Habitat - Indoor :: easy basking area ideas? :(

[caykuu]

I see so many beautiful basking areas that you guys have built on the other topic. They all look amazing!

But I realize that cutting plexiglass, gluing this and that, cutting wood, etc. requires some decent handiwork. And here I am, with no experience in sawing, cutting glass, or anything else of that type. I would also need my dad to go out and buy materials for me as well as do all the work if I wanted a basking area as neat as you guys'.

I'm in need of expanding my turtle's basking area too, mainly. I'm tired of the floating foam dock, and mello is starting to eat it + outgrow it. So do you guys know other easier ways to expand the basking area without much construction?
Buying some material is probably necessary, but as long as there's not so much needed handiwork... (I'm sorry to say)

[steve]

I think you want a semi-above tank basking area. Look at the one by Jaysea... viewtopic.php?f=6&t=28661

You can also use cork bark... there are several good ideas, but I think the ramp or bark for the basking area is a good approach. Acrylic can be bought and cut at a local hardware store. If properly done, you can use packaging tape to join the pieces.

[Jaysea]

Most home improvement stores will cut the plexi to size for you, just make sure your dimentions are correct before taking them in. Not sure if you have Home depot or Lowe's in your area.

[est 032909]

turtle topper.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LICy7PWiCQg

[caykuu]

Ur, suppose I were to buy some egg crate and cut it into four pieces to create the platform and walls~ what do I use to stick them together into a box-ish shape? Hot glue?

[steve]

What about zip ties?

[VeipaCray]

JB kwik. It's JB weld epoxy that sets up in 4-5 minutes. Zip tie your egg crate together then use a little jb quick to give it added rigidity.

[Zorce]

I used stuff just laying around the house and didnt have to buy anything.
PVC pipe
PVC glue
A couple of flat rocks

Works if your looking for cheap & easy
Doesnt look half bad either

http://www.redearslider.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=28708

[vear]

What about zip ties?

I actually used zip ties for part of mine, they work really well =)

[worldpeace]

I'm not handy at all and I've managed to pull this off: http://turtleaffairs.wordpress.com/2010 ... s-the-day/

It's nothing fancy but it does the work and has been holding for a few months, so it's durable too.

[Joao]

turtle topper.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LICy7PWiCQg

thats what i use, although i still used plexiglass in case of escapes ahaha

[Joao]

Someone just asked me if they could fit the turtle topper on a wider tank. If you dont already know.. the turtle topper is designed for 12" wide tanks. this is how i made it work on my 40B .

Just cut a tight slot to fit over the lip on the side you want, and use velcro or double sided tape to hold the rest of it on the lip of the tank (it is super sturdy without it, though).