Making an Above Tank Turtle Basking Platform | Using Acrylic & Aluminum
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- čas přidán 4. 07. 2024
- Linktree to the tools that I use and my other socials:
linktr.ee/buildsbyalexis
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skatethencreateco.etsy.com
Amazon Affiliate Links to products used:
Red Devil 1170 Plexiglass/Acrylic Cutting Tool:
amzn.to/3tHBMfL
OPTIX Clear Acrylic Plastic Sheet - 0.093 Clear - 11 in. x 14 in.:
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OPTIX Clear Acrylic Plastic Sheet - 0.093 Clear - 20 in. x 32 in. :
amzn.to/3et4Tza
OPTIX Clear Acrylic Plastic Sheet - 0.093 Clear - 24 in. x 48 in.
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Optix Clear Acrylic Plastic Sheet - 1/4" - 18" x 24"
amzn.to/3y3iSn7
Online Plastic Supply Acrylic Plexiglass Sheet - 1/4" x 24" x 36"
amzn.to/3oghDw4
The tank I made this basking cover for is a 40 gallon tank.
The basking cover is approx 35 inches by 17 inches and 12 inches tall and cost about $140 in materials.
I used about $30-$40 worth of aluminum angles (3/4" x 3/4")
And 1-2 bottles of super glue. ($5)
www.homedepot.com/p/DAP-Rapid...
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License: CC BY (creativecommons.org/licenses/...) - Jak na to + styl
If you purchase these sheets from stores such as Lowes or Home Depot, they have free cutting areas provided by the employee cuts it for you. Just ask for assistance tell them it's for the top of a turtle tank and provide them the measurements and they'll cut everything for you. The same goes for the metal/aluminum strips, they will cut them for you!
I've never tried to ask them, but if they do, that's good to know!
My only concern if their blade is good enough to cut the sheets without leaving a lot of chip out.
Don't they only cut the length and width not the specialty cuts such as the ramp in this video
Your turtle is strong with the force
You did a great job. Well done. Great visibility of the turtle and You've given me a few ideas for my daughter's tank.
Thanks! Glad you liked it.
You're way better at DIY basking platforms than us! That thing is awesome!
Thanks!
I really like how you tell what tools you used and blades with them
I'm Greatful for your sharin. My Turtle Ott, she's 32 although she's lived in a Mansion, she's in a Condo, she Absolutly deserves better , You've given me ideas so thank you. 👍
Glad to help!
wow...best basking area Ive seen so far, love it....the only thing i would change or should i say add is using artificial grass on the platform and ramp for a much better grip. 10/10
You can tint the window so you can see your turtle but they can't see you and freak out works for my turtles
NICE BASKING AREA ALEXIS GOOD JOB
Thank you very much!
Yup I also think that
Thank you for this. Going to get on my way to building a nice basking area for my rescued 10 year old Red ear slider. I want to give him all the swimming tank space I can in his 75 Gallon. About to adjust for measurements :)
Good luck! And thanks for liking the video!
Solvent welding the acrylic is the WTG! No frame needed when you do that, & your left with one solid piece of acrylic W/O unsightly frames & such.
Thank you SO MUCH!!
GREAT JOB MY BRO...
Thanks Dude!
Bro that was a great idea! I've been trying to find something that fits my tank but it came with a brace in the middle so building it with this materials it's going to workout perfect , thanks !!! You should try to sell it man.
Thanks! Glad you like the video!
Dunno about selling it. Its still a bit flexible, but its good enough for the job, since all it does is sit on top.
Nice job
Thanks!
Please get a better filter for that tank tho! I don't think that small hang on the back filter will keep the tank clean! May I recommend a canister filter rated for double the size tank you have. So for ex. if that's a 40 gallon get a filter rated for 80 to 100 gallons!
I actually got a second filter for that tank eventually, each one is meant for tanks up to 55 gallons. It works pretty well for the most part.
Gracias
THE WHOLE SYSTEM NICE THE FILTER SMALL BUT YOU CORRECT THIS
Thank you, I recently started using 2 filters, the tank is so much cleaner now.
couldn't a piece of egg-crate be used as a ramp attached with zipties through drilled holes in the plexiglass? but I have to say this is really,really nice.
nice video but I can't do all that lol make me one ill pay
Lol
NICE VIDEO
Thanks! Glad you liked the video!
My next project. For happy Turtle
Good luck!
Hope it turns out well!
Why did you double up on the long side angles vs using a flat bar 1/16 in to support the inside and use the lip for the angle to support the dock ? Trying to do the same thing but don’t want to over use material or purchase extras.
If youre referring to doubling up on the angles on the long side at the bottom (4:12) is to be extra strong as its taking the weight of the acrylic platform plus the weight of the turtle. It's possible that only 1 might be needed, but in this case, I wouldn't want to underestimate and potentially have it collapse when its in use and accidently harm the turtle.
Great video and THANK YOU!
How tall did you make your walls?
I'm worried about our heat lamp being too close when I build one. 🤔
I made them about 12 inches tall. I guess it would depend on how strong the lamps are would determine how tall you'd want your basking platform to be.
I worry bout that too, I just turn it on and hold my hand wrist side up 🤔 kinda like checkin ta see if bottles to warm to feed the baby. It worked for me.
what size and gauge aluminum? 1 inch? 1 1/2 inch? I wish I saw this first. now I have to return the wood I just brought home!
also, I think I would buy one size narrower angle for the inside so it doesn't show, yes?
I used 3/4" aluminum brackets and I believe they were 1/8 inch thick. You can use 1" for the outside and 3/4" for thebibaide to not show the overlap.
wouldnt the hea tand UV lamp make the pelxiglass yellow
Not sure. The store bought one seems similar as it also appears to use plexiglass and I've had that for like 2+ years now without yellowing and I've had a led lamp and heat lamp on all the time.
Builds by Alexis- Now that it's been a while, has there been any yellowing?
@@makesandskates id like to know as well
Would you mind sharing the size of your turtle? I have a large RES who will be 20 this year and my concern is his ability to climb up the ramp and also the platform holding him.
Shes about 7 to 8 inches long
Do you think clear silicone would do a better job than super glue?
I haven't used silicone so I don't know how strong it is relative to super glue.
I would look for an adhesive that is strong, can bond between different materials, and can handle different temperatures (this tank can get warm at times due to the basking lamp.
@@makesandskates I was thinking of spraying the aluminum with grill spray paint for the heat resistance so it doesn’t heat up the adhesive as much
@@makesandskates well silicone is what is holding the glass together that makes an aquarium 😂 so pretty strong BUT i think super glue is better for acrylic as its a top tank
I bought a glasscages turtle condo too...the plaform did not make it past thr brace on my 125g. I had to add a piece...they are expensive. I paid like 300.
Yeah, thats exactly why I didnt want to buy another one for my new tank. Its a shame that they are one of the only decent tank condo makers and they cant make a decent ramp, the most important part of the condo.
Also, thanks for watching!
@@makesandskates I got the same condo. My ramp was ok but definitely could have been better you did an awesome job in yours. Thanks for sharing it. How long did it take you to make?
@@jerrymurtland4609 the paint issue made it a lot longer, but if you subtract that, you could do it in a day to a day in a half
I guess on it the time consuming tasks is making sure you got the right dimensions for it to fit into the lip area of the tank. It can be a little smaller than that area, but not bigger.
a few dollars for plexie glass blade cutter
This was before I knew about the cutter. I use it all the time now, lol.
Too bad the turtle is too big for that tank. Now you have to make another one lol
I ended up moving my smaller turtle to this one. The turtle in the video is in the larger tanks I showed in the beginning of the video.
I am willing to pay you to make one for me.
Wish I had the time to offer that type of service.
Can you take Oder. I want one tank please reply me...
I am from Mumbai, India...
Sorry, I dont make these for sale.
@@makesandskates okay Alexis ... If I want this type of tank, where I buy ...? I have two totals ....