Habitat - Indoor :: to those who have constructed out of water basking areas:

[kneenuh]

Hey all,

I have a question for those of you who have constructed your above water basking areas...I wanted to construct mine out off plexiglass but I'm worried that the heat from my lamps will be too much? I mean I know it's always around 90-92, but is that too hot for plexiglass? What is all your experiences with that material? And what other materials have you all found to be agreeable when it comes to a basking spot?

[scripta_elegans]

As long as the polycarbonate is thick enough, and preferabl covered by a layer of something like reptile carpet you'll be fine. On the other hand, setting a heat lamp directly on top of the polycarbonate is a bad idea. (I mention this because I did it once.)

[Spookster]

The only thing I used plexiglass for was the ramp. It's easier to work with wood when constructing the basking area.

[kneenuh]

The only thing I used plexiglass for was the ramp. It's easier to work with wood when constructing the basking area.

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I looked at your pictures, and I love your out of water basking area....

I was thinking of doing something very similar to yours. how did you attach the plexiglass to the wood???

[Breigh]

I wouldn't use plexiglas for the basking platform. I tried that and it was a complete disaster.

You can read about my basking area here:
http://www.redearslider.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=7114

Be sure to go through the pages though because I changed the basking area later to something that was more natural and it's a big success!

[kneenuh]

Oh, haha, I only looked at your pretty pictures in the beginning, I never read on. But thanks for pointing that out! now I know.

I think we're going to have layers as follows: Astroturf, wood platform, plexiglass (as to protect the wood from any water dammage from below).

I'll keep everyone posted on the progress!

Thanks for all the input so far!