Habitat - Indoor :: Building New Basking area

[froggie234]

My husband and I just put our turtle in a new tank and we are are wanting to build him a better basking area, we just have a cheap dock right now. He wants to put it on top of the tank and make it out of wood with sides and possibly put cork bark as a ramp. Has anyone on here done anything like that because I am a little lost as to how to go about doing it successfully. We have a 40 gallon long tank. What would be the best way also to make sure that it is stable for the turtle? (supports and all)

Also, I am hoping to go to Petco tommorrow to look for some cork bark. I looked at a garden store, but they did not have it. Would a pond store have some? Where would be a good place to buy enough to place on our basking area?

I appreciate any help anyone could give. Also, is there a place to look at step by step basking area building?

Thanks!

[packfan1]

Look around in the photo gallery as I have seen some very cool looking setups. I go to a petco in my area and have yet to see any, but ask others when you see their set up, they would have better ideas and you may find it cheaper elsewhere.

[Kingpin Gwin]

This thread has some really cool basking ideas, including a few with corkbark.
http://www.redearslider.com/forum/viewt ... highlight=
I used four pieces of corkbark for mine. Two are "T"d across the top support of the tank, the other two for ramps on either side.
I got all my corkbark on ebay. The seller I bought from has a nice variety of pieces.
http://stores.ebay.com/Tilly-Stuff_W0QQ ... 18Q2el1247

[EmperorTunaFish]

For cork, your best bet would be either craft stores or a winery/kit store.

[marisa]

I've gotten the best corkbark from www.blackjungle.com

[TheComputerGremlin]

EmperorTunaFish, don't mistake "corkbark" with "cork". Cork is bad for turtles, they'll just eat and destroy it. Corkbark is like real tree bark, presumably from a cork tree ...

Don't buy cork from the craft store!!

[steve]

I've bought corkbark from lllreptile.com and blackjungle.com

The pieces from blackjungle.com are fairly thick, it could be real good if it is to be wedged into a tank. If you need a specific dimension, you can always call or email them. Remember, you can always trim it down for a good fit.

[mat012]

After spending a good deal of time making a basking platform, I have to agree with what the others have said - go with the cork bark. While I am happy with the dock I made, save yourself the trouble and time and do something simple. The cork bark is also very reasonably priced compared to a custom project (well mine anyway). If you are crafty and want to take on a challenge - then reference grey goose's instructions. I did and things turned out well but whew - I am tired

http://www.redearslider.com/forum/viewt ... highlight=
http://www.redearslider.com/forum/viewt ... light=dock

[EmperorTunaFish]

Oooh, I didn't realize the error of my ways. Apologies.