Habitat - Indoor :: Turtle Dock-Exo Terra or Zoo Med

[Samkit]

Hey Guys!
I need your help in deciding which dock is better for my turtle.
Firstly, sorry if this topic is being duplicated by me. I searched for this on the forum but couldn't find it.
So yeah, I have one male Red eared slider with Shell length 5.5 inches. I am planning to get a turtle dock whose size is either medium or large.
If anyone who has it or used it before, please help me select one.
Exo terra provides magnets whereas zoo med provides brackets with suction cups.
The main dilemma I am facing is that which is of the better quality?
some say Zoo med has pores due to which the water get accumulated inside and makes it sink.
Please help!

[steve]

I don't like either. There's this large one: http://www.amazon.com/OASIS-64226-Turtl ... 0006L12HS/

How big is your tank? There are 2 very easy styles you can make yourself and it will be cheaper than anything you buy. Cork bark or PVC/tile. I've posted tons of info on both.

[Kansasslider]

I have had both and without doubt I like the Zoo med dock the best. My turtles were a lot smaller than yours so it worked great. I agree with Steve that for a turtle the size of yours you should build your own. The possibilities are endless. Tile, stone, pvc, plexi etc. Then again you could build an ATBA.
Lots of basking area ideas here ~ viewtopic.php?f=6&t=15260

[Samkit]

I don't like either. There's this large one: http://www.amazon.com/OASIS-64226-Turtl ... 0006L12HS/

How big is your tank? There are 2 very easy styles you can make yourself and it will be cheaper than anything you buy. Cork bark or PVC/tile. I've posted tons of info on both.

My tank is going to be around 40/50 gallon tank.
I thought of PVC as a stand and support but have no idea of the platform.
The idea of acrylic came to my mind but i dont know whether it will deform under sunlight or artificial warm light.
The oasis turtle dock you suggested is of acrylic but it is costly for me.
How about this http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00LHK8XA6?vs=1

[Samkit]

I have had both and without doubt I like the Zoo med dock the best. My turtles were a lot smaller than yours so it worked great. I agree with Steve that for a turtle the size of yours you should build your own. The possibilities are endless. Tile, stone, pvc, plexi etc. Then again you could build an ATBA.
Lots of basking area ideas here ~ viewtopic.php?f=6&t=15260

I have heard that the zoo med turtle dock has problem with water getting soaked in and also that turtle try and eat it. I was thinking of the large one but dont want my money to go waste.

[steve]

Pretty much. Also a slight chance the bars pose a trapping issue. For a pvc stand, you can use tile or slate for the top. Even cork bark if you weigh down the pvc.

[Kansasslider]

Like I said, between the two I liked the zoo med. Never had issues with it but only had it in the tank for about a year before building my atba. Building your own is the best option. I now have a huge flat rock sitting on a 5 gallon bucket as their basking area. Anything is possible.

[Samkit]

Pretty much. Also a slight chance the bars pose a trapping issue. For a pvc stand, you can use tile or slate for the top. Even cork bark if you weigh down the pvc.

'Bars' as in you talking about the PVC right?
And what is your take on the product link i sent?

[Samkit]

Like I said, between the two I liked the zoo med. Never had issues with it but only had it in the tank for about a year before building my atba. Building your own is the best option. I now have a huge flat rock sitting on a 5 gallon bucket as their basking area. Anything is possible.

I guess I'll have to put some some efforts in my creativity.

[steve]

Bars = the black rails on the zoo med dock.

I missed your link from earlier. Looks OK but only for a small turtle. I think the acrylic with the grips work better and has better support.

[Samkit]

Ok I'll take some time to come up with it. I'll post soon.

[Samkit]

I have upgraded the basking dock a bit. Its made of translucent acrylic of 4mm thickness. I got it custom made for $5!
However I had a problem with the traction on ramp. So asked the guy to cut out pieces of the same sheet and he stuck it with chloroform. My turtle however finds it somewhat effort full to go up there!

My dilemma is that if the strips come off, what should I do? I was thinking of drilling rectangular strip like holes.
Also can I put any water-proof anti-slip material?

[steve]

There is special adhesive strips for reptile enclosures, but I think the kind made for bath tubs will work as well.

[Samkit]

Can you send me the link of those adhesive strips? Ya currently I am searching for the bathtub mats only. Also can you please send me the link of that artificial green mat that others have used on their acrylic ATBA?

[Kansasslider]

Anti slip bathtub strips work great for ramps. You can also buy hot tub/swimming pool anti slip tape but its more expensive. Walmart should have them. If not bbb does.