Habitat - Indoor :: New ATBA/Ramp Build

[Lrigyttiw]

Okay, back to the drawing board. My turtles (Elton, Bernie, and Roger) do not like the Turtle Topper (even though I occasionally see Elton sliding down the ramp, so I know he's basking). I've had it since February. I put food up in the top to coax them up, and it's gone when I come home from work. I think the Turtle Topper is bulky and I want a cleaner design. I discovered TAP Plastics (http://www.tapplastics.com/product/plastics/cut_to_size_plastic/acrylic_sheets_cast_clear/510 - thanks Kansasslider), so I'm going to order my acrylic pieces and Weld-On 3 solvent cement, and start again. I'll post pictures during and when I'm done.

Helpful thread: viewtopic.php?f=6&t=34046&p=323452&hilit=weld+on#p323452

Helpful blog: http://www.ratscritchings.com/rat-homes ... glass.html

[steve]

Very cool, but be aware that they don't always like those either. Privacy and warmth seem to help the most during ATBA adjustment periods. I would also consider something like an ATBA but with cork instead. That way you just build the walls.

[Lrigyttiw]

I'm going to cover the outside walls of the acrylic with the nature backgrounds to give them privacy. I can't find cork anywhere around here. They really love that flimsy acrylic ramp (Oasis #64225 Turtle Ramp), that I use whenever I put them in their "holding" tank (my old 20 gallon tank). They pile on it like gang busters. We'll see how it goes.

[steve]

What size tank do you have? ebay is a good place to buy cork, unless you buy in bulk, then there are places online for that. How about forging your own super Oasis ramp?

[Lrigyttiw]

I have a 40 gallon breeder tank. I plan on making my own acrylic ramp. Just waiting on my supplies to arrive.

[steve]

Alright, please post a step-by-step

[Lrigyttiw]

Finally, it's done (almost - need new/better non slip grippy thingies for the ramp). Here are some key pics (I took so many):

[Lrigyttiw]

I forgot this one:

[Lrigyttiw]

I love TAP Plastics. My order came within a week, and I got an extra ramp piece for free (7"x29") from which I was able to cut 2 pieces to extend out on either side of the ramp to prevent escapes (Elton escaped last weekend - I was shocked). I used Weld-On #3 and it worked like magic. I had to (Dremel) cut an opening for the output hose but the hole was a bit wide, so I blocked much of it with magical egg crate (siliconed to the outside of the ATBA). I partially covered the outsides with a vinyl beach cling. I let the acrylic solvent/cement harden for about 3 days before putting it on the tank yesterday.

I'm not particularly happy with my reptile carpet (which I velcro'd down) and the non slip grip tub tape (which has come up), so they will be replaced tomorrow. I am putting in the larger Zoo Med Floating Dock under the base of the ATBA because my babies loved sleeping on the Turtle Topper hanging platform, so I'm going to install it under the water, so they can poke their heads up out of it.

This was such a fun project because I designed it on paper, obsessed like crazy about it (even dreaming about it), then built it, and it works. Within 15 minutes of installing it, curious Elton crawled up the platform. I call that a success. The plastic was expensive, but I think it was worth it, because I have an ATBA that fits my tank, that my turts actually enjoy. I'm going to sell the Turtle Topper on Craig's List.

[Lrigyttiw]

98% done. I replaced the reptile carpet today, added plastic flowers and shells, and installed a "modified" large floating dock underneath the ATBA for them to sleep on at night. The new non slip grip "tub tattoos" in the shape of turtles, will be delivered tomorrow. Hopefully they'll stick. If not, I think I'll get thinner acrylic strips and cement them onto the ramp.

[Kansasslider]

My atba was somewhat like yours.
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=34211&start=15

[Lrigyttiw]

I got the idea for TAP Plastics from you.

[Kansasslider]

I'm glad I could help. It looks great!

[steve]

Great work! Nice build thread

[Lrigyttiw]

Finally finished! I put the turtle tub non slip grips on at 1pm, and per the instructions, I'm supposed to let them "set" for 8 hours. Hopefully, they'll stick. If not, I've got a plan C.