Equipment Review and Discussion :: What's Up Dock?

[crackerlady2007]

I had to use a creative subject title. Anyway, here's my problem. I have these 2 adorable turtles named Mr. & Mrs. Turtle. They have this nice little floating dock thing-a-majig, whatever you call it. Well, they thought they had to both be on it at the same time and it wasn't big enough for them, so I added a home-made cork one too. That worked well for a while, but now they've gotten bigger and.....

The docks won't stay up! Mrs. Turtle has developed shell rot because she couldn't dry out clear, so I've been trying to help her get over it. She's doing very well, but I want to correct the situation. I think I just need a bigger dock. It has to be the kind you can suction onto the tank, because there's no were else for me to attach it. I'd also like for it to be the egg crate style so the water goes out underneath too. I looked on eBay and all I can find is the same thing I already have. What does everyone suggest?

[TheComputerGremlin]

I think a picture would help us understand your present state better. I'm having trouble visualizing it ...

I'd recommend building something yourself. You are going to have to do it anyhow someday (no docks are made for turtles upwards of 6"), you might as well do it now. I think BullDog has an egg crate setup, search the site for that tank setup. I don't know if you will be able to suction cup things to the side as the turtles get bigger, so maybe consider hanging it from the tank's rim (the egg crate would be perfect for this since it has natural holes in it). I made a plexiglass one that took no more than 2 hours to make (most of it waiting on things to dry) using PVC pipe. (http://www.redearslider.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=16336 Ignore that my turtle isn't using it, he's deranged, I swear.)

[crackerlady2007]

Here are pictures of my set up. Don't mind how dirty it is. I'm working on it.

[octpusgirl8]

That's an interesting tank, is it acrylic? What size is the zoomed dock? They make a pretty big one, but it's hard for me to judge if that's what you have or not. They don't make anything commercially like what you were describing, but you could always make it yourself! A big piece of corkbark would also work well, just cut it to the width of the tank and wedge it into place, that way it won't sink or move around. It has a lot of big ridges and valleys, so it lets air circulate under the basking turtle so they get nice and dry. You could also make something like computergremlin's, but with eggrate if that's what you prefer. One last question, do you have a heat lamp for the basking area?

[crackerlady2007]

That's an interesting tank, is it acrylic?

Yes. It's made to have a cabinet made custom for it, but that hasn't happened. I've really enjoyed it though.

What size is the zoomed dock?

It measures about 4" on the above the water area and is about 2" wide.

One last question, do you have a heat lamp for the basking area?

Yes. You can't see them in the picture very well because they're mounted flush with the lid. They keep it just right in there too.

[meltedspork]

Crackerlady - You can buy a much larger Zoo Med dock than the one you have. I think you have the mini one, but they make also small, medium and LARGE. Definitely get the large one! They have them at PetCo, PetSmart, etc...

[octpusgirl8]

Oh yeah they make way bigger turtle docks than that. Here's a page that gives the measurements for the different sizes:http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=11289

[crackerlady2007]

You guys are most helpful! Thanks! I actually like the idea of the suspended one made of egg crate. I think I want to make it so it will be useful for a good long time. How big do you think it should be?

[octpusgirl8]

I'd make it fairly large, at least 4 times the size of the turtle, so that there's room to stretch out and find the perfect temperature. I notice that when my turtle basks, he starts out in the "hot spot" and stays there until he's nice and warm and dry, then he likes to move off to the side where it's a little bit cooler for the rest of his basking session. I think it's good to give them some options if possible.

[crackerlady2007]

Ok. I'll give it a try and let you all know how it works. Thanks!

[octpusgirl8]

Be sure to show us pictures when it's done!

[crackerlady2007]

Will do for sure! It's going to be SO very cute... I bet.

[thegrandpoohbah]

Crackerlady, it is a very BAD idea to use an acrylic tank without supporting the entire bottom surface. Even with a glass tank the stand needs to at least support all the edges. But with acrylic, the whole bottom needs to be supported.

[crackerlady2007]

Yes, it has a nice hefty little cupboard below it.

[Chrisbarnett]

Doesn't matter how hefty the cabinet is below it, It needs to support the whole bottom of the tank. The bottom could blow out of the tank because of uneven weight distribution.