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i'm almost done making my ATBA, i just haven't glued on the ramp yet. i have a 20 gallon long; Crush is 6 inches long & she's pretty heavy (yes i know that she should be in a bigger tank, but i have no $ & i'm trying to improvise with what i have).

i'm putting my ATBA on the top "lip" of the tank (where everyone normally puts or places their an ABTA). i'll also be raising the water level to almost 3/4 of the tank, or as high as possible. the ramp will not be steep & i think i'll put it at a 35 degree angle. the height of the water level should help with her getting on the basking area.

because she's quite heavy, i'm worried about the ramping bending or possibly breaking while she's trying to get up to the basking area. i was wondering if i should make something to support the ramp. or will she be fine & just leave the ramp without support. any suggestions?

For mine, I support one side of the ramp with a string that is tied to a suction cup on the outside of the tank. I've got a big girl, and it's held up so far.

BullDog wrote:For mine, I support one side of the ramp with a string that is tied to a suction cup on the outside of the tank. I've got a big girl, and it's held up so far.

oh wow, you just gave me an idea , thank you! how big is your turtle?

Frankie is 8.5". Not sure how much she weighs though... Glad I could help

Ralph is 7", and much lighter. But I still support one side of his ramp with a string tied around the center brace of the tank

BullDog wrote:Frankie is 8.5". Not sure how much she weighs though... Glad I could help

Ralph is 7", and much lighter. But I still support one side of his ramp with a string tied around the center brace of the tank

wow she's big & so is he ;P.

That's what everyone who sees them says... but they're actually on the small size for adult RES! Males are generally 7-9", and females 9-12". I think I got lucked out and got runts! (Unless Frankie is still growing, in which case, I'm in trouble! )

BullDog wrote:That's what everyone who sees them says... but they're actually on the small size for adult RES! Males are generally 7-9", and females 9-12". I think I got lucked out and got runts! (Unless Frankie is still growing, in which case, I'm in trouble! )

haha yea. my turtle is 6 inches, if she gets any bigger i'm going to really have to buy a new tank. hopefully she won't any time soon