Anyone use bow front aquariums?

[NYCrestie]

man that male really sticks out
is it the same one in your avatar?

[firecrested]

That's the same one.  He's not fired up in the aquarium

[NYCrestie]

thats one good lookin gecko...got any more pics?

[firecrested]

I got a few more.

[NYCrestie]

ah ok, thats the creamsicle you just picked up recently.....looked much different in the tank pic. sweet looking gecko

[firecrested]

He's really fired up tonight.  Couldnt get great pics of him, made the cream look more yellowish in these.

[whtwulf]

Would you happen to have any pics of your final work?? I would be very interested in seeing them.? I saw one guys that made them from some kind of clear plastic for dart frogs, and they actually looked better than most aquariums/terrariums you buy at stores
[/quote

Here are some pics of the last tank and screen top that I built.  I also made the stand in the last pic.  If you tell me the design of tank you are interested in, I can probably build it.

[firecrested]

that's really nice.  you made both of them?

[whtwulf]

I made everything you see in the photos.

[firecrested]

what would that whole setup go for?

[NYCrestie]

man my neck hurts from looking at those pics 
but seriously, the tank looks awesome

quick question, what is that you are using between the drainag rocks and the top layer?
is the top layer coco, soil, or a mix of both?

[whtwulf]

what would that whole setup go for?

Ok, before I give out the prices on my work, I feel I need to say something.  I have had a few customers and friends of late that have asked me to do work for them, and there seems to be a lack of understanding between "material costs" and "labor costs." I almost lost a friendship due to this misunderstanding.  People see the work I do, and say "gee that is really nice, I would like something like that for myself.  How much?"  Then I give them a price, and they go, "that's to high."  When what they mean to say is "I can't afford that."  It's not to high as you will see, it's that they can't afford it.  And when they say it's too high, it ticks me off.
I make my own equipment because the material cost is less than what I can buy mass produced finished goods for, and to me, my time is free.  However, when I make something for someone else, my time has value, as is the case for anyone.  I produce furniture grade all natural material items, which comes from years of woodworking, and I only charge $10/hr for my time, which is far less than the average of $15-20/hr for the same work.  I do this because I enjoy it, not because I am trying to get rich.  If someone wants to save money and get lower quality, I can do it, but I hate it as I take a pride in my craft that comes from an "old-world" work ethic.  Sorry for the diatribe, and the economics lesson, but this has become a sore subject and a major pet peev of mine.  I hope I didn't step on any toes with this, but I needed to vent.  Having said all that, here is what you really wanted to know.

                             Materials                   Labor                   Total
                            (select white pine)
Screen top:            $15                         1.5 hrs.                 $25
Tank 18.5gal. tall:    $40-45                     7 hrs.                   $100
Stand:                    $50                         16 hrs.                 $200

Total for all with 10%discount:                                            $292.50

Using red oak, maple, or poplar will increase the material costs by roughly double and will increase the final price by as much.  You can also choose the finish and color you want to match your decor.  Prices do not include shipping and packaging materials which will be exactly what it costs to wrap and ship.

As you can see, I am making less than $200 for three days work.  How many of you would do the same?

[whtwulf]

Jim,
I appologise, I got a little bent out of shape reliving my last transaction, and it appears that I am taking it out on you, and I'm not.  I don't want to tick off you or anyone in this forum.  If you are interested, or anyone else for that matter, now or in the future, let me know.

[whtwulf]

man my neck hurts from looking at those pics?
but seriously, the tank looks awesome

quick question, what is that you are using between the drainag rocks and the top layer?
is the top layer coco, soil, or a mix of both?

Yea, lol .  I was in a hurry and forgot to rotate the pics. 
The top layer is T-Rex Jungle bed.  Under that is a layer of sterile soil mixed with ecoearth, then a piece of screen, and then the rocks.  The jungle bed cleans much easier than the soil, it scapes off easily and doesn't mix with the soil.  I don't disturb the plant roots, and it holds moisture better.  Also, my females lay their eggs buried in the jungle bed on top of the soil.  No lay boxes needed, just careful digging.

[firecrested]

Definately in the future.  Just bought some geckos this week and have no extra money left right now.