18x18x36” Bioactive Crested Gecko Terrarium Build

[@QdMaster]

Lee makes incredible tanks, I'm assuming this is Lee, he has several employees and they are all super knowledgeable!

[@EverEvolvingExotics]

🥰 thank you!

[@NeurodivergentQween]

I personally would add more than just springtails. I like to add isopods, cause then once they are established they are great at cleaning mold/mildew in the tank. But they also serve as a little snack. Or using dermestid beetles in a larger tank with more food fallout and poo.

[@EverEvolvingExotics]

I added dwarf white isopods and temperate springtails to this build. I agree that both are needed with the exception being in invert vivs like tarantulas.

[@ryanr2039]

@@EverEvolvingExotics what cleanup crew would you add to a Jackson chameleon setup?

[@hexane8]

​@@EverEvolvingExotics are there creatures that would serve the function that aren't bugs over a certain size? (Springtails ok)

[@Sreyam86]

@EverEvolvingExotics this is also a video tutorial on the basics of how to create a bio-active enclosure. Fact this dude was able to fit it into a short, that blows away a 15min video is an artform. I got your back, my brov... well done.

[@ornithowlogist]

i love the way you make the backdrops. looks a lot rougher and more natural

[@EverEvolvingExotics]

Thanks, I’ve been trying different techniques over the years. This works best for me and what I’m trying to accomplish.

[@JazminNazarena]

You're a true influencer in your field. Keep making an impact!

[@The_Boys____]

Im glad im not the only one that places substrate straight on the foam. I know most hobbyists wait until the foam hardens and cures, and then apply a layer of silicon for the cococoir.

[@bigtgamer1]

Love this, building my first one this week. Never seen people add the coir straight to the foam but it seems like a great idea!

[@Sreyam86]

Beautiful man, your voice makes me want to read a book.

[@bennyhernandez6954]

Bro condensed a 10 minute video into a short, this looks great.

[@EverEvolvingExotics]

Attention spans are at a minimum 🤣 thank you!

[@trickster0884]

@@EverEvolvingExoticsreally appreciate this the other videos are so long winded I feel like I’m forgetting the details as I go

[@troydorame890]

Thank you, my friend, that is amazing. I am going to do that on my terrarium for my crusted gecko.❤

[@EverEvolvingExotics]

Thank you, enjoy the building process!

[@BruteForce087749]

Amazing I need a gecko now.❤❤❤

[@Synthetizard]

I thought I recognized where this was recorded, it's cause I wander in there every couple weeks lol. Good to see yall are doing well

[@gaecoomforeeskin4842]

holy shit, how have i never thought to just throw the dirt onto the expanded foam before it’s cured so i dont have to cut it and silicone the dirt down afterwards. what a magnificent gem this video was seconds before doing my own tank

[@beansandpotatoes4258]

It looks great! Is the Great stuff foam safe for sensitive animals like reptiles and amphibians? How do you make it safe for them?

[@CreatorArchive]

Since no one responded to you - It is safe, its made for animal enclosures. (safe after cured i.e. dried for 24 hours)

[@EverEvolvingExotics]

It dries inert and is safe. I make a lot of them for Dart Frog vivariums but have had success with a wide variety of animals.

[@EverEvolvingExotics]

@@CreatorArchivethanks for answering! 🥰

[@kenjiro2676]

You made it look so simple. I will have to do the same, but with more cork tubes/flats. But first I need to find a terrarium for a good price. I have a question, did you use any silicone at all? Or did you just press the substrate into the foam as it expands and hardens?

[@EverEvolvingExotics]

Adding cork rounds coming out the back looks awesome! I only use silicone on the glass to create texture for the foam to stick to long term. I just press the substrate into the still expanding foam and it sticks. If you need to add more after the fact using silicone will work.

[@mrmcdingle9832]

Never thought of just putting the eco earth on the wet foam, would definitely cut a build time by a day or two. I’ll definitely try this method in the future.

[@abigailduron7594]

That's so awesome! That would look even better if he did all three sides in my opinion but it looks amazing!

[@Ben-eo8pd]

I bet it would be very dark if you did that.

[@abigailduron7594]

@Ben-eo8pd maybe on the outside but on the inside it would look so majestic!

[@emerald88106]

Agree all three sides ftw

[@redsnake93]

I’m still researching this stuff, with a bioactive enclosure like this what upkeep is required? Do you have a video on that ?

[@shanedow2433]

So you put the substrate mix on the foam while it’s still expanding?? Or do you wait til when ?

[@nancyandrews8891]

I Love making things like this. Smart 😉

[@EverEvolvingExotics]

🥰

[@Arielxoxo09]

How did the back branches stay up? Like did you stick it to the background or did u cover it in substrate to weight it down?

[@Hike_and_Yap]

Gravity

[@LA-rc7cw]

oh my gosh, I wish I could have you do this for my hermit crab stacker

[@steven_kelly01]

Roughly how many cans of foam are needed for a 36x18x36?

[@sushitrash3611]

I tried making a background like yours used gray spray foam on the back then put substrate to make my background but when the foam cured it didn’t stick with the substrate any recommendations ? My first time trying to make a vivarium

[@mmadden_fishing]

does it have to be the pond and stone great stuff?

[@richardbinkley8487]

No

[@Fishy-Fortnight]

Why put down silicone before the foam?

[@zoeyalexiou3800]

The foam alone doesn’t bond well to the glass so by adding the silicon it gives something for the foam to stick on to

[@ChristensenKnifeworks]

How do the plants grow that you just stick on the wall? This has always confused Me

[@Pickle_Riiiick]

There are species of plants that need no soil to grow.

[@william3823-v6b]

How much do you mist for a setup like this? Daily 2 times at 20 seconds each time?

[@jdub7785]

do you let the silicon dry before adding the foam??? thanks!

[@_AquaArt_]

Yes

[@PetsNcrest]

I’m building a new tank for my cresti I’ve got about 50 bucks left after buying a proper cage any suggestions on wood peices cause I have a lot of plants and the proper bioactive stuf already?

[@49cam13]

How much does something like this cost? Looking to build one.

[@apollowilsons]

its crazy that it looks goood with NO MOSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! the vines make it look way way better, but add moss-

[@damianmlegacy7311]

No drain plug? Looks simple and great!

[@Boo_Hunni]

The clean up crew- lol

[@EverEvolvingExotics]

😀

[@LennTec]

Wich Glue do you use? Please comment my question, i'm going to scapey First terrarium in a few weeks

[@EverEvolvingExotics]

I use GE1 or ASI products and Great Stuff Pond and Stone foam

[@DVeraAnimals]

What is the moss you use, and where can I buy it?

[@demonlove9449]

I have the same green can but it says that it will not harm the bees. Is it still safe for reptiles??

[@EverEvolvingExotics]

This was created for a reptile, a Crested Gecko. It’s Pond and Stone, made for fish and ponds but it’s safe for all animals once cured. It dries inert.

[@jonathanboggs3375]

what brand of enclosure is this would love to get one

[@UnicornsExist17]

Probably ExoTerra or custom. I recently bought a 12x12x24" paludarium from that brand.

[@mr-nonsense]

How well does the substrate stick to just the fresh foam? Usually, the method is to scrape the top layer of foam, apply silicone, and stick the substrate to the silicone.

[@gkakel]

very good

[@EverEvolvingExotics]

Thank you!

[@Stephen-ig3ox]

How do you get the substrate to stick to the foam? I tried and only a few specks of peat moss dried to it haha so I had to use silicone to do the whole backing

[@EverEvolvingExotics]

The substrate has to be completely dry and it needs to be added while the foam is still wet and expanding.

[@Stephen-ig3ox]

@@EverEvolvingExotics ok thankyou I’ll give it another shot and make sure my substrate is completely dry

[@jimmybilly5330]

how much would a custom enclosure like this cost?

[@EverEvolvingExotics]

They paid $800 for this one.

[@Gojivr234]

I really like this plan on doing something exactly like this so it looks exactly like this but what if the crested gecko walks on the littke plants on the back round wont they fall?

[@Cheesefiddlehorn]

Can crested live in 18x18x24

[@luhkodak]

yes

[@bigtgamer1]

No

[@ajanggocrazyyycblessfree7483]

What is the purpose the the bottom layer of silicone? Expanding foam is an adhesive, by adding silicone you alter the curing compound probably leading to miscured silicone

[@EverEvolvingExotics]

The purpose is to give the foam more texture to stick to. You let the silicone cure before adding the foam. I used to just foam the glass directly but years down the road the whole background can easily peel off from the glass. Doing this makes it last.

[@Cloudy42787]

How can I order one of these?

[@G5FishingAndPlushies]

Do you sell cage packs that have what u have in this video

[@Gabi-w5b]

So good😮

[@zulah_]

I built one of these for my crested n I’m building another one on Tuesday when I say it’s easy it’s easyv

[@EverEvolvingExotics]

I love to hear that!

[@ardea1021]

What do you use for drainage mesh barrier?

[@surender72kumar]

What are the ingredients for your substrate ?

[@EverEvolvingExotics]

I’ll post a video of that this upcoming week. It’s based off of Atlanta Botanical Garden’s recipe (ABG).

[@I-like-frogs0]

If I did this would I have to use coconut fiber or could I just the substrate that I’m using

[@FLXGH0ST]

how much foam bottles did you need for this bulid

[@UnicornsExist17]

Probably 1-2 depending on how much you want to carve/shape it.

[@BruteForce087749]

What’s the smallest 🦎? My son is disabled, but loves the little 🦎

[@raymondtang1262]

WILL and CAN the clean up crew escape the enclosure and start infesting the room?

[@EverEvolvingExotics]

It’s never been an issue for me.

[@danielrobison4755]

They need the humidity in the tank to breed. Springtails will die really quickly if they escape unless it is like a wet basement and isopods can't thrive. They're not like roaches and infest. They eat rotten wood and leaves and poo. And they can't climb glass

[@raymondtang1262]

@@danielrobison4755 Thanks for a very good explanation. Totally makes sense

[@vincentizaya9746]

Can gecko eat the bug

[@thebasserr7141]

Nice

[@EverEvolvingExotics]

Thank you!

[@Maxine1228]

where did you get that tank?

[@EverEvolvingExotics]

My wholesaler, we sell them in our store.

[@krishpaint]

Hello Sir what plants can I use in this set up. Can you tell me which flower is that

[@the_crazy_reptile_kid5059]

Hey in one of your videos can you make a paludarium

[@the_crazy_reptile_kid5059]

Please

[@EverEvolvingExotics]

I’m working one currently! 🥰

[@BruteForce087749]

🎉❤❤❤

[@Jarhead22.]

How does it get water

[@djtanikgotbeatz]

Can you make a custom background for me. Already made so I can just glue it to the back of my enclosure myself ?

[@Juan-xd5lp]

What is the name of the plant from Brazil?

[@Pikapower7]

Do you still build these? How much if so?

[@EverEvolvingExotics]

I’m always working on these, it’s a big part of what we do. The price depends on what animal it’s for and how simple or elaborate you’d like it. The client paid $800 for me to build them this one.

[@typerightseesight]

How much would something like that cost at my front door?

[@ashleebradley1952]

Where do you get your charcoal for the drainage layer?

[@AriComet14]

Where do you get the climbing wood from

[@RosmeryToro-o9k]

But how do you clean a tank

[@JohnDoe-kb3nm]

Price?

[@pav.keeper]

Simple amazing sametime🎉

[@Beans3846]

Can you add a link bc I’m getting a gecko soon and I have no clue how to build a house for it so can you help ke

[@dh4923]

Where do you get the cleanup crew

[@houstoncortez863]

Is one can of pond foam enough for this size build?

[@deathekidd8]

The foam i used shot out crazy and so large it really ruined the idea

[@EverEvolvingExotics]

There is an art to using the foam. The pond and stone one works the best for me. The gaps and cracks version expands way too much.

[@UnicornsExist17]

@@EverEvolvingExoticsI agree with this. The Pond and Stone version expands way less!

[@taytencourt8098]

What you use for the clean up crew?

[@midas9935]

Wouldn’t great stuff be toxic or harmful to the animals?

[@Juggalesus.]

Once it's cured it's safe

[@gamechaser94]

Do you guys deliver out of state?

[@Ben-eo8pd]

What is the "cleanup crew?"

[@AHWDADAWDUA]

springtails/millipees/isopods those are good clean up crews

[@Ben-eo8pd]

@@AHWDADAWDUA the beardie won't eat them?

[@sebwinrow4286]

How can I get one

[@ryangarcia2437]

What do the bugs do?

[@Thatdoesntcostmoney]

They’re the clean up crew, hence why it’s bioactive. They clean up the feces left behind from your animal.

[@EverEvolvingExotics]

They break down animal and plant waste.

[@linassaulys8128]

T🎉

[@vincentizaya9746]

Can gecko eat that bug?

[@Juggalesus.]

​@@vincentizaya9746 yes

[@Porkchop65210]

Before the gecko how much usd would i have to pay to get something like this

[@Juggalesus.]

He said the customer paid $800 for this enclosure

[@joemomma707]

What is the clean up crew? And is there a possibility of them getting out and infesting my house? Thanks!!

[@Juggalesus.]

The clean up crew (in his words) are a mix of spring tails and some isopods. It is possible a few can get out but they shouldn't infest your house

[@Shadow-jk6ip]

They are spring tails and isopods. They can't possibly infest a house unless you already have an mold infestation.

[@simplelad4722]

Springtails and isopods. They eat mold and decaying matter only. Even if they get out, they'd die after a couple of days because they can only survive in high humidity places. And if springtails did survive, they'd just be eating the molds you already have in your house.

[@PetfaxTV]

BRING US RANGER DAVE

[@Live_Da_GOD15st]

How much do you charge?

[@simplelad4722]

What are the black stuff before the foam spray?

[@UnicornsExist17]

Silicone, to help the foam adhere to the glass better. :)

[@IkeAboutReptiles]

How much would you charge for this? 😅

[@Juggalesus.]

In another comment he said the customer paid $800 for this

[@ThePretendJudge]

Is the very bottom layer silicone tho?

[@bigtgamer1]

Yep, I'm assuming so that the foam has something to hang onto or else it might droop in the future.

[@wyz7015]

Got an qeustion can you put 2 crested geckos in an 18x18x36 terrarium

[@bigtgamer1]

No

[@Juggalesus.]

Not a good idea, some people say 2 females can be in one together but I wouldn't risk it at all, and especially don't put males together

[@GeckoTech_Engineer]

What species is the clean up crew

[@EverEvolvingExotics]

Dwarf White Isopods and Temperate Springtails.

[@GeckoTech_Engineer]

Thanks I might get some one day

[@cindymason6383]

CaSandra Davila says Yes Please

[@vincentizaya9746]

Anyone know the bug he pour onto the soil?

[@andvery9754]

Can you make me one you can how much

[@EverEvolvingExotics]

I can and the pricing depends on what kind of animal it’s for and how simple or elaborate you’d like it to be. Stop into the shop anytime during business hours.

[@frontflipheadfirst7641]

what enclosure is this🤭

[@kittykatwuzhere]

I heard pothos, But what were the other two plants? The setup looks gorgeous!

[@ornithowlogist]

philodendron brasil and creeping fig. the red-ish plant on the bottom looks like a dracaena but i’m unsure

[@Guadalupeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee]

Stop smashing the cam😭

[@MelonBlocks0]

alright that will be $10k

[@gabrielgenuino2596]

A trepadeira que ele colocou nesse viveiro vai tomar conta de tudo rapidinho. 😅😂😂

[@BreezieE]

the mic is in your throat.

[@kmuddy5]

Burger King foot lettuce

[@EverEvolvingExotics]

My favorite type of lettuce 😋

[@danielrobison4755]

Crested gecko can't climb on coco coir

[@EverEvolvingExotics]

I’ll make sure to let them know what they are doing is impossible.

[@trystanfleenor4329]

Small people nothing wrong with that but how did they pay if the money is bigger then them 😂 jp

[@AndreLovas-f6t]

Remember philodendron sap kills geckos

[@EverEvolvingExotics]

Remember, no it doesn’t. Why do people just say things? 🤣

[@Treeplanter73]

That background is impossible to keep clean.