Equipment Review and Discussion :: ZooMed turtle dock

[BullDog]

I've read all the threads about turtle docks, and saw that a couple people have had trouble with the docks flaking and such. I'm wondering if anyone has had trouble with the ZooMed turtle dock, or if it was some other brand?
Also, I'm working on upgrading my tank (including a new basking area) and was wondering which would be better: A turtle dock or a "floating log" (which I assume is made of similar material)

[jenaero]

Some people have had problems with the Zoo Med dock, myself included. In my case, they shipped one that wasn't put together properly. I called and they sent a replacement. I haven't had any problems with the ones that were made properly.

If I'm not mistaken, that turtle log you're talking about doesn't attach to the tank in any way. In which case, you'd have to find a way to make it stay put under the basking lamp.

[BullDog]

I'm not sure about the log, I didn't see it, I just called random pet stores and asked what they had
Since I found a petstore in my area that carries them, it shouldn't be a problem if there is a problem with the dock. I will just check it out thoroughly before I put it in.

Also, how are they to clean, and how long do they last? (compaired to say, corkbark?)

[jenaero]

They last quite a while but I replaced them when the algae smell got too gross to handle. Being that the ramp is under water and right below the uvb lamp, you're going to get algae. Shouldn't be a problem as long as you keep on top of it. You may want to take it out and give it a good scrub with a toothbrush when you see it starting to form. I didn't do that and it got pretty nasty.

If it's either the dock or corkbark, I'd go with the dock. I used cork for a while and it funked up the water pretty good even after soaking for days before putting it in the tank. Plus my res were eating it so it wasn't in there long.

I still use mine but just for a ramp for them to climb onto the larger basking area

[BullDog]

Nice setup! Is the dock you're using for the ramp the large size? If it is, I may have to do something similar with a larger basking area, as I have a 7inch res... Or I may use plexi glass or something... Has anyone had any luck with this?

[marisa]

I've seen some homemade plexiglass basking areas on other sites, but don't know of any member here who has one. In defense of corkbark, I use it for basking areas and like it's natural look. I did have to soak it a bit to get some of the tannins out, but the water never became that dark (the tannins are healthy though they will color the water for a while---I think how much a piece will leach tannins depends on the piece you get). My turts initially tried to bite the corkbark, but quickly stopped when they realized it wasn't edible.

[missibsu]

I use the large size dock and two of my 4 inch res can bask together on it. I also use a toothbrush to scrub the algea when I do my once a month cleaning. Works pretty good and I have never had any problems with mine.

[daredevilgirl013]

I ordered a medium dock for my turtle and my only problem was that it didn't seal right. So I just bought some aquarium sealer and did it myself. No problem. He basks on it just fine and loves it.

With the algae..get a scotchbrite pad or any other heavy duty cleaning pad. Those things work wonders!!! I love them!!!

[BullDog]

Cool, thanks for the tips all ^__^

[sonyj]

I've never been able to remove all the algae on my dock but it hasn't gotten of hand since I scrub it at every cleaning. For the smell on it due to the algae, I've let it soak with baking soda on it for a while before scrubbing and it has helped a lot.

[jenaero]

Yes, that's the large turtle dock. The milk crate was supposed to be a temporary fix because it takes up some swimming space but it's a 125gal tank and the turts are only about 5in each so they've got lots of room for now. I thought about cutting the sides out of the crate but I don't know what I could use to cut it.

[BullDog]

Oooo! 125 is a nice size! What if you put the milk crate on its side? That way, they would have a little more swimming space (and a "cave" to explore"). I think I saw one pic of a setup like that...

[jenaero]

Good lord....I can't believe I didn't think of that. Would make cleaning under that sucker a lot easier too. Thanks Bulldog

[Boogerbutt02]

Hello... I am not on here that much, but I though I would put my two cents worth in... I have two ress. My one res is 8 and half inches long. I have her in a 150 gallon stock tank, with rocks for her to bask on. My other res is almost 5 inches long. He is in an aquarmin tank.

I tried the Zoo med Dock and had several problems. One was that my turtle took it apart... So I took it out and put my rocks back in. But I still had my same problem of the rocks not being high enough out of the water. So I placed the dock under my rocks, and use it that way. But the problem with this is that he wants to eat it. lol...

I would recommend the metal stock tank to anyone and everyone.

[Jessica313]

i have been using a zoo med floating dock for about a year and a half not and have NO problems with it whatsoever. i think its great, and my turtle does not eat it.

i am actually going to be buying a larger one sometime this week as my turtle can no longer keep it all the way afloat when hes on there because hes grown a lot since i got it

i recommend it, its great =)