45 Gallon Natural Tank

[ReptiMike]

So here it is, my first natural tank. It is going to house a Moro Isle E Leachie gecko. Here she is:


The tank has a "custom" lid. 4/5th of the 45 gallon Zilla mesh hood is covered by 1/8" glass. Lights include 1x 24" 2.0 UVB bulb and 1x 2 bulb T5 6.7K fixture.



Tank it self (from the bottom up):

Hydroton drainage layer
Outdoor screen mesh
NE Herp substrate mix
Processed magnolia leaf litter
Repti Rapids waterfall
4 large cork round for hiding
Dracaena "Song of India"
Zebra Plant
3x Forest Tiles as background

Bugs:
Isopods (dwarf purples)
Springtails





It gets real bright:


Let me know what you guys think. Thanks!

[Salzy]

Nice! It definitely looks good to me. It looks like you put a lot of time, effort, and money into the project. Good work!

I think in time you'll come to hate the waterfall feature that you have installed. I'm willing to bet that your leachies will poo in it constantly, and you'll have to clean it out all the time.

Also, if you can find some paper or plastic or something that you could cover up the bottom 4 inches of the tank or so, I think it would look really good as a display. Sometimes the Hydroton and screen detract from the overall good looks of the tank.

Other than that, I think you have a lot of good stuff in there and it's lit up well. The leachies will really love all the cork you've provided for them.

[ReptiMike]

Thanks! I feel you on the waterfall but I love how it looks and the humidity it provides. Guess I'll see with time. Haha
I'm working on putting a background pic on the sides and seeing what would look good to cover the hydration layer, because I agree it doesn't look too good.
She will be going in sometime next week just to let everything sit for a bit and let the bugs get going. So far I'm digging now it looks in my living room.

[ReptiMike]

Well she just went in the tank last night and I already have a nice big poop in the tank. I guess now I can see how long it takes for the bugs to decompose it and if they are really thriving.

She is loving the cork over the branch. I don't think she's left it yet. haha
Humidity is about a constant 70%+ and up to 90% when misted. Only running the waterfall at night to keep humidity up while I don't mist.