Photo Gallery :: Gandalf's new digs...

[Shavannah]

I made a new basking area; thanks Steve for the idea ; I made the screen lid with 1x2's and 1/2" hardware cloth. New plants, new scenery, new Stealth heater, and timers for the lights. Next upgrade will be a bigger tank and XP3 filter. Gandalf seems to really enjoy it!

[missibsu]

Looks good! Does he have any problem climbing up on the tiles? Just wondering how slick they are...

[ZooKeeper]

Looks great!

[steve]

As a fellow PVC/tile user, that looks great!

[cprcheetah]

It looks awesome!

[Shavannah]

Thanks everyone!
Missi: I wanted to use slate for the texture for easy gripping, but it wasn't in my budget. I found a style that has a little texture to it, but not rough. He seems able to get on easily. It took me quite a few drawings before I came up with the 'steps' partially in the water, I just couldn't figure out a ramp that would work. Don't laugh, but I used to play the PS2 Tomb Raider games a few years back, and the idea of an 'ancient Roman Ruins' style popped into my head. I'm carefully monitoring the dock for stability when he climbs on and off. So far so good, although Gandalf at first couldn't figure out why it didn't move around like his old one, lol.
Steve: I saw a picture of yours you had posted a while back, and wanted to incorporate that idea. It seemed inexpensive and easy to clean. Thanks again for sharing!
Thanks again for all your appreciation! My husband thinks I'm going looney, but he helped me anyway, and after listening to all my ramblings about this site and all the info I have learned, he has a new understanding about the health and happiness of our turt. Sorry this was long...

[fishandcandy]

It's beautiful! And I love all the water.

[chrissy]

How much did it cost you for the screen?

My top is open and I think it would be great to do this!

*makes notes*

[Shavannah]

How much did it cost you for the screen?

The screen (hardware cloth) comes in a roll, usually in the 'garden' department at Lowe's or Home Depot. I got the smallest one for about $6 or $7 dollars, I think it was 6 feet? Just measure the length of your tank before you go so you know how much you need. The 1"x2" pine is very cheap also. Some nails for the wood, and a staple gun for the screen to the wood, and you're set! A good idea that I forgot to implement is hinges, for easier feeding etc. As of now, I have to remove the whole lid and move the lights to get into the tank, ugh... But when I redo the lid, I'll post pics, although I'm not sure how far off that will be. Good luck with yours, let us know how it turns out!

[industrial_girl_2000]

OMG, I think you just solved my problem. Thanks so much for posting that picture of the basking platform!!! I think I may just copy that idea for my new tank!!!!!!

Kristin the grateful!!!!!

[chrissy]

[/quote]

A good idea that I forgot to implement is hinges, for easier feeding etc. [/quote]

How would this be done?

[marisa]

Nice job! I like the screen you made. I'm assuming that to make one with hinges you'd be dividing the screen in two with hinged wood in the middle?

[Jen]

I read somewhere that you should make the water level high enough for the turtle to be fully submerged but not too high that they can't reach the air from the bottom. Apparently this is not true?

[CountryGirl68]

I read somewhere that you should make the water level high enough for the turtle to be fully submerged but not too high that they can't reach the air from the bottom. Apparently this is not true?

RES are great swimmers and the more water they have the happier they'll be. If you only give them enough water so when they "stand" they are out of the water, you limit the amount of swimming space for them.

[Jen]

RES are great swimmers and the more water they have the happier they'll be. If you only give them enough water so when they "stand" they are out of the water, you limit the amount of swimming space for them.

Thanks. Thats what I though when I read that. I know Chicken loves to dive...