Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm gettin my tub for my snapping turtle very shortly and finishing up details about setting it up. I would like some ideas on how to set-up a basking platform. I was thinking a small tree stump would look neat and work well, but I would also like some other ideas. thanks for the input

How big is your snapper? It's difficult to create a basking area for adults. For hatchlings and juvies I usually use large branches. Also, a shallow shelf where their shell just sticks out of the water seems to be liked. Mine would never get completly out of the water, but would use the "shelf".
Chris
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Hey whats up, I'm Chris and I currently have 1.0 Softy, 0.0.1 Midland Painted, 1.0 Bearded Dragon

pushing 8" on the shell and bout 5 lbs

Yeah, hes to that size where you need to start being creative. If you can find a tree stump, I would go for it. Not only would it provide as a basking area, but it would also give him some cover. That, and some aquatic plants could make for a good looking setup. Before just throwing in any stump, I would clean it off real well. Take a high powered hose to it, and rinse off all the dirt and crap on it.
Chris
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Hey whats up, I'm Chris and I currently have 1.0 Softy, 0.0.1 Midland Painted, 1.0 Bearded Dragon

Do you have problems with the wood rotting and getting the water all yucky?

btw, how big is 0.0.1 turtle? lol

0.0.0 means the sex of the animal. First number is male, second is female and 3rd is unsexed. So if I have 1.1.1 that means I have one male, one female, and one unsexed.
Chris
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Hey whats up, I'm Chris and I currently have 1.0 Softy, 0.0.1 Midland Painted, 1.0 Bearded Dragon

Oh! I see, tx.

Now about the stump for a basking platform...doesn't the wood rot and make the water yucky?

I got some wood in there now from outside that was cleaned well and it doesnt stain the water or anything

Yeah, as long as you scrub it off every once in a while it will be fine. I have used wood that I have found and it worked out nicely.
Chris
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Hey whats up, I'm Chris and I currently have 1.0 Softy, 0.0.1 Midland Painted, 1.0 Bearded Dragon