Creating A Comfortable Turtle Basking Ramp: A Diy Guide

Turtle owners often opt to build their own basking ramps because there are little to no satisfactory commercial options available. Building a custom ramp allows you to tailor the design to your turtle's needs, such as making it the right size for your tank and ensuring the ramp is easy for your turtle to climb.

To build a basking ramp, you will need materials such as clear acrylic plexiglass, aquarium-safe silicone sealant, a heat gun, and cork bark tile for the ramp's substrate. The process involves cutting and assembling the plexiglass, using acrylic glue and silicone to bond the pieces together, and then attaching the substrate.

Some turtle owners have shared their experiences of building basking ramps, offering insights into the design and construction process. For example, one owner shared their method of using PVC pipes, plastic egg crate, and electrical zip ties to create the structure, while another owner opted for a combination of plexiglass and cork bark tile.

Additionally, there are commercial options available for purchase, such as the Penn-Plax Reptology Turtle Basking Platform Ramp, which features a sturdy and durable design with a removable turf liner. However, some customers have reported issues with the suction capacity and the shedding of the turf liner.

Use a heat gun to bend the acrylic plexiglass for the ramp

Bending acrylic plexiglass with a heat gun is a simple process but requires patience and precision. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Prepare the Workspace:

• Gather the required tools and materials: a heat gun, protective gloves and eyewear, a sheet of acrylic plexiglass, a jig (a box or frame to guide the bending), clamps, and scrap wood.
• Remove the protective film from the acrylic sheet.
• Determine the desired curvature and perform calculations if needed.
• Cut the acrylic sheet to the required size, allowing for some extra length for the ramp.

Heat and Bend the Acrylic:

• Clamp the acrylic sheet between two pieces of scrap wood, ensuring the area to be bent is accessible.
• Start the heating process with the heat gun. Move the gun slowly and evenly across the bending line, keeping a safe distance to avoid overheating the wood.
• Apply gentle and even pressure on the acrylic sheet as it heats up. The material will become pliable and start to move easily when it reaches the correct temperature.
• Continue heating and gently bending the acrylic until you achieve the desired angle. Be careful not to force the bend too quickly, as this may cause cracking.
• Once the desired angle is achieved, hold the acrylic in place for a few minutes until it cools down and sets.

Post-Bending Steps:

• Allow the bent acrylic to cool completely before releasing it from the jig.
• Use the heat gun to neaten the cut edges of the acrylic, if desired.
• If you need to make multiple bends, ensure each section cools down before proceeding to the next bend to avoid losing the previous shape.
• You can use the same technique to create side pieces for an enclosure by tracing the shape of the bent acrylic onto a new piece of flat acrylic and cutting it out.

Remember to work in a well-ventilated area and always wear protective gear when handling the heat gun and hot acrylic.

Use acrylic glue and silicone to bond the plexiglass

To make a basking ramp for your turtle, you can use acrylic glue and silicone to bond the plexiglass.

First, you will need to cut your plexiglass to the desired size and shape. If you do not have the tools to cut your plexiglass, you can buy pre-cut plexiglass sheets online or at some local hardware stores. You will need a base platform and walls for your basking area, as well as an extra-long piece for the ramp.

Once you have all your plexiglass pieces cut to the correct size, you will need to prepare the materials by peeling off the protective film and cleaning the edges and surfaces with rubbing alcohol. This step is important to ensure proper adhesion.

Next, you can begin assembling your basking area. Set up a flat surface outdoors or in a well-ventilated area and use tape, clamps, or other tools to hold the walls in place while the glue dries. Start with the base and the back wall, then add the side walls. Use acrylic glue, such as JB Clear Weld, to bond the plexiglass pieces together. Give the glue 24 hours to fully cure, even if the packaging says it dries faster.

After the glue has cured, you can attach the ramp. Carefully flip over your basking area and consider the placement of the ramp in relation to your setup and turtle. Apply acrylic glue to the flat part of the ramp and clamp it to the bottom of the basking area. Again, allow ample time for the glue to dry before adding a bead of aquarium-safe silicone sealant around the edges of the ramp for added safety.

Finally, you can add a substrate to your basking area, such as cork bark tile, to provide traction and a natural look. Cut the cork bark tile to size and attach it to the ramp and platform using aquarium-safe silicone.

Prepare cork bark tile for the ramp's substrate

Cork bark tile is a great option for the ramp's substrate as it offers a good grip for your turtle and is suitable for aquatic environments. Here are the steps to prepare cork bark tile for your turtle's basking ramp:

• Boiling or Soaking: Start by cleaning and preparing the cork bark tile. You can do this by either boiling the cork bark in water until the water no longer turns brown, or soaking larger pieces in water until the water stays clear. Change the water frequently to speed up the process. This step helps remove any tannins and ensures the cork bark is free of contaminants.
• Drying: After boiling or soaking, remove the cork bark and allow it to air dry completely. Depending on the climate, this may take around 10 minutes or more.
• Fitting: Cork bark tends to expand when wet, so it's important to get an accurate fit for your ramp. Measure the dimensions of your ramp surface and cut the cork bark tile to size. You may need to make adjustments by trimming the cork bark after it has dried.
• Attachment: To attach the cork bark tile to the ramp, use aquarium-safe silicone. Measure and cut the cork bark tile to fit the exposed ramp surface. Apply a generous amount of silicone to the back of the cork bark and press it firmly onto the ramp. Use clamps to hold the cork bark in place while the silicone dries for at least 24 hours.

By following these steps, you'll have a safe and functional substrate for your turtle's basking ramp, providing a good grip and a comfortable surface for your turtle to climb up and bask.

PVC pipes with elbow connectors for the ramp's frame

PVC Turtle Ramp:

A PVC turtle ramp is a great option for those wanting to create a robust and secure ramp for their pet turtle. This design offers stability and security, ensuring your turtle can safely access their basking spot. It is also highly customizable and affordable.

Materials:

• 1-1/2" PVC piping (you can vary the length and amount depending on your desired size)
• PVC pipe cutter or hacksaw
• Tape measure
• Pencil
• PVC cleaner
• PVC cement
• Clamps
• Jumper cables or extra clamps
• Aquarium ramp or similar support for the bottom of the ramp
• Play sand (optional)
• Elbow connectors (90-degree and 3-way)
• Zip ties
• Egg crate (optional)
• Non-slip cabinet liner or mesh (optional)

Steps:

• Measure out the desired length of the PVC pipes for your ramp and mark with a pencil.
• Cut the pipes to the desired length using a pipe cutter or hacksaw.
• Connect the PVC pipes using PVC cleaner and cement. Clamp the pieces together quickly and securely with clamps, and let the cement dry.
• Form the desired shape for your ramp by gluing the stacked pipes together. You can create a 90-degree angle or use elbow connectors to form different shapes.
• Add additional pipes and connectors to create legs for the ramp and provide support.
• If desired, fill the pipes with play sand to add weight and stability.
• If using an egg crate platform, cut the crate to fit the top of the PVC frame. You can also add a non-slip cabinet liner or mesh for extra grip. Secure the platform with zip ties.
• Let the cement dry for 12-16 hours to ensure maximum strength.
• Install the ramp in your turtle's tank, ensuring it is secure and stable. You may need to use an additional support or aquarium ramp to hold the PVC ramp in place, especially if it is not filled with sand.
• Allow your turtle to enjoy their new basking spot!

Tips:

• You can fill the PVC pipes with sand to add weight and stability to the ramp, especially if you do not want to use additional supports or an aquarium ramp.
• Adding an egg crate platform or non-slip liner provides extra grip for your turtle and can be secured with zip ties.
• This design can be customized to fit your specific tank and turtle's needs. You can adjust the length and amount of PVC pipes, as well as the shape and angle of the ramp.
• Always ensure that the ramp is secure and stable before allowing your turtle to use it.

Use suction cups to secure the ramp to the tank

To secure your turtle's basking ramp to the tank, you can use suction cups. These will ensure that the ramp stays in place and doesn't slip, which is especially important if you have a larger turtle.

Before attaching the suction cups, it is important to clean the desired location on the tank and rinse the suction cups with warm water. This will ensure a strong and secure bond. You can then attach the suction cups to the basking ramp and press it firmly against the glass of the tank.

It is worth noting that some users have reported issues with suction cups losing their adhesion over time, so you may need to replace them periodically. Additionally, when building your own basking ramp, it is important to consider the weight of the ramp and turtle to ensure that the suction cups can support it.

Frequently asked questions