Habitat - Indoor :: New Habitat advice please!

[emm13]

I did fix her heater once I took these. I keep trying to figure out a new way to make the suction cups stay, but it seems like a loosing battle. The dock is made out of some sort of reinforced plastic composite. I don't remember what my dad called it. It is attached to the PVC base using aquarium-safe sealant (and i followed recommendations on what to look for from this site) and screws. All the edges and the screws are sealed with the glue as well. The ramp is attached with a metal brace- you can see it in the pictures. My dad stole them off the old dock to make it easier- he didn't have to bend anything. My main concern with the dock is how flexible the ramp is- especially when the water isn't all the way to the highest level.
Thoughts? Recommendations? Blaring errors that I've made?
Thanks for all your input!

Side note- can you embed videos here? I have an adorable video of Donnie attempting to escape her travel box.

~Emily

[steve]

Yes, you can embed youtube videos in these pages. A simple thing to do with tile is to stack one end for the basking area. That way there is a lower platform and a higher one under the lights. Can that tank hold more water?

[emm13]

Oh I will definitely start shopping for some tile! That sounds like a smart plan. I'm also going to shop for some play sand.
It can hold water until about 4 inches from the top of the sides- there's a drilled hole in the back panel at that point. The water level in the picture is about 2 inches lower than I normally have it.

[steve]

A picture of the one I use is at the bottom here: http://www.redearslider.com/custom_platforms.html

Just be aware that it's heavy and you need to be extra careful handling it. However, once its in place you don't really have to move it.

[emm13]

I can't tell from that picture- did you attach the slate to the PVC at all? or is it held by the weight of it?

[steve]

It's held down by the weight. The tile hangs off about 1/2", so it's fully resting on the PVC. If you can get a cork bark wedge long enough, it'll be even better.

[emm13]

That makes this way easier then. I should just be able to modify what I already have, and stack the tile on top of that. I talked to my dad, and he's sending me another piece of the ramp material so I can double layer it. I'll reinforce it with PVC too.
Donnie ate a huge piece of red leaf lettuce today!! I was inspired to try feeding her veggies again (it didn't work the last time i tried it 2 years ago) by this forum, and it was gone very quickly.

[steve]

Great to hear! Please keep us updated.

[emm13]

Thought I'd give an update:

The dock upgrade has been put on hold while I try to figure out how to modify her tank to allow for a higher water level without her escaping. Since the sides of her tank are lower than the ends, I have to attach something to prevent her from just climbing over the edge to "freedom"- and a fall. Once I do that, I'll be able to add the tiles and raise her water level. I'm thinking a piece of plexi attached to the tank, but I'm not sure how it will hold up, as the side does have a plastic rim on it, which gives a lip for the plexi to sit in, but an adhesive may have issues with it.

Donnie's been eating her lettuce, and its now a daily part of her diet. I'm going to try introducing some other veggies soon, like carrots.

I've ordered a new heater for her as well, as my current one has massive build up of mineral residue, and is showing wear on the cord. That being said- I've discovered that this apartment has very hard water. Massive amounts of mineral deposits on the tank and on the heater. Is this an issue? I know white vinegar is awesome at getting rid of hard water build up. My sister has suggested putting a little bit of vinegar in her water- not entirely sure if that's a good idea or not. Thoughts?

[steve]

Hard water should not be a problem. If you want to treat it, prefilter it before it goes into the tank. If you have a canister, you can look into something like API Water Softener Pillow.

Good question on how to attach the plexi. Maybe some sort of clip?

[Jeremiah]

I wouldn't put vinegar in the water. With regard to the plexi glass issue, it might just be easier to purchase a new tank with equal sides. By the time you're done purchasing/modifying on your original tank, you'd might as well have either got a Craigslist stock tank or a dollar-per-gallon deal.

[emm13]

Okay that's what I thought about the vinegar. I will definitely be ordering that water softener. Thanks for the tip! I'm mostly just fed up with the residue everywhere in her tank, making it look nasty.
I have considered a clip- I'm just not sure where to find one that would work well, and not loosen over time.

I wouldn't put vinegar in the water. With regard to the plexi glass issue, it might just be easier to purchase a new tank with equal sides. By the time you're done purchasing/modifying on your original tank, you'd might as well have either got a Craigslist stock tank or a dollar-per-gallon deal.

Unfortunately, I'm at the stage where the only tank I want to buy would be in the 120 gal range, aka the last tank I would (hopefully) ever need for her. The first issue: I live alone. I have no strong friends where I live to help me move said tank when I bought it, even if I had a car it would fit in. The second issue: there are no inexpensive versions of this on Craigslist, at least not in Missouri. I've been searching for the past year. So I would love to get a new tank. Unfortunately, at least in my area, it will be more cost effective to patch and make something work then buy new. And I'm really hoping my patching doesn't cost in the hundreds of dollars- the cheapest tank currently in my area is $250. (Wow, apparently this became a post of me venting my frustrations with my tank shopping.... oops.)

[steve]

A 90-100 gallon much easier to move and find. If you do find one used, see if they will help you move it.

As for tank build up, are you sure it's only hard water? I get a lot of build from that but also skin, food, waste. They seem to attract each other but it's possible to clean it. One way that some avoid it is with an ATBA. The water level will be pretty high, close to the top and you won't see much of it.

[emm13]

Due to her injury last night, on my way home from the vet i picked up a few things for emergency modification of her tank. I've got a window screen for a lid, and some wire cube things to try to make a bit of a wall for her around the tank too. I will also be attempting to glue some shelf liner along the edge of the tank I suspect she scraped herself on.

[steve]

If the screen or wire is not secured, she might still be able to get out or the very least climb to a height where she might get hurt. RES are very good and determined climbers.