Habitat - Indoor :: Need help with new Basking Platform

[RC!]

That's a big girl! Very nice!

[cutepanda86]

That she is! And she won't let me forget it. Those claws are pretty sharp.

Thanks!

[cutepanda86]

Ok so I ran out to Home Depot yesterday and picked up my PVC, Astro Turf, and of course a ceramic tile. Then I was out in the garden shop, checking to see if perhaps a rock might be something better than the tile, and I found this:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Envirotile-10-in-x-24-in-Flat-Profile-Stair-Tread-in-Terra-Cotta-MT5000805/203061067

It's made of recycled rubber and I was hoping to use it on top of egg crate for the basking platform instead. My mom was worried that Sheldon might try to eat it. I figured there was no way to gain access to eating it, as the eggcrate was going to be on the bottom of it and the only spot to really get at it would be when she came up the ramp. Still I was wondering what everyone thought here before I go ahead and use it.

Also, a thought occurred to me about the artificial carpet - Astro Turf - http://www.homedepot.com/p/Beaulieu-Vantage-Color-Ivy-Green-12-ft-Carpet-UT27-2701-1200-AB/202932756#specifications. I think this would be perfectly safe as it's used in areas that get wet all the time but I again wondered if anyone had any thoughts before I went ahead and put it in. I intend for the turf to go beneath the PVC (meaning it will be submerged at all times) to prevent scratching the glass.

[steve]

What about actual reptile carpet? If this is just under the PVC, how about rubber feet?

The rubber slate is interesting but I agree it might eaten. Also, rubber under a basking lamp might produce odors you won't like.

[steve]

This is what I'm thinking for under the PVC.
Edit: Just had a thought.. you can even make your own, with a little bit of silicone.

[cutepanda86]

Reptile Carpet - I hadn't thought of that. Well I can't return the astro turf but that might be better on the ceramic tile. Those look cool but I'm using 1" PVC so I don't think those will fit. Still the reptile carpet wouldn't be a bad idea for underneath the feet right?

I hadn't thought of the rubber creating odors. Oh geez.


Well I guess my trip to the hardware store didn't go so well.

[steve]

Part of the fun is throwing out ideas

You can find smaller feet, I don't think you need anything else under it.

[cutepanda86]

Although I was just looking at the reptile carpet and it doesn't sound like something that could be submerged....

Hmmmm... this might cause a problem. I thought you had said that the silicone wouldn't stick to the PVC? http://www.homedepot.com/p/Charlotte-Pipe-1-in-PVC-Sch-40-Socket-Cap-PVC021161000HD/203818100?N=5yc1vZbuwaZ2ox this is what I bought. They have little words on them which is why I was looking to put the astro turf underneath it.

Ok - so what if I return the caps and the rubber slate and get these - http://www.homedepot.com/p/Shepherd-1-in-Off-White-Rubber-Leg-Tips-4-per-Pack-89121/100122597 for the bottom of the feet?

[cutepanda86]

OK - as far as the astro turf - I could wrap the ceramic tile in it, to prevent it from messing with the glass, in case Sheldon pushes it around a little right?

[cutepanda86]

Another thought on the astro turf - instead of wrapping the tile in it - what if I put the astro turf on the glass? like a protective barrier and fun interior decor?

[steve]

You may or may not need the cap, it depends on how you want to layout the PVC. My version only requires elbow fittings. Kinda disappointing not to be able to use the carpet, though it should look better without it.

My reference to the silicone was to make your own feet, that way it's 100% safe. Those rubber caps is an interesting idea, it's worth a shot but I don't know how they will hold up under water.

The turf around the tile sounds like it can work. How many pieces of tile are you going to use? For a thin layer of protection, I would look at shelf liner (IKEA makes a good rubbery/plastic one) or even a window cling. They have frosted ones at IKEA as well.

[cutepanda86]

Well I intended to have 4 legs made from straight pieces of PVC - which would leave 4 spots with open ended pipe on the glass bottom. I see how elbow fittings could be an issue.

Oh I see with the silicone. That might be the way to go if those caps don't work.

I was only going to use one - it's a 12" x 12". Regrettably, I don't have an IKEA around me but the shelf liner idea is good.

[steve]

One tile won't be enough for a medium to large RES, you will need some sort of ramp or incline. As for the shelf liner, the IKEA one is hard and rubbery not foam and soft like others. I'm not sure of an equivalent.

[cutepanda86]

I'm placing the egg crate underneath the tile and the egg crate will span the width of the tank. Then it'll stick out 12" which will be plenty for Sheldon right now. When she gets bigger, I'll probably have to go ATBA anyway. I'll see if i can take a look at the IKEA website.

[steve]

Hmmm, so the eggcrate will be submerged?