redearslider.com

Just got our new tank and stand into the apartment and my wifes interior design/decorator side kicked it. She is not really happy w/ my plans to build a raised basking area for BOB. She would prefer to see a hood on the new tank because it is so much larger. Does anyone know if there is a hood system/mfg that I can use and still provide enought heat for Bob's basking spot (Zoomed Dock right now). I've looked at several combination hoods that take both flourescent and incandescent bulbs but I'd hate to spend that kind of money just to find out it doesn't work.

I don't know if this will help, but I've heard some good comments about the Slider Hood. You can see it at http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/p ... 2146961740

I have mixed feeling about hoods, though (turtles don't need them). Make sure, if you use one, that there is a thermal gradient in the tank, and that it's not the same temp on the far end as it is near the basking area.

Thank you Marisa, That looks like it would do the trick. Too bad they don't have an 18" deep model, but the space should allow for room for the filter hoses and such. Can you explain the thermal gradient thing? I'm thinking I'd be okay if I use both an UVA and UVB w/ screw in bases on one side and left the flourescent tube out of the other end? I would prefer some type of hood over the screen I have now because the cats would slide off instead of sitting watching my poor turtle like some sort of treat. If nothing else works out I may make my own. Thanks again for your help.

A thermal gradient just means there's a variation in the air temp in the tank. The warmest spot should be the basking area (around 88-90F), with the temp becoming a bit cooler the further away from it that your turtle goes. My concern with the hood was that a hood that completely covered the tank would become a heat trap. If I'm correctly understanding what you wrote, though, one end/a portion of the tank would not be covered? If so, there shouldn't be a problem. (Didn't realize you were protecting your turtle from cats. )