Habitat - Indoor :: external basking area

[pixidust]

can anyone tell me how to do an external basking area in my 40 gallon tank...plz

[Rollen]

I've seen many people build ones on top or next to the tank. While a ramp leads into the water.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mv8C_5NrC_w

[vic021]

look in this thread
http://www.redearslider.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=15260

[DJ Spenin Spence]

i built one with have in plywood and for the ramp i got a piece of scap wood and wrapped it in shelf liner then used a hinge to attach it to the box

[Listen97]

I used the ceiling/light covers you can get from Lowe's, usually called egg-crates on the forums. I basically took some heavy duty zip ties that would handle the weight of both turtles and strapped it into a box shape with one side open. I then attached the ramp and used another small piece to keep it from flipping down (think of a triangle support from the bottom center to the center of the ramp). Since both of mine were almost full grown I did use two pieces on the bottom for weight reasons. This setup has lasted me awhile but now is breaking down due to weight and degrading over time (heat, wet, lights).

I'm going to go with an in tank area with my new tank based on http://www.redearslider.com/forum/viewt ... sc&start=0

[happycamper]

I bought some wood, and acrylic and used a turtle dock as a ramp.
http://www.redearslider.com/forum/viewt ... highlight=

[Listen97]

My only personal fear with wood is the moisture issue from the turtles and the heat lamp. Not sure how well the wood would hold up especially since you have to get untreated wood.

Another alternative is to use Plexi. You can cover it in tiles, rocks, etc. Some people use indoor/outdoor carpet but I'm not to sure about how it holds up.

[happycamper]

I have had my basking area up for a while, and no signs of any issues yet. It doesn't touch the water, and the heat lamp dries the moisture Sheldon brings up really quickly

I looked at plexi... and it was expensive Especially the stuff thick enough not to bow.