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Hey guys...I'm using a floating dock but take a look at it:

http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/6199/1000036x.jpg

What is the easiest way to make that stay afloat when both turtles are on it? With limited funds and time, it is easiest for me to just modify that then build something or buy something else. Thanks.

I'm not very creative so I can't help much on your question.. I just wanted to tell you that it looks like the turtles could climb right out if they wanted to.. you may want to fix that.

I know. It's always been like that, and they have never climbed out, but I know that does not mean they won't. I really have no idea what to do other that lowering the water, which I don't want to do...any suggestions? I was thinking of moving the far lamp to the same side as the UVB bulb and then siliconing plexiglass parallel to the dock so it would be too high, don't know if that would work or not....

Edit: That picture makes it look like they are closer to the top than they really are, but still, I would like to do something about it, I just need suggestions.

adam85491 wrote:Hey guys...I'm using a floating dock but take a look at it:

http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/6199/1000036x.jpg

What is the easiest way to make that stay afloat when both turtles are on it? With limited funds and time, it is easiest for me to just modify that then build something or buy something else. Thanks.

place an empty water bottle underneath for buoyancy - the trick is how to attach it... maybe some aquarium safe silicone?

or something else that keeps it afloat?

u can buy the reptile cage top @ petco or at petss mart 4 maybe 20-30 dodders

mike504 wrote:u can buy the reptile cage top @ petco or at petss mart 4 maybe 20-30 dodders

The screen on those things will block out UVB light, that's why egg crate is recommended. Egg crate's opening are large enough to let UVB rays through to the turtle.

Adam, a small PVC pipe is good to hold up the dock. You'll lose the advantage of having a dock at any level, but it will be much stronger. It's very important that your turtles completely dry out.

I recall a few people stacking docks together. Though I would consider a larger, home-made one. They don't cost much to make, they just need a little elbow grease.

I'm going to Home Depot soon to get some plywood to put together an above tank basking area. It's technically cheaper than repeated buying floating docks, because if you make your ATBA big enough, you can use it for the rest of your turtle's life.

Your other option would be to buy that "Turtle Topper", which is about 45 to 50 dollars, and lasts up to a 55 gallon tank. You'll get about a year or two out of it, depending on how fact your turtle grows.

Thanks guys. Steve, an above tank basking area sounds great, but I'm not too handy =(

I've never heard of the turtle topper but it sounds great. Thanks! I'm going to look into that, and if I find one I'll get it, if not, I'll look into building my own.

thats not cool putting me on the spot like that but ya like i said u can can still use the cage cover its just u have to put the light inside ok .

adam85491 wrote:Thanks guys. Steve, an above tank basking area sounds great, but I'm not too handy =(

I've never heard of the turtle topper but it sounds great. Thanks! I'm going to look into that, and if I find one I'll get it, if not, I'll look into building my own.

You're welcome.

I'm sure most online stores and high-end pet stores sell the turtle topper. We've got a few threads on this forum discussing it, too.

Lol, I'm not handy either. I'm just going to get a bunch of pieces of plywood, already cut at a certain length, and just screw them together. I'm also going to screw a cork flat to the opening to make a ramp that will be able to stay in the water.

you know, you can make a DIY basking dock. it depends on how big your tank is though. mine fits pretty well. youll need a drill and maybe some hooks. but its easier said than done. my basking dock is a cutting board. you can use a piece of wood if you want. it holds well

I'm going to look at getting the topper today, but I'm not too optimistic because around here everything costs way too much and it is hard to find stuff, but if the price is under 50, I'll do it. If not, I'll look into one of the DIY projects...pics will follow.

So I went to 2 petsmarts and a petco today and none of them had the turtle topper. I then went several miles to some store that apparently doesn't open for 3 days and another that closed down since I've last been there. No luck.

Anyone know a good site to order one for cheap? i found one for 45 but 15 dollars shipping is no good for me....trying to stay under 50.

You could buy some pvc pipe from your hardware store and make a frame for your dock to sit on. It'll be a lot cheaper (each piece only costs like $1-2) than buying a topper.