Naturalistic + Bioactive Crested Gecko Vivarium (Housing Henry 2.0)

Here we go again... another naturalistic/bioactive vivarium build! In this demonstration, I show you how I made a new and improved setup for my Crested Gecko, Henry. Henry was my first Crested Gecko and the reason why I like these little guys so much. I felt like I owe it to him and Crested Geckos at large, to make another video demonstrating how to set up a suitable vivarium. As I usually say, you do not need to make something this elaborate to keep a happy and healthy animal, but there's no reason not to!

I'm making three more videos for this series, so if I didn't cover something in this video, chances are that I will in one of the others. I will say though that I have a fan and UVB lighting included in this setup (I know those will be two common questions). I'll expound upon these items in a later video.

Understand that Crested Geckos are arboreal (spend most, if not all of their time in trees), so when creating a setup, design it in a way that accommodates this aspect of their habitat. Although this tank might not look like it just yet, when it grows in, it will very much mimic a dense canopy. You can't go wrong creating a setup that mimics an animal's natural habit. Good plant choices include large leafed plants and hardy plants that can take a beating. Do a little research and you can easily pick out a good selection.

Something else I should mention is that this type of background can be done without making three panels. If you want to make a single background panel, follow the same procedure, but make it slightly larger than the width of the inside of your enclosure (roughly 1/8” wider). You could also create it outside of the enclosure like this and silicone it in place. This of course will attach it to the tank, but you could still get the benefits that come with making a background outside of the enclosure.

Below are some links that could be of use:

Tropical (ABG) Substrate Mix:

Background Tutorials:

Housing Henry 1.0:

Vertical Vivarium Series:

Culture Your Own Springtails:

#crestedgecko #vivarium #serpadesign

[felixm]

Youre not just an reptile keeper. Youre an artist, gardener, architekt, ingeneer and a reptile keeper together.

[SpectraGlo]

I seriously think this is your best video yet. Henry's home looks better than what you'd find in a high quality zoo! Great work!

[Froggy]

I really like how you took the time to fully explain what you were doing and mentioned things you would have done/might have done differently. Showing everything you did made me appreciate the effort that went into the enclosure. It was a breath of fresh air after watching a couple videos from some 'dude' whose setups looked so haphazard and rushed I wondered if the whole thing didn't collapse into a heap as soon as the cameras were off.

I haven't seen a setup like this one before with the styrofoam backing in a cabinet. It looks nice.

One of my goals is to build my own bioactive Vivarium (or Paludarium!) for frogs. I really want to take my time and make it a home that I can enjoy as well as the frogs. I hope I can make something close to this. Thanks!

[bobophett]

I love how your channel grew from simple backyard terrariums to bioactive vivariums for live animals. Truly a testament to your growth and skill

[CrazyAquariumGuy]

You are an artist at heart Mr Serpa. Beautiful setup.

[Invictusk]

bro I gotta say with this much work involved you deserve more subs

[WickensWickedReptiles]

this is art man! I am blown away by this channel. I'd love to try and make something even half as nice as this on my own channel. Amazing inspiration!

[VictoriaRaechel]

Okay wow that looks amazing and I now feel intimidated 😂

[gavinolsen]

Absolute GOAT in the YouTube world when it comes to keeping reptiles in beautiful, naturalistic enclosures and explaining exactly how to do so. Keep it up Serpa Design!!!

[duncanrobertson]

I really think you should do a carnivorous plant terrarium with sundews, pitchers, bladderworts, etc. I’m setting mine up soon but I think you could do a great job of one

[prehistoricorchid]

This looks just like an terrarium in my local zoo. They're amazing qt takeing care of their animals and im happy you take so much care of yours. He must be so happy in his new home <3

[Kdragonlaser]

I've been following your journey through youtube for a while now.
A few weeks ago I decided to have a crested gecko.
Believe me, I was delighted when I saw that you, of all the people I follow, have made such a video.
Your videos are my therapy.

[riekekelm]

I love removeable panels. Thank you! It makes me able to reuse the terrarium more easily. And in case mold would form or one side breaks I could easily replace it!

[ViolenRose]

This is the most informative start-to-finish vivarium set up I've found yet! Absolutely stunning viv, and I love Henry!

[antonstroms]

I suddenly realized a question: how do you approach shopping for supplies? Whenever I shop, it's usually when I'm looking for specific things, and if I don't find those things exactly, I end up leaving with nothing.
For example, I was looking for a light the other day for a project I've been working on, but upon getting to the store(s) I realized I hadn't planned well enough in certain ways, and that made me doubt everything.

Would you be interested in doing a video on how you research products/go shopping? If not that's completely okay- I just know myself and potentially others may be interested in your methods in that regard.

Unconnected to that question; this is an incredibly neat build. The way you scaped it is fantastic, and I'm glad to hear Henry likes it as much as we do!!

[hubetubetv]

That looks amazing Tanner... another fantastic job!!!

[HUNTENMASTA]

these are my favorite videos

the vivarium build videos are fun to watch

[cryingsilence]

I like how much art you can put into your enclosures and yet have so much care for your animals, really well made and done. Thank you for being nice to your pets <3

[dandelionmosssycamore]

This was very entertaining and educational. I can see how much love and care you put to your work. Thank you for thinking so much for the plants and animals as well as the overall built you are amazing for your work mah dude.

[angelaarmstrong]

Omg....amazing. My grandson loves all animal's, thanks to Wild Kratts. I'm gonna study all your videos to make for his room. Science is his best subject in 2nd grade. Ty, ty, ty. We will follow always