Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Here is a photo of the 2 basking spots in my tank. One is a piece of driftwood- although both turtles cant get on this one yet, I will be hunting new wood when the weather gets warmer. The basking spot built on the middle tank support will hold both turtles and sometimes I think they climb up just so they can slide into the water. When the hood is closed it gets quite warm under the hood, and they enjoy basking on the middle spot which doesnt have a heat light above it.

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Heres the general showing off the basking spot for us.

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Another photo showing the LT on the middle brace basking spot and the General on the driftwood.

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You turn some beautiful rocks!

The white mesh, is that the very flexible plastic that comes in rolls to line shelves to avoid chipping plates?

I see that it is screwed into the wood support; anything else to support it?

Your sump filter photos are great, well, all of your photos are great!
Ever think about building kits to-order for those of us less mechanically inclined?

Good job!

Actually the white mesh for the basking spot was found in the craft section of wal-m@rt. I believe it is for embroidery or something. It comes in various colors and is a lot stiffer than the shelf stuff. It is basically plastic screen. Cuts easily with scissors.

No plans for kits as of yet. These are all prototypes and as I live in an apartment, I dont have the room for anything that grand yet. Maybe someday, because I believe turtle setups can be much more interesting than what the pet stores are selling.
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>...for embroidery or something. It comes in various colors and is a lot stiffer than the shelf stuff.

Ah, very good! The stuff I was thinking of is very flimsy and has an odor that put me off using it.

>Maybe someday, because I believe turtle setups can be much more interesting...

Your's certainly are! Keep us in mind if/when you decide to go commercial!
Thanks for all the thought-provoking ideas and diagrams!

Great use of the center post on that aquarium. I think I might copy you somewhat on your hood idea. I was thinking about building a ledge using the aquarium rails to support it that would allow for gravel and some plants to be on the basking area. Maybe get some moss to grow there also similar to my false bottoms in my dart frog tanks. That way the turtles can actually get out and walk around a little bit. Youv'e given me some good ideas for what I do with the table saw that I got for Christmas.

One of my old setups included a ramp that went up to a second tank that had one wall removed for entry. Thats a great idea if you plan for your turtles to nest, but these turtles only need land for breeding and searching for a new pond. If your turtle spends lots of time on land, hes probly looking for a bigger pond.
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