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I've discovered I should make my water level higher, but then that means I would have to make the basking spot higher.

Right now her basking spot is 2 big flat rocks stacked on each other.


So, should I make the water higher? If so, Where or what could she bask on?

I don't like the sound of those floating turtle docks, Serra would outgrow those really fast.


Thanks in advance,
Kevin

By the time she outgrows one of the docks (even the small size one) she will have outgrown the tank too. I say go for a dock, they're not very expensive and they work well. You could also get one of the ramp things that suction cup to the side, others have had good results with them. Your little turtle will love having all that water to swin around in!

Is there any way for me to build a platform? My mom is relcutant to go out and buy a platform...

i bought the zoo med turtle dock (a lot of people have and i see people have recommended it to you) my turtle out grew it, but it didnt out grow its usefulness... it now asks a ramp to get on to a larger fixed platform that i made out of some PVC pipe and tile.. i would say go with the dock, but there are other options out there to make, most of which would involve spending some money, time, and creativity... some people on the forum have had good success with cork bark, that may be an option to explore

if you shop online you can find turtle docks for pretty cheap... http://www.bigalsonline.com/ has some pretty low prices

Yeah i think cork bark is the only thing that would be cheaper than the dock, most of the things people make end up costing more than the $15 you'd spend on a dock. If you decide to try and build something just be careful that the materials you use are safe to keep in the water and won't rust or otherwise get nasty.

This dock suction cups to the side and is pretty large and is very cheap: http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/p ... 006+113494. You can also make your own dock out of pvc piping that kind of hooks on to the side of the tank with a flat platform to bask on.

Im using in several of mine that plastic coated wire shelving stuff from walmart, we have one on top the cage as a small cover and another peice hanging from it. Then we put slate on top the lower one so they can bask on that. They are easy to make, we used plastic wire ties to hang the one from the other so nothing will rust or anything and they hold larger turtles like the heavy 11inch melanistic I have. And they are easy to customize for the size tank you have. I have them on everything from a 10 gallon glass tank, 55 gallon glass tank and 60 gallon plastic. I also use a few bricks and then place slate over the top, don't leave the brick for them to get on place a rock or something, I used just brick and found several with scrapes on the belly from them.

I used this dock for quite awhile. It goes in the corner. I would say my RES was about 5in when I got my bigger tank and quit using it.

http://www.petsmart.com/global/product_ ... 36842&Ne=2

hey turtle addict, could you post some pictures of your wire shelf docks, ive been trying to come up with something that doesnt take up any swimming area (like my pvc setup does now) thanks

Tenodera, i was looking at you're light fixture and i noticed that if you look close enough, you can see that it is resting on glass.If it is, then you have a problem (Guessing its a UVB light).You see with glass, You're turtle isnt getting any benefit from it.So my advice is, move it.

Another thing i suggest is getting rid of all those rocks at the bottom, not because you're turtle can swallow them, but all those rocks can dirty up the tank realy fast, especially since the tank is so small.Not only is it more of a hassle for you, because you have to clean it more often, but dirty water and RES dont go together, alot of diseases like fungus infections and etc can occur.The rocks have no use, id ditch them.

Also, i tried to find where you're water heater is at and i couldnt find it.If you have one, i apologize.But if you dont, keep in mind that a water heater is a must.


Nice turtle, cheers.

-eddie

xsavingsaturdayx wrote:Tenodera, i was looking at you're light fixture and i noticed that if you look close enough, you can see that it is resting on glass.If it is, then you have a problem (Guessing its a UVB light).You see with glass, You're turtle isnt getting any benefit from it.So my advice is, move it.

Oh there is no glass shielding the rays from entering. Both glass panels are pushed towards the front, so the light goes directly into the tank

Thanks for all the great ideas. I'll keep a eye out for the turtle docks, or some cork bark. Whatever comes first.

It would be better if you could somehow build you're own dock, i have the zoo med dock and i am not happy with it. It tends to break and fall apart after a while, there are tons of great ideas on building basking areas, just look around in the photo gallery or search "Home made basking docks".

Good luck!

ok, thanks!

Very cute turtle. My first habitat concern would be to get a water heater- the turtle has a better chance of getting ill from cool water than from lack of swimming space.

Yessurey! A heater is a must