Habitat - Indoor :: how to build a platform out of PVC

[shellie0474]

I am going to build a bigger platform out of PVC pipe and would like to know what everyone else has used to hold it together. I would like the top to be a slate tile square and would like to know how to attach it to the PVC.

[TheComputerGremlin]

I found these little PVC pipe holders (little C shaped brackets) that I was able to glue to my plexiglass top with aquarium silicon. It was a stretch, but so far, they're holding up. I've seen other people drill out pieces of plexiglass and attach the pipes with those zip ties too. I don't know if the aquarium silicon will attach to slate, so maybe the drilling out and zip ties would work best.

[steve]

Do you want an in-tank platform like mine?



I'm using 3/4" PVC and 12" ceramic tile. You don't need anything to keep the fittings together and the weight of the tile will keep it down. You can also let some water to fill into the PVC to keep it down. A few pieces of tile is surprisingly heavy, so be careful of that.

[shellie0474]

yes that is what I had in mind. Have you had any problem with the turtles shifting tie tiles?

[steve]

Nope and the tiles will practically last forever. You do need to be careful when moving it around... it can be quite heavy and a slip could damage your tank.

[shellie0474]

how did you cut the tile smaller pieces

[steve]

For the ones on top, I was using a tile cutter and it accidentally cracked it into a few, nicely shaped pieces. I then used a grinder to make sure the edges were smooth.