Habitat - Indoor :: Looking to build some things for my RES's, Need help

[2slidernyc]

Hey I was wondering about all you RES owners who build their own turtle safe things for your tanks. I have a few idea's I want to build to make taking care of an RES easier and safe. As well as something for mind stimulation..

I am curious about the differnt products to use and what I could use, where to buy, and how to mold differnt shapes, etc. Thank you.

[untsmurf]

Just to make sure, are you wanting to build things to put into the enclosure like a cave? Or do you want to build something to go on the tank like an above tank basking area?

[2slidernyc]

All of the above, as well as pioneer my own creations..

[2slidernyc]

Please anyone who has any building info or anything that would be helpful or useful I would love it... I realy want to get started ASAP. J=-

[Turtlebiz]

for an above the tank basking area i would use egg crate. it's what i used for mine, as well as the access ramp. it's easy to cut with a wirecutter, it's strong, and cheap! you can get a 2x4 at home depot for like $12 or something. for my basking area i also used a sterilite storage container which cost probably a couple of bucks. i attached that to the egg crate by cutting holes in the container and using lanyard to tie it together. i also cut out the top to put the lights on and a turtle-sized door. it sits on top of the left side of the tank. i then constructed a "cage" that goes around the sterilite container and and the rest of the tank, with a lid, so that he can't climb out. i've had it for a few months now and it really works well, and my turtle loves to bask in it... and he hasn't escaped!

for an underwater cave you can make something out of pvc piping which you can also purchase at home depot. you might have to weigh it down with water or sand or something so that it will sit on the bottom. i know there's pictures of one on here somewhere.

have you checked out the photo gallery? there's a lot of great ideas in there. good luck!