Habitat - Indoor :: Need help with diy simple ATBA

[cameron740]

So i want to make a simple ATBA for my babies and i was going to make it out of a small storage bin. Cut out one of the sides and make a ramp and silicone mesh to the ramp so they can grip it and climb up there. I was also wondering what non aquatic plants that i can out in there. And if there are any how would i out then up there so they can live. Like would i need to out them in a pot or something. Please help me out ASAP!!!!!!!!

[cameron740]

I was also wondering if i could make it out of an old 10 gl tank...if there is any post or links please let me know . Someone help me please

[talal]

You can make it out of both, if you choose to use the 10g tank make sure that you sand the edges of the glass so it is rounded it would also be a good idea to place a coat of silicone over it. Same thing goes for the ramp it should not be sharp / pointy at the point where it meets the ATBA. I am not sure if silicone alone would hold the ramp in place for long. A lot of users on the forum use acrylic ramps, a much easier option would be to use a zoomed dock as the ramp. Other than that you can check out the forum for more ideas. I just built mine with a porcelain tile as the platform and pieces of ceramic tile stacked together drilled and screwed to make a stair like ramp. You can also use light diffuser eggcrate sheets to design your ATBA lots of options there. Good luck and do post pictures when you are done.

[cameron740]

Okay thank you very much...i decided to use the bin because i cant cut he glass for the tank so i will try to configure my zoo med dock that they are useing now, as a ramp but im not sure how i would get it to stay up there. Any suggestions on getting it to stay up there

[talal]

that should be fairly easy, drill the dock and the base of the bin. Use stainless steel screws and tighten them with stainless steel hex nuts. Make sure you apply silicone to the top and bottom of the screws/nuts so the turtles dont hurt themselves

[cameron740]

Okay thank you very much!!!! I'll post pics later tonight when i clean the tank and everything so it looks picture perfect

[talal]

You're welcome. It is vital to let the silicone cure and dry for atleast 48 hours before you start using your ATBA. If it is not properly dried off it will be toxic to your turtles.

[Kansasslider]

Just make sure you use 100% silicone or potable water safe!