topper (finally) (picture heavy)
Posted: Mon Jun 18, 2018 6:08 pm
So, I started building this topper last year for my motley colony of rescues/surrenders (between 6 and 8 PPs ranging from small to x-large - I'm hands-off so not 100% sure how many at the moment), but then the last 8 months turned into utter garbage with family tragedy after family tragedy, and my heart and mind just weren't into it. Finally got a bit of energy back yesterday and with the temperatures over 40 degrees C, pulled myself away from the garden, turned on the AC, and got 'er done. And of course big herm immediately tunnelled in - he's about as good with change as I am 
Still waiting on an order of eco earth, cork, more plants to try to hide the UTs a bit better (though I do kinda like the Beetlejuice-y look of the stripes), and cholla, and am going to downsize the giant pools as my guys -- they don't swim. But for now, it will do..
Please forgive the large quantity of terrible photos - the crabitat is in front of a south-facing window which normally gets a lot of beautiful natural light, but of course today the weather turned to thunder showers..
Specs: bottom tank is a front-opening herp tank (~55G) with plexi in front of the doors to increase sub depth (currently ranging 9"-11" across the tank, to be increased to 12"). Topper is a 24W x 18D x 12H ExoTerra (about 23G). Sub is ecoearth with crushed oyster shell mixed in. Humidity stays at a comfortable 85%-95%, temps across the tank range from a cool side of 80 to warm side at around 86, at the moment.
overall view of topper:
topper, right side. large silicone-mounted ledge, large hanging aquarium wood, back corner moss pit. bottom corner you can see the large hanging lower-level shell-shop for large and medium shells:
the first brave penthouse explorer, chilling on the ledge (colour washed out by flash - he's a deep oak-y brown IRL):
topper, left side. upper level shell-shop with medium and small shells, cholla bridge, grapevine, moss vine, fishing net:
bottom tank, right side. large elevated shell-shop, gourd hut, moss vine (not pictured: large pools):
bottom tank, rear left corner, looking down from penthouse, hermies having a town-hall on the small magnaturals ledge:
still not sure they approve:
two littles galloping in for dinner:
Still waiting on an order of eco earth, cork, more plants to try to hide the UTs a bit better (though I do kinda like the Beetlejuice-y look of the stripes), and cholla, and am going to downsize the giant pools as my guys -- they don't swim. But for now, it will do.. Please forgive the large quantity of terrible photos - the crabitat is in front of a south-facing window which normally gets a lot of beautiful natural light, but of course today the weather turned to thunder showers..
Specs: bottom tank is a front-opening herp tank (~55G) with plexi in front of the doors to increase sub depth (currently ranging 9"-11" across the tank, to be increased to 12"). Topper is a 24W x 18D x 12H ExoTerra (about 23G). Sub is ecoearth with crushed oyster shell mixed in. Humidity stays at a comfortable 85%-95%, temps across the tank range from a cool side of 80 to warm side at around 86, at the moment.
overall view of topper:
topper, right side. large silicone-mounted ledge, large hanging aquarium wood, back corner moss pit. bottom corner you can see the large hanging lower-level shell-shop for large and medium shells:
the first brave penthouse explorer, chilling on the ledge (colour washed out by flash - he's a deep oak-y brown IRL):
topper, left side. upper level shell-shop with medium and small shells, cholla bridge, grapevine, moss vine, fishing net:
bottom tank, right side. large elevated shell-shop, gourd hut, moss vine (not pictured: large pools):
bottom tank, rear left corner, looking down from penthouse, hermies having a town-hall on the small magnaturals ledge:
still not sure they approve:
two littles galloping in for dinner:
Still waiting on an order of eco earth, cork, more plants to try to hide the UTs a bit better (though I do kinda like the Beetlejuice-y look of the stripes), and cholla, and am going to downsize the giant pools as my guys -- they don't swim. But for now, it will do..