Habitat - Indoor :: Any suggestions 4 gate/fence around pond indoors?

[RiverChubbs]

Well, I just aquired a 80-100 gallon black preformed pond, that I am going to set up inside for my two 4 inch Turtles. I already know everthing I have to do to get it set up for the turtles...however I run a daycare out of my home...so I need help/ideas on what I can do to fence it? Something attractive but inexpensive. The pond is 5' X 7' in its biggest areas. Any ideas or pictures are greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[missibsu]

What about using plexi glass? If you have the time and energy, you could even put a wood border around the edges to make it look more professional and finished. The plexiglass would allow the kids and you to watch your turtles, but keep the turtles from climbing out.

[RiverChubbs]

Do you mean plexi glass just right on top of the pond? Or boxing it in? How would I clean the pond when needed? Thanks

[Kallistos]

I'd box it in to keep the children from getting at the turtles. You could make the box with 5 sides, a top and 4 sides. Then, just lift it off when it needed to be cleaned...

[Andrew7769]

that would look appealing and maybe place some plants around to semi-hide the pond

[RiverChubbs]

Thank you much. These are all really great ideas.

[scripta_elegans]

How old are the kids? Coul they be dissuaded by a short fence, or are we talking industrious 7 year olds?

[RiverChubbs]

Well they are 1, 2 and 3. So I think they could mange to get into anything. The room is off limmits any way and the door is kept locked. However, licensing requires all bodies of water be fenced with a springloaded self latching gate or covered and they can support the weight of an adult. I think the plexiglass or box idea might be the best. But if I stood on the plexiglas on top of the pnd. The pond sides would give way. I am not sure if they mean this for only a pool or what. It is so silly...There is no way kids can get in here...The door keys are kept way up high and not even a 7 year old could figure out how to open it. But I really feel bad with my turts in the 20 gal tank...They are finally at the point where they try to swim right out of the glass...You know they just swim right into the sides and bonk there little noses.

[missibsu]

I was refering to boxing it in. You could do a wood base at the bottom and even add a door for access. Add a section of the plexiglass that is removable for cleaning. Etc...

I read your other post where you decided to put it in the garage, but I think it would be neat if the turts were where the kids could watch them. Educational.

[RiverChubbs]

Yeah...Cool We are still throwing ideas around. Thank you.

[scripta_elegans]

I think you could put a spring loaded latching gate in front of the door, and you would probably be fine. It seems silly, but if the concern is for possible inspection it would probably suffice. The other option would be contacting the authorities to see if the door being locked is enough. I would think that a locked door would one up a spring loaded gate.

[RiverChubbs]

Wow that is a great idea?

[scripta_elegans]

I hope so?