Reptile & Amphibian Forums

hey I saw on an earlier post that you keep your gargoyles in those custom tubs in custom shelves.I have always wondered if you could do the same with those rolling plastic tub shelves you can buy at k-mart or walmart that are always in the ads in the newspaper.sorry if this is a dumb question but I just have been wondering for along time.
nick

Hey Nick,
I could never find one that suited the needs of the animals. The shelf above in most (which would be the top of the cage for the tub under it) have perforations or gaps, doesn’t really matter for a terrestrial geckos but for arboreal possible problems can arise. That and the fact most are too small for an adult crested gecko. It is easier and safer to build something like I showed. This way the tops (shelf above) are nice and smooth and no injuries can occur. If you do build it I recommend giving it a few coats of polyurethane to make everything silky smooth. If you need any help in building and materials just drop me a line .
-Mike

thaks for your help.Im hoping to get a pair gargoyle geckos at the next reptile show I go to in tulsa.Is this a good first time rachodactilas as i prefer these over the cresteds because of their skin pattern and smaller size.also would this be a good first time breeder lizard.and one more question.how do you get lighting in those tubs or do they need lighting because I like the idea of using tubs instead of aqauriums since they are much cheaper.also could you post some pics of your gargoyle or crested tubs/enclosures?thanks for all your time
nick

Aurics are good geckos, though they can be a bit harder to keep and breed for newbies, which is why I always recommend cresteds first. Auircs have a bigger sweet tooth and usually relish fruit more then insects. However try to keep them on a more insect diet, otherwise they can get obese (not as hyper as the cresteds). You also need to be aware that they are cannibalistic by nature so raise hatchlings individually and watch adult pairs closely. The suckers got really big death and can do some damage if they are over aggressive. Most of the time they are fine, so do not be to worried, just make sure you pay attention to them. As far as caging goes I keep all my rhacs in the same type of set up below. They are cheap and biggest plus, light weight, easy to carry back and forth to the tub for cleaning. Anymore q’s just ask .
-Mike

No light source necessary the ambient room light is fine. Remember these guys are nocturnal they don’t mind .
-Mike

I have a few more questions.was that a crested in the bottom of that enclosure.just wondering because that was what it looked like.also what kind of plant is that you have in the cage.since Im new to geckos do you thinkI should start off with a crested or would it be OK to start with a gargoyle gecko.Ive been researching them and crested geckos for about a month now looking for any info I can get and soon Ill order that new rachodactylus book on giantgeckos.com
thanks for your time
nick

Nick,
Yeah that was a crested gecko, but like I said I use that same style setup for all my Rhacs. I honestly would recommend a crested gecko first because I think they are a little easier and set the base for all Rhacs if that’s what you plan to keep. The plant you saw was just a silk vine. Real plants do not hold up well with these heavy bodied geckos, so its just easier to use fake. That and the fact you need to supply light for them, something the geckos do not need and hence wasted money. If you need more info on cresteds just drop me an e-mail I can send you a full care guide which would basically apply to any of the rhacs to a degree. .
-Mike

that would be good if you could give me that caresheet as all I really have right now is the reptiles annual 2003 on cresteds.also I have one more question where do you put your egg laying box in that setup.also could you give me the plans for that shelf for the tubs with rhacs in them.also what size does the sticker say the tubs you buy are.and one more question.do you put the lids on the tubs or do they slide in the shelves perfectly.thanks for all the help youve given me so far and all your time
nick