Get those lights off and try to lower the temp. Fan or something to get the hot air out. Once down to a reasonable 72-78, start misting to get the humidity in the 70 range. Too much heat will kill a crested over time.
Custom Hood
- Thread starter ARod
- Start date
The geckos are not in this enclosure yet, so no need to worry just yet. The geckos are safe and sound. The lighting has been removed with the exception of the fluorescent tube. The area has not been misted either since it is still under construction. However, I did a test run with this set up, and I recorded humidity readings from 73-100%. I believe that I am able to control the humidity enough for the time being. I just need to figure out the temp issue.
I guess my question at this point is: how can I view them at night in this enclosure, without generating excess heat?
I guess my question at this point is: how can I view them at night in this enclosure, without generating excess heat?
Get a red gel cover for the light if possible. I know you can buy it in sheets, possibly from any theatrics store. This is how I've picked up colored gels in the past, then cut them down to size. You might even be able to find a red bulb.
I have a red cover for my flashlight I use to view my fish at night, so I use that to look at Sticky.
You also might want to consider creating a top somehow out of screen, even if it means having plexiglass on the outside as a frame, and screen in the middle. You need a way for heat/some humidity to escape still. Investing in an Exo-Terra glass terrarium (has a screen top) is a great idea for the future if you ever want to. Check out craigslist and other local classifieds, even post wanted ads for them. It's the best thing I bought.
You might be able to get some sort of thin metal and bend it to fit around the tank and glue it together, using it as a frame. Just a few ideas. I have no idea of anywhere that sells screen tops for bow fronts.
I have a red cover for my flashlight I use to view my fish at night, so I use that to look at Sticky.
You also might want to consider creating a top somehow out of screen, even if it means having plexiglass on the outside as a frame, and screen in the middle. You need a way for heat/some humidity to escape still. Investing in an Exo-Terra glass terrarium (has a screen top) is a great idea for the future if you ever want to. Check out craigslist and other local classifieds, even post wanted ads for them. It's the best thing I bought.
You might be able to get some sort of thin metal and bend it to fit around the tank and glue it together, using it as a frame. Just a few ideas. I have no idea of anywhere that sells screen tops for bow fronts.
Most of the hood that came with the aquarium would be fine for this application, however...the area where the hinge meets the actual door, there is a small gap that, I believe, would allow the geckos to escape. I do not want to take the risk of them getting out as I have cats who would love to....play....with them.
After removing the door from the hood, and using only the fluorescent tube the temp and humidity have changed over the past 45 minutes or so to something much better.
Current Readings:
Temp: 77 F
Humidity: 85%
I just need to come up with an idea on how to cover the bowed area of the tank with something that will allow ventilation. Screen would work, but it would need to be attached to something or the edges would be wacky.
I suppose I will just have to come up with something here to get the job done.
After removing the door from the hood, and using only the fluorescent tube the temp and humidity have changed over the past 45 minutes or so to something much better.
Current Readings:
Temp: 77 F
Humidity: 85%
I just need to come up with an idea on how to cover the bowed area of the tank with something that will allow ventilation. Screen would work, but it would need to be attached to something or the edges would be wacky.
I suppose I will just have to come up with something here to get the job done.
I'm glad the temps dropped so once you house them in there things should be okay. There has to be a way to get some screen to attach, even just window screening picked up at home depot.
So, aside from a flashlight with a red filter over it 
. How would I be able to view them at night time without generating the heat?
. How would I be able to view them at night time without generating the heat?Maybe order a Gel from an online website.
http://cinemasupplies.stores.yahoo.net/31-lee-s106.html
I found this when looking up red gels. These are generally used in film and theatrical operations to give the lights different colors. You can put it over the florescent tube and it'll give off a red. Otherwise search for an infrared bulb that doesn't produce heat.
You know what else you can do, take your light to petco/petsmart and check out the fish section. Depending on the size you might be able to find a red light that can work. I know when I was at Petsmart we sold red fish lights.
http://cinemasupplies.stores.yahoo.net/31-lee-s106.html
I found this when looking up red gels. These are generally used in film and theatrical operations to give the lights different colors. You can put it over the florescent tube and it'll give off a red. Otherwise search for an infrared bulb that doesn't produce heat.
You know what else you can do, take your light to petco/petsmart and check out the fish section. Depending on the size you might be able to find a red light that can work. I know when I was at Petsmart we sold red fish lights.
I could use the front of my first attempt at the plexiglass bow front portion that didn't break. I could set it under the door so it would cover the hole or just do away with the door all together and just have the plexi piece sit flush with the larger half of the hood. I drilled holes through the plexi for ventilation purposes.
I think I will try this and watch my temps and humidity.
What about air quality? How do I know if there is enough ventilation?
I think I will try this and watch my temps and humidity.
What about air quality? How do I know if there is enough ventilation?
If there isn't enough ventilation it'll get very humid in there. The humidity should fluctuate and you should have to spray it at least 2 times a day. If that stops happening, then you know there isn't enough air exchange. I think that's the reason I really like screen tops. Drill a crap load of holes in the plexiglass, like in rows even. This will allow for a bit of ventilation.
Yeah. I think I will cut a new piece of plexi tomorrow and drill as many holes as I can in it. Then I will watch the temps and I will start to spray on my normal cycle for my reptiles. I normally mist once in the morning and once in the evening. What kind of humidity readings should I keep a look out for the following times?
Morning - Mist
Noon- No mist
Evening - Mist
Or should these guys have a customized schedule?
As far as night light is concerned. Would a black light fluorescent tube work for night viewing?
Morning - Mist
Noon- No mist
Evening - Mist
Or should these guys have a customized schedule?
As far as night light is concerned. Would a black light fluorescent tube work for night viewing?
