Custom Turtle Platform: Diy Guide For A Fun Pet Project

Turtle owners often build custom basking platforms for their pets to dry off and warm up under a heat lamp. There are little to no commercial options available that meet the specific needs of turtles and their owners, so many opt for a DIY approach. This involves using materials such as acrylic plexiglass, PVC pipes, egg crates, and wooden boards to create a platform with a ramp that sits on top of or inside the turtle's tank. While some basking platforms are simple and cheap to make, others are more intricate and expensive, such as those with a Grecian theme or those that resemble an actual aquarium.

How to make a basking platform for your turtle

A basking platform is essential for your turtle as it provides a space for them to dry their shell and rest after a long swim. While shop-bought options are sturdy, they can be expensive. Here are some tips on how to make a basking platform for your turtle.

Planning

First, you need to plan your basking platform. Measure the inside lip of your turtle tank so that the basking area can rest securely on top. Plan out the dimensions of your platform, including the base and walls. You will also need to decide on the type of material you want to use. Some common materials include wood, acrylic sheets, plastic totes, and egg crates.

Materials and Tools

Once you have your plan and measurements, gather your materials and tools. The materials you need will depend on the type of platform you are making, but some common tools include a tape measure, pliers, zip ties, a hacksaw, a drill, and a hot glue gun.

Assembly

Now it's time to assemble your basking platform. If you are using acrylic or plexiglass, you will need to cut the pieces to size and glue them together using acrylic glue or aquarium-safe silicone. If you are using wood, you can cut and assemble the pieces using wood glue or screws. For egg crate platforms, you can cut the egg crate to size and secure it with zip ties. Don't forget to add a ramp to your platform so that your turtle can easily get in and out of the water.

Finishing Touches

Finally, you can add some finishing touches to your basking platform. Consider adding a piece of slate or cork bark tile to the top of the platform for your turtle to bask on. You can also decorate the platform with plastic aquarium plants and reptile carpet to give it a natural look. Make sure to test out the platform with your turtle and make any necessary adjustments.

Using acrylic plexiglass to build a basking platform

Building a basking platform for your turtle friend using acrylic plexiglass is a fun and rewarding project. Not only will it provide your turtle with a space to dry its shell and warm up under a heat lamp, but it will also be a custom-built space that fits your specific vision and requirements. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Planning and Materials:

• Determine the size of your tank and the desired dimensions of the basking platform. Measure the width of your tank and consider if you want the platform to overhang the sides or sit within the lip of the aquarium.
• Gather the necessary materials: Clear acrylic plexiglass (1/4" thick), JB Clear Weld (Syringe Style), extra syringe tips, aquarium-safe silicone sealant, and a heat gun or similar tool.
• If you don't have the tools to cut the plexiglass yourself, you can order pre-cut sheets online or from local hardware stores. Shop around for the best prices and deals.

Preparing the Plexiglass:

• Peel off the protective film from the edges of the plexiglass pieces where you'll need to glue them together. You can choose to remove it all or just the sections you'll be working with first.
• Optional: Sand down the edges of the plexiglass to smooth them out, especially if your turtle might physically encounter them.
• Clean the front and back of the peeled sections with rubbing alcohol. This step is crucial for proper adhesion, so don't skip it!

Assembling the Platform:

• Set up a flat work area outdoors or in a well-ventilated space. You'll need to create a stable base to hold the plexiglass pieces tightly in place while they dry. You can use tape, clamps, or any creative rigging to keep the walls together for 24 hours.
• Start by assembling the base and the back wall. The first wall is the hardest, but once it's in place, you can use it as an anchor for the other walls.
• Use the JB Clear Weld to bond the plexiglass pieces together. The syringe tip mixes the epoxy, making it easier to apply. Remember to buy extra tips as they are single-use only.
• Give the epoxy a full 24 hours to cure, even if the packaging suggests a shorter time.

Attaching the Ramp:

• Plan the placement of the ramp considering your turtle's usage and size. You want to ensure enough space for swimming and movement.
• Heat-bend the acrylic plexiglass to create the ramp. First, measure and mark the desired length of the ramp. Then, use a heat gun to heat the plexiglass where you want it to bend. Take your time and don't rush to avoid cracking the plexiglass.
• Once you've achieved the desired angle, hold the plexiglass in place for a few minutes until it cools down.
• Flip over the basking platform and attach the ramp using acrylic glue. Clamp the ramp in place and allow ample time for the glue to dry before applying silicone around the edges for extra security.

Finishing Touches:

• Consider adding a substrate to the basking platform, such as Cork Bark Tile. It provides a great grip for your turtle and is safe for aquatic environments.
• Cut the Cork Bark Tile to fit your platform and ramp, then use aquarium-safe silicone to glue it in place.
• Allow everything to dry and cure completely before installing the basking platform in your turtle's tank.

Now your turtle has a custom-built basking platform to enjoy! Remember to supervise your turtle and make any necessary adjustments to ensure their safety and comfort.

Building a basking platform with an overhang

Planning

Before you start building your basking platform, you need to measure the width of your tank, including the thickness of the glass panels on both sides. The basking platform will sit on these glass panels, so you need to ensure it is the correct size. You can also decide how high and how long you want the basking platform to be.

Materials

The materials you will need for this project include:

• Clear acrylic plexiglass, 1/4" thick, cut into various sizes to fit your desired basking box size. You can cut this yourself or order pre-cut plexiglass sheets online or from a local hardware store.
• JB Clear Weld (syringe style) and extra syringe tips.
• Aquarium-safe silicone sealant.
• A heat gun or similar tool.
• Aquarium-safe glue.
• Cork bark tile for the substrate.

Construction

• First, peel off the edges of the plexiglass pieces where you will need to glue them, and clean these areas with rubbing alcohol. This step is important to ensure proper adhesion.
• Set up a flat surface outdoors and build a base to hold the plexiglass pieces tightly in place, or use tape, clamps, or other tools to keep the walls together for 24 hours while they dry.
• Use the JB Clear Weld to bond the plexiglass pieces together. Do this in a well-ventilated area, and use the syringe tip for precise application. Give the epoxy a full 24 hours to cure.
• If you are allowing your basking platform to overhang the width of the aquarium, you can choose to glue the mini side walls in place or use plastic clips to snap them on when finished.
• Once the epoxy has cured, cover it with aquarium-safe silicone for extra security.
• To create the ramp, measure out about 11" for the ramp incline and leave the rest of the plexiglass flat. This flat piece will be used to bond the ramp to the bottom of the basking platform.
• Clamp the acrylic down and heat where you want the ramp to bend. Keep heating and slightly bending until you have your desired angle, then hold it in place for a few minutes while it cools down.
• Once the ramp has cooled, flip over the basking platform and attach the ramp with acrylic glue. Give this ample time to dry before adding a bead of silicone across the top of the ramp.
• Measure and cut a piece of cork bark tile to fit the exposed ramp. Slather the back of the cork bark with silicone and press it into place. Use clamps to hold it in place while it dries for 24 hours.

Now your turtle has a spacious and sturdy basking platform to enjoy!

Attaching a ramp to the basking platform

Attaching a ramp to a basking platform for your turtle friend requires some careful planning and execution. Here are some detailed steps and tips to help you get started:

Planning the Ramp:

• Consider the size and dimensions of your tank. Measure the width of your tank and decide on the desired length and width of the ramp. Remember to leave enough swimming space for your turtle.
• Determine the incline of the ramp. A gradual incline of around 45 degrees is generally recommended to make it easier for your turtle to climb.
• Choose the right material for the ramp. Clear acrylic plexiglass is a popular choice as it is sturdy and easy to work with. You can order pre-cut plexiglass or cut it to size yourself if you have the appropriate tools.

Bending the Ramp:

• Remove the protective film from the plexiglass.
• Use a heat gun or a similar tool to heat the plexiglass where you want the ramp to bend. Take your time and avoid rushing to prevent cracking the material.
• Slowly bend the plexiglass to the desired angle while measuring with an angle tool. Hold the bent section in place for a few minutes until it cools down and sets.

Attaching the Ramp to the Basking Platform:

• Consider the placement of the ramp on the basking platform. You may want to inset the ramp to provide more swimming space or adjust the position based on your turtle's habits and preferences.
• Use acrylic glue to attach the flat part of the ramp to the bottom of the basking platform. Clamp the pieces together and let the glue dry completely.
• Apply a bead of aquarium-safe silicone along the edges and across the top of the ramp where it connects to the platform for added strength and safety.

Finishing Touches:

• Consider adding a substrate to the ramp, such as cork bark tile, to provide better grip for your turtle. Cut the cork bark to size and secure it to the ramp with aquarium-safe silicone.
• Ensure the ramp is secure and stable within the tank. You can use heavy-duty suction cups or attach the ramp to the side of the tank with clamps or similar hardware.
• Always monitor your turtle's usage and make adjustments as needed.

Using cork bark tile as a substrate for your basking platform

Cork bark tile is a great option for the substrate of your basking platform. It is highly resistant to mould and mildew, making it perfect for the high-humidity environment of a turtle tank. It also offers your turtle a great grip on the ramp, aiding them in their climb up to their basking area.

You can purchase cork bark tile in a variety of sizes, or cut it to your desired size with a Dremel, hacksaw, box cutter, or even by hand. Before using the cork bark tile, you will need to clean and prepare it. You can do this by either boiling the cork bark in water until the water runs clear, or by soaking it in water and changing out the water until it no longer turns brown.

Once your cork bark tile is cleaned and prepared, you can attach it to your basking platform using aquarium-safe silicone. Measure and cut a piece of cork bark tile to the size of the exposed ramp of your basking platform. Spread a layer of silicone onto the back of the cork bark tile and press it into place on the top of the ramp. Use clamps to hold the cork bark tile in place for 24 hours while the silicone dries.

And that's it! Your turtle now has a safe and attractive substrate to their basking platform.

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