Habitat - Indoor :: Turtle Topper Modification?

[pan1k]

I am in the process of redoing my turtles tanks. I ordered a turtle topper without checking the dimensions. I measured my tank to be 15.5w, 17h, 48l. The turtle topper will only adjust to a max of 13 inches. I think I will need to build some kind of frame for it to rest on that I can build around the turtle topper that will rest on the aquarium sides. Anyone familiar with this, or can give suggestions?

I also adjusted the water of the tanks. I set the little one's temp to 76, instead of 78 and gave her the the reptiglo 5.0 and regular basking lamp and moved the mercury vapor over to the big tank and set their water at 74. So far, so good. Seems like everyone is basking more. Thanks to Steve for the advice of the the bulb setup..

[steve]

I've seen it done once or twice before on the forum, though I can't seem to find the links for it. Everything else sounds good!

[pan1k]

Looks like i'll be using plastic pipe straps. I didn't want to use galvanised steel or copper. Basically I will be making a cradle, with some pipe clamps securing the whole thing to the side of the tank. Each strap holds 20lbs, which is more than enough. I'll post pictures later.

[Joao]

I have one on my 40 gallon breeder and all I did was cut out a notch on the side. My intention was to use velcro to secure it down, but it has been super stable the way it is. Hopefully the following pictures explains what i did a little better.

[steve]

Clever idea Joao!

[cutepanda86]

Joao,

Quick Questions - How big is your turtle now? Are you still using the turtle topper? What is that that you've butted up against the topper?

Thanks!

[Starscream]

I would think that you could possibly get a small flat piece of acrylic to extend the topper also.

[cutepanda86]

That sounds reasonable... *plotting for Sheldon's Christmas*

[Lrigyttiw]

Even though this is an old thread, this situation happened to me. My tank was wider than the Turtle Topper, so I sat it on top of a piece of egg crate, with an opening cut out for the ramp. I secured it with zip ties (where the suction feet connect - not on this picture, but you can see the slits).

[cutepanda86]

How is that working for you?

[Lrigyttiw]

It works great.

[cutepanda86]

cool.

[Joao]

Joao,

Quick Questions - How big is your turtle now? Are you still using the turtle topper? What is that that you've butted up against the topper?

Thanks!

A few years too late, but better late than never!

Unfortunately homie passed away, but he was 4.5 - 5 inches at his biggest. Never had any issues or felt that the topper was unstable. I even stacked rocks inside of it at one point to see if it would tip over and it was solid.

The "border" is acrylic sheets that i cut and sanded to fit snugly.

[cutepanda86]

Oh I am very sorry to hear it.

Good to know about the topper. I built a basking platform with pvc and egg crate for the new 75 gallon tank.