Photo Gallery :: The evolution of my basking dock. (Long post, 56kers beware)

[N4784N R4613]

Well I just finished up my basking dock this passed weekend, so I thought I would post some pics of all my basking docks along the way...

I started out with the trusty old Zoo Meds turtle dock...


Then I added a Zoo Meds turtle log to expand the basking area, but I can't seem to find a pic of this right now, oh well.

Then I built my first above tank bask dock!...


Then I used the ramp out of the old above tank basking dock for a temporary basking spot while I slowly raised the water level of my NEW 240 GAL. TANK...


Then I re-used the old above tank basking dock for the new tank...


Then a built a bigger one with two basking spots...




AND NOW, WITHOUT FURTHER ADO....... THE FINALE VERSION!!!!

The whole thing (Yes that is one-way mirror film on the plexieglass) ...


The light box(Lid open)...


The basking spot(Lid open)...


The tank(Lid open)...



I hope you've enjoyed my hard work, for my awesome turtles. Any questions, or comments are welcomed.

[LadyBloodRose]

awsome! i love the final area great job hun.

[Parnasa]

Great setup, I sure hope your turtle appriciates what you did for him

[kermitzaqd]

Looks great! What did you use to make your ramps? Also, in the last picture, I noticed that you have balls in your tank. Does your turtle ever play with them? I put some in my tank, but no one touched them, so I took them out.

[N4784N R4613]

Thanks! I love the one-way mirror film on the plexieglass, it lets me watch them bask with out them freaking out!!

[N4784N R4613]

Looks great! What did you use to make your ramps? Also, in the last picture, I noticed that you have balls in your tank. Does your turtle ever play with them? I put some in my tank, but no one touched them, so I took them out.

The whole bottom board(the one that lifts up) is a material called PVC board. It is made out of PVC!! So I was able to cut three sides, and then "heat-bend" it into the ramp I wanted. Then I cut strips of PVC board, and used aquarium silicone, to glue them to the ramp for grips.

[malekogirl]

beautiful setup!! and nice basking spot!!
yea, do your turts ever play with those floating balls? I put one in my tank, but Genevieve & Elena never really play with it now that they are in the bigger tank

[N4784N R4613]

OH! Thats it! I couldn't remember what else i was going to put in my last post! No they don't play with any of the ping-pong balls.

[DavidY]

Whoa! That is freakin awesome, Nathan!! Very nice job!! I love that mirrored film idea. Did you just use the type that you put on car windows? It looks like it adhered nicely to the acrylic front. That's one beautiful setup and that must be really nice to be able to watch them bask without making them nervous or run into the water.

[Blue Flamingo]

Cool setup, were did you buy the one sideded film stuff?

[N4784N R4613]

It was at Lowes for 20 dollars. It wasn't the car window stuff. It is made to go on the inside of your house windows, it is called Privacy window film. It is NOT made to go on plexiglass, acrylic, or lexan mine is already starting to bubble.

Here is what there web-site says...

Can I put window film on plexiglass?

a. Plexiglass, acrylic, and lexan are three non-glass materials used to make skylights, sidelights on front doors, storm door panes, and garage door windows. The advantage of these "plastic? materials is that they are more impact-resistant than glass. They are often more durable in certain window locations than glass.

b. Window film adhesive is not designed for these "plastic" windows. Changes in temperature cause natural expansion and contraction of both plexiglass and window film. The plexiglass and the film expand and contract at different rates, which causes the film to buckle and lift off the glass.

c. If you want to reflect more heat, you may cut a piece of Heat Control film to the size and shape of the window. Leave the clear liner on the film, and mount the outside of the curl of the film onto the glass after you put a ¼" border of double-sided tape around the inside perimeter of the window.

d. Do not try to apply film to compound-curved or domed skylights. Window film will not stretch to conform to these 3-D surfaces; but it can crease, pucker, and wrinkle badly if you try to force it to fit.

[DavidY]

Bummer. I was wondering if you could use that stuff on anything else besides glass. Will the adhesive wash off?

[Tenodera]

Whoa thats awesome!

[turboturtle8]

Nice work!!!

[kmichael55]

wow I really like the two sided mirror idea...do you ever catch them picking their noses thinking you're not watching?