Above-tank basking areas, esp DIY

[Moozillion]

What do yall like to use for above-tank basking areas?
I'm planning on using plastic light diffuser tied together with cable ties. I figure I should add soft plastic window screen for him to walk on.
But am open to ideas that others have found useful!

 

[TammyJ]

I don't have any turtles now. But I would like to see your turtle setup when it's done!

 

[Paschendale52]

I've seen several of the plastic light diffuser held together areas work. I've really liked the look of the extruded aluminum with acrylic panels on mine. Its a little pricier, but the assembly is dead simple. Its 8020.net parts. It helps that my aquarium has ~1" thick edges rather than the standard framed aquarium edges which are much thinner.

 

[Moozillion]

I've seen several of the plastic light diffuser held together areas work. I've really liked the look of the extruded aluminum with acrylic panels on mine. Its a little pricier, but the assembly is dead simple. Its 8020.net parts. It helps that my aquarium has ~1" thick edges rather than the standard framed aquarium edges which are much thinner.

Where did you get yours?

 

[Moozillion]

I don't have any turtles now. But I would like to see your turtle setup when it's done!

I will certainly post photos once all is said and done! 😃👍

 

[Paschendale52]

Where did you get yours?

I assembled mine, but the parts I measured the lengths of aluminum we needed and purchased it from 8020.net

80/20 Aluminum T-slot Building Systems | 80/20 Aluminum Extrusions

T-Slots, aluminum extrusions, and parts. Architectural solutions and frames for industrial machine guards, workstations, data center enclosures, and more. Build your idea with 80/20 today.

8020.net

The extruded aluminum:

T-Slot Aluminum Extrusion Profiles | Framing Options | 10 Series

Aluminum T-slot profiles are a modular framing solution for your 80/20 project. 10 Series profiles available in a variety of shapes and finishes. Visit 8020.net for more info.

8020.net

The flat plates:

External Fasteners | Aluminum Extrusion Fastening | Shop 80/20

80/20 external fasteners for T-slot and Ready Tube profiles: 45 degree supports, flat joining plates, brackets, gussets & corners. Visit 8020.net for more info.

8020.net

And then assembly is just screwing it together with the recommended screws.

The 1/8" thick acrylic I just measured the distance needed and called a local plastics company to cut the panels.

I think the total cost for the aluminum and acrylic was like $200.

 

[Moozillion]

I assembled mine, but the parts I measured the lengths of aluminum we needed and purchased it from 8020.net

80/20 Aluminum T-slot Building Systems | 80/20 Aluminum Extrusions

T-Slots, aluminum extrusions, and parts. Architectural solutions and frames for industrial machine guards, workstations, data center enclosures, and more. Build your idea with 80/20 today.

8020.net

The extruded aluminum:

T-Slot Aluminum Extrusion Profiles | Framing Options | 10 Series

Aluminum T-slot profiles are a modular framing solution for your 80/20 project. 10 Series profiles available in a variety of shapes and finishes. Visit 8020.net for more info.

8020.net

The flat plates:

External Fasteners | Aluminum Extrusion Fastening | Shop 80/20

80/20 external fasteners for T-slot and Ready Tube profiles: 45 degree supports, flat joining plates, brackets, gussets & corners. Visit 8020.net for more info.

8020.net

And then assembly is just screwing it together with the recommended screws.

The 1/8" thick acrylic I just measured the distance needed and called a local plastics company to cut the panels.

I think the total cost for the aluminum and acrylic was like $200.

Thank you SO MUCH!!!!

 

[Moozillion]

Paschendale52- which specific tubing did you use? They’ve got sooooo many…😱

And did you build to set it on TOP of the tank rim, or to sit INSIDE on the rim ledge?

 

[Paschendale52]

I like the black 1" square, you can plan it to only have slots on the sides you use, or just get it with the slots all the way around which is what I do. The silver (non-anodized) is a bit cheaper, and looks good. I just like the sleek black look.

I set it on top of the aquarium, but mine don't have those ledges and stuff because they're the plywood/epoxy aquariums so I have a thicker top.

1010-Black

1.00” X 1.00” T-Slotted Profile - Four Open T-Slots

8020.net