Habitat - Indoor :: 3 questions

[offshore]

1. i have a MVB resting on the screen top to my ATBA. i know that glass and plexi filter out UV's and was wondering if the screen could do something similar. i realize that glass is a solid and a screen is, well, a screen but could it be blocking the light from the MVB in some way that is not visible? the screen does not cast a shadow and the temp is spot on, 90-91F. Phibious seems to enjoy it and spends at least 4-6 hours day basking. i do not have access to a UV meter

the nickel is there as a size reference

2. i recently had 125 gallon tank offered to me for free! i have not seen the tank so i dont know yet if i should take it. i do know that it does not have a stand and i will need make one for it. does anyone know of a website that has good plans for aquarium stands? i'm not afraid of a good project and have an excellent workshop at my disposal. i want to build a cabinet style stand was planing on using 2x4's for the frame. i have worked as a carpenter before so i'm more comfortable with wood and nails than lets say, a welder. i did check about.com but was not all that impressed by what i found. i'm more worried that i will OVER build the thing and have it be impractial.

3. nesting area... ugh. so many diffrent opinions on how it can be done. i am NOT going to breed, one turtle is plenty, but Phibious is old enough that she may develop eggs at some point. i have wached a few videos on how to check for eggs by feeling for them and would like to know what to do should the problem arise. i know that they can lay them in water but it is unhealthy. if anyone can direct me to any resources on the subject or better yet share some personal exerience i would be greatful.

thanks

[offshore]

woops. i just found at the reproduction section of this site. i will take a good long look at it. but any personal experience is still very welcome

[steve]

Screens are usually recommended to have a 1/2" spacing. He is still getting UVB through your screen, though you need a meter to actually measure how much he's getting.

There are lots of sites that have instructions for stands. Check reef keeping sites but maybe if there is a steel shop near you, maybe they can make one to your specs.

Nesting area is tricky for indoor setups. A single female may or may not produce eggs. An indoor nesting area is usually unsuccessful too.

[untsmurf]

there have been a few threads on this site about stand building. One in particular was really amazing and pretty simple and it was for a large tank like what you're looking for. Just run a search through the forum and you should be able to find it