General Care Discussion :: Over Aquarium Basking Area:

[PhunkeyPhish]

I had thought about the over tank basking area, mainly for aesthetic reasons. I keep the water level just about 5-6 inches from the top, so, at least in a 90g, it wouldn't make a huge difference. It is a good idea if I move him down into the 55g though. So, what is the best way to pull it off? I've got the actual basking pad down, but how should I "fence" off the basking area so he doesn't flop to the ground? I had thought about getting some pieces of plexiglass cut, but not sure how that would work.

thanks.

ps. Currently I have some pieces of driftwood at the bottom that Cozmo likes to move and scratch his shell on. Would I need to get rid of this in a 55g to give him more room? Seems like it keeps him interested in something underwater.

[packfan1]

Look in the photo gallery as you will be able to find severaly pictures of people who have above the tank basking areas. You then could ask them how they did it or see enough to give you the idea(s) you need to complete yours. I would still leave him the 90 gl tank though to give him all that room to swim in. Remember the rule of thumb for tank size is 10 gal per shell inch and they can grow between 10-12". Cozmo will love you for leaving all that room! Good Luck!

[Turtlebiz]

i used egg crate to make my above the tank basking area, and it's really great stuff!! it's pretty cheap, i think about 12$ at Home Depot for a 2x4 piece (it might also be called fluorescent light diffuser there). you can glue it, it can be pretty easily cut with a wire cutter. i used it as the floor of the basking area and tied a sterilite storage container to the top of it. then i added an egg crate "cage" around the whole thing so my turt can't escape. here's a couple of pictures:

the entire set up:


view looking into basking area:


view from the side:



i hope this helps! you can also search on the forum... there is a thread somewhere that has a lot of basking spot ideas. good luck!