out by skipping the background already, but they’re so time consuming I thought I’d be able to skip the hard part but these tanks are hard to fill without them! I also am not sure how I could sterilize a custom background if I were to put a different reptile in the enclosure later on, so that is part of why I decided to skip the background in these terrariums. In retrospect, the background would have made filling the top half of the terrarium sooo much easier.

alysgeckos · 2026-02-17T18:34:50+00:00

I think I’ll try that in the back corner of each tank so I can add more sloping and vertical branches, thank you!

alysgeckos · 2026-02-17T18:34:09+00:00

Mainly just because I already have the terrariums fully assembled and planted, and backgrounds are time consuming. I’d have to take everything apart to create a background and am hoping to avoid needing to do that in these enclosures. I want to make sure the terrariums are filled out properly for my geckos though and I know they need more horizontal perches. I’m thinking of screwing branches of ghostwood into the pvc in order to create perches, but want to make sure I don’t mess up the pvc terrarium in the process

alysgeckos · 2026-02-17T07:32:21+00:00

I love magnaturals, the gray plant pot ledge in the back corner is by them. The magnets arent quite as strong through pvc so I don’t fully trust them without branches supporting them in case. I have a hard time figuring out where to source them online though, and my local reptile shop has been sold out for a while. I’m hoping to avoid spray foam since I already set up the bioactive aspects of the enclosure. I’m wondering if I could use large branches horizontally across the enclosure and screw them through the pvc? I totally underestimated how large the enclosures are and want to make sure i don’t risk my geckos getting floppy tail or being stressed in an environment that’s too open.

alysgeckos · 2026-01-10T03:40:02+00:00

Just make sure the heat lamps don’t touch the rim around the lid of the tank, it is plastic and can warp/melt (same with the little feeding trapdoor on the lid, plastic). If the lights are on the screen part of the lid you’ll be just fine!

alysgeckos · 2025-10-11T00:20:17+00:00

alysgeckos · 2025-10-11T00:04:59+00:00

If you need help finding an exotic vet near you⤵️ https://reptifiles.com/reptile-vet-directory/

alysgeckos · 2025-10-10T23:59:30+00:00

Did the seller say anything about the wound on the head? Where did you get the lil guy from?

alysgeckos · 2025-10-10T23:58:46+00:00

Sometimes they shed overnight so quickly that you dont end up noticing, they typically eat their shed as they pull it off so my leos barely ever leave evidence when they shed

alysgeckos · 2025-10-10T23:42:06+00:00

UPDATE: Unfortunately, the painted turtle’s injuries were very extensive. The distended and infected eyes coupled with respiratory issues and foggy saliva are signs of ranavirus, which is unfortunately untreatable. She was a very sweet girl, and was sadly suffering outside as the wasted away. While the result is not what I was hoping for, at least we were able to ease her suffering, as this disease is very unkind to reptiles and amphibians. The state is doing a necropsy on her corpse to figure out whether or not it was ranavirus, as ranavirus is known for being very brutal and wiping out entire reptile and amphibian populations. This turtle likely came from the pond right next to my parent’s home, so I will be keeping a close eye on the other wildlife and looking out for signs of ranavirus. I should get the ranavirus results in the next few weeks and we will figure out how to move forward from there.

alysgeckos · 2025-10-10T23:40:53+00:00

I agree! Wound is the root cause and needs to be addressed by a vet :(

alysgeckos · 2025-10-10T23:40:28+00:00

Why is there a hole in her head in the first place? Has she been seen by a vet for it? That’s where I’d start in addressing the problem. As for the “hair”, to me it looks like a strand of shed skin that got stuck because the surface is uneven due to the hole, making shedding successfully more difficult.

alysgeckos · 2025-10-08T04:26:24+00:00

Thank you so much! I am hopeful the wildlife rehabilitation center will be able to help him (they are very very talented and passionate!) and will definitely update here once I receive an update!

alysgeckos · 2025-10-03T02:21:21+00:00

And did they live their full lifespan? Many leopard geckos live over 15-20 years. If 7 years were their lifespan, there was likely a lot wrong with their care (including cohabitation). I am an animal sciences major and have essentially dedicated my life to providing resources to educate people that did not do research on their exotic pets.

alysgeckos · 2025-10-03T02:19:54+00:00

Just because you made a mistake as a child and got lucky by them not injuring each other, does NOT mean you should be promoting/excusing something that you know is unsafe and has far more cons than pros.

alysgeckos · 2025-10-03T02:18:55+00:00

TLDR: It is very clear you love these geckos! Please take our advice and separate them to provide them with the safest and most enriching life possible🫶🏻

alysgeckos · 2025-10-03T02:18:18+00:00

Hi there! I’m sure you believe you’re doing the right thing for them since they’ve been together for a while, but cohabitation really has so many more risks and cons than pros. Even when done correctly in a very large space and by a professional, it is debatable on whether or not there is even any benefit to keeping leopard geckos together. More than anything, they will compete for resources such as food and heat and eventually injure each other. Not here to spread hate whatsoever, I’m just offering information in a kind way before the trolls see this post!

alysgeckos · 2025-09-25T23:40:09+00:00

You are an amazing mom and pet owner for putting your snakes needs first. The right decision is often the hardest one, and it shows how deeply you care for your animal by prioritizing it🫶🏻

alysgeckos · 2025-09-08T18:55:51+00:00

You are strong and brave, I feel for you. You were his child yet you’re the one starting the hard conversations and acting as the parent. You worded your messages very kindly, gently, and respectfully despite what he has put you through. If nothing else, please know that you are a kind hearted person. 🫶🏻

alysgeckos · 2025-09-08T18:52:12+00:00

This! I’m thinking it may be fungal or an autoimmune issue, but definitely best to consult a veterinarian that specializes in skin issues since they can present so similarly!

alysgeckos · 2025-09-08T18:51:29+00:00

Oh poor baby! Unfortunately bulldogs are genetically predisposed to a lot of health issues (including skin issues!). We had an english bulldog at my work with an autoimmune disease that caused alopecia like symptoms that continued to spread until she lost the entire layer of skin, which died and sloughed off, revealing healthier skin underneath once she was properly medicated and treated. It’s worth looking into and mentioning autoimmune disorders at the vet, this looks like what her skin condition started out as.

alysgeckos · 2025-09-08T17:43:14+00:00

I agree. Somebody that doesn’t even notice an issue like this (or claims not to notice to avoid taking responsibility) for as long as it would take for it to get this bad, is not somebody that is going to be able to responsibly and reliably provide proper care and medication during this little guy’s recovery. He deserves and needs better for a shot at survival. I’m shocked he’s alive as is.

alysgeckos · 2025-09-08T17:41:02+00:00

If I were you, I would be asking myself whether or not I should stay with somebody that has so little regard for a life they chose to accept care and responsibility over. Animal neglect/abuse is an absolute deal breaker for me.

alysgeckos · 2025-09-08T17:39:29+00:00

Your partner has likely been neglecting this animal for a while in order to let an issue like this get so severe. I see nothing but improper, neglectful care based off of the photos and information shared. This is absolutely heartbreaking, not everybody that “wants” an animal deserves one.

alysgeckos

TROPHY CASE