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Basking area ramp

Posted:
Thu Jan 08, 2015 6:03 pm
by Litch
I am currently working on a above tank basking area for Raph and would like some ideas on what to do for the ramp. What marital as well as a manner of attachment. Currently the "box" is made mostly of particle board with a plexiglass "window". The plan is to use some quick drying cement to coat the bottom board to add texture and make it so that it will be water tight. Raph is ruffly 13 inch long and around 15 years old (not too sure, only had her for about 5). My original though was to take more plexiglass, add holes or silicon grips and screw it to the bottom board then cement it tight but I am not sure if it will work cause I have no heat gun to add the bend. Any advice?
Re: Basking area ramp

Posted:
Fri Jan 09, 2015 11:16 am
by devilduck
I've also used plexiglass bent on an angle with heat worked fine. I made the mistake of gluing on some "reptile" felt that get too moldy. If I were to do it all over I should have used cork bark.
You can also check out the link in my signature for a easy inexpensive basking ramp made a light diffuser.
Re: Basking area ramp

Posted:
Fri Jan 09, 2015 11:54 am
by EdieOnline
I used a "plexi like" product called lexan. I'm 2 months in and everything is holding up perfectly still. I also used outdoor carpet from Home Depot, not reptile carpet. About 2-3 inches of it is always submerged and I have no mold and hasn't broke down. If interested, check out my post.
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=36594
Re: Basking area ramp

Posted:
Sat Jan 10, 2015 12:55 am
by Litch
My current problem is that she is so big and her claws are long, the silicon I used for her to grip is gets torn off. I'll use that rubber liner for Kitchens but last time I used it she tore that up as well. I need something that won't give mold or such a place to grow but will still let her climb up
Re: Basking area ramp

Posted:
Sat Jan 10, 2015 1:31 am
by Jeremiah
Maybe you could drill some holes in the bottom before cementing, and zip-tie some egg crate through it? Just make sure the piece is long enough that it extends into the water a few inches.
By the way, I've never used cement with turtles, for fear of plastron damage.
Re: Basking area ramp

Posted:
Sat Jan 10, 2015 3:03 pm
by steve
I think Kansas used some sort of adhesive gripper for his ramp.
Re: Basking area ramp

Posted:
Tue Jan 13, 2015 7:14 am
by Kansasslider
Steve is correct. I used non slip bathtub tape on 2 ramps. It works great.
Re: Basking area ramp

Posted:
Tue Jan 13, 2015 7:34 am
by Litch
I might give that a try. Right now I used a strip of drawr liner coated in silicone for added strength
Re: Basking area ramp

Posted:
Tue Jan 13, 2015 7:49 am
by Kansasslider
It works very well. You can get it in clear, whit and black. Maybe other colors also?
Re: Basking area ramp

Posted:
Tue Jan 13, 2015 5:33 pm
by steve
Silicone won't adhere well to Plexiglas. Maybe use thin strips of plexi with plastic cement but of course this would be permanent.
Re: Basking area ramp

Posted:
Tue Jan 13, 2015 6:03 pm
by Kansasslider
steve wrote:Silicone won't adhere well to Plexiglas. Maybe use thin strips of plexi with plastic cement but of course this would be permanent.
I'm not sure about plastic cement. A better option would be acrylic cement. Its what they build acrylic tanks with.You can buy it at Tap plastics. A great web site for all your plexi/acrylic needs.
http://www.tapplastics.com/product/repa ... cement/130
Re: Basking area ramp

Posted:
Tue Jan 13, 2015 9:29 pm
by steve
Ah, you're right. I couldn't think of the right product. Would pvc cement work too?
Re: Basking area ramp

Posted:
Thu Jan 15, 2015 12:52 am
by ljapa
Superglue actually works well on plexiglass. It clouds it, but if you're using it to hold down climbing material, that shouldn't matter.
Re: Basking area ramp

Posted:
Thu Jan 15, 2015 8:07 am
by Kansasslider
In not sure about PVC cement. It might.
Re: Basking area ramp

Posted:
Sat Jan 17, 2015 12:50 pm
by VeipaCray
Why not just drill a bunch of holes in the ramp itself for the turtle to grip onto for climbing? No worries about glue / solvent or anything getting nasty for cleaning.