Features:
- Cork Bark Slope, good for grip
- Submersed sand/top soil mixture under lamps, provides warm nesting soil.
- Plexiglass Walls w/ front plexiglass sliding door *not shown*
The box itself is simply a sterilite container with holes in it. It is submerged about 4 inches down into the water.
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The gooseneck clamp lamps are key to perfect placement of the lights, anywhere in the tank.
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The whole thing is held by a clamp mechanism compressing some 1 inch vinyl piping adding additional friction and suspending
the box. I will further modify this support mechanism for safety reasons but for now the buoyant force is making the whole thing float up. Downward pressure isn't an issue unless the water level drops a few inches. The total force of everything is distributed not only upwards, but also outwards, as to not break the black plastic rim of the tank.
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Some more photos..
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Finished with some slate tiles broken up for a natural look..
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Input for improvements is GREATLY appreciated. I want to make it easier for her to climb the cork since some areas of it are steep, perhaps a netting over it would help.
Should I place the heatlamp in place of the UVB? Maybe this will further motivate her to climb up higher instead of sitting partially submerged on the cork.
Also I will extend the rim of the back area of the sterilite box to add additional soil for another inch of two of depth.
Plants are still in the process of being added, im thinking some pothos vine and lucky bamboo sticking up into the air and some silk plants underwater so the turtle does not eat everything.
High Res images here: http://img863.imageshack.us/g/img0020kd.jpg/
