I did something similar for my thrive turtle topper, But instead of glue I used zipties to secure the reptile turf to the mesh itself so that way if I need to replace it for whatever reason I can just snip them and take it off :)

@LongLiveYourTurtle

2 жыл бұрын

That's a great idea! :)

@randomrazr

Жыл бұрын

good call, makes it easier to clean if it gets moldy or something

@SerenoOunce

Жыл бұрын

Another option is threading it on with fishing line. No mess and near invisible. And SS leaders come in handy for hanging items in the tank/terrarium.

@crystallee8273

5 ай бұрын

How would you do that? Did you see a video on the zip ties? Ok I get punch hole through the turf, but how do you get the zip tie through the loft?

Bruh, this is perfect, I've had this turtle topper sitting in my closet for the past year because the turtle couldn't climb up the stupid ramp because it was so slippery and steep, I just happen to have a bunch of turf sitting outside in the shed as well, gonna go work on this tonight. Thanks for sharing this.

Awesome video man, totally gunna try this for my turtle

@LongLiveYourTurtle

2 жыл бұрын

Go for it!

bro u make me laugh "its also not gonna be a dumpster" your delivery so good

I’m glad I found your videos. The Pet Smart product description doesn’t say how large the ramp opening is - can you share this? My 15 yo RES may not fit.

Great video! Thank you!

@LongLiveYourTurtle

Жыл бұрын

Glad you liked it!

How do you clean the turf grass once glued down? Would you replace it with new turf periodically? Any algae build up along the ramp submerged area? Any rust concerns?

Love that basking area! I need to upgrade my turtle and this setup is perfect! What's your filter?

I love this idea, I just received my basking loft and will be modifying it. I have a question about the filter system you are using. Tank looks so clean!

Looks great. But my custom turtle tank is about 20" wide , so it doesn't look like this tank top basker will work for my 10" RES. If you ever have a model that fits 36" L x 20" W x 18" H, I would definitely consider. Thanks.

I just got the loft but on the 40 gallon tank I have it has a solid 2 inches going off the side is that normal?

What is the width of the ramp opening? I am afraid my turtle won't fit.

I bought this enclosure after watching your video thinking I had a 40 gallon tank how would you safety build it if the tank is smaller

lmaooo the video of ur turtle running back into the water was funny

Can you please share the aquarium top you have on the other side? I think it's a glass piece?

how wide is the opening on top of the ramp. my turtle might be 9 inches wide.

So what was the total dimensions that you cut from the roll?

Is the gorilla glue you linked as a alternative in the description safe in the water for the turtle and fish?

Turtle topper also has a lacking ramp. I put ponytail holders on it to give them more grip

@LongLiveYourTurtle

Жыл бұрын

Agreed, it was almost so good...

My turtle is eating the turf off the ramp. What should I do??

Any concern for the turf leaching chemicals into the water?

Hello! i hope everything is well I know this is an older video but I still wanted to pop a question my basking loft does not fit on top of my 75 gallon tank do you think it came messed up? because it does not fit at all and I got my tank from petco and the thrive from PetSmart and it does not seem to fit on top any suggestions?

I copied this setup almost exactly! Using an 80 watt Powersun lamp with the lamp holder extended almost all the way out I am getting a hot spot of 110 degrees with 80-90 degrees being the majority of the basking area. Should I be concerned about this being too hot? My smallest turtle is a 3.5” adult Texas Map

Where can I get this? Been out of stock on petsmart for months. Can't find it anywhere else

Any issues with the turtle going up the ramp? I have to check out with the turf stuff looks good!

Geat video. I'm not sure how this mercury vapor bulb is better than 2 separate UVA, UVB bulbs because don't you have to turn the daylight bulb off at night? I am watching your videos to set up my own Sideneck Turtle Tank and you have been a big help it's just the bulb thing I don't understand. Take care from Niles, OH

Hi I got a turtle from a person it is an adult one around 20 maybe 30 years old and she used to have really small aquarium and since she is adult she had never chance to dive. Do you think she would still be able to dive if I make something similar? Thank you very much I want to change her life for better and cherish her. Thank you for your tips.

Zip tie mechanisms are the best haha

@LongLiveYourTurtle

2 жыл бұрын

No mess!! Haha

It's been so long since you posted, but I bought this yesterday as my RES is just so destructive every intank basking area with tiles and floating docks, sand and rocks all survive only for a few days. However he is in a 40gal breeder with pennplax canister filter, eheim heater, and edge mounted led. Not all of these will work with that one hole. How would you mod this to stay on your 40gal and accommodate your airlines heater and fluval instead of the 75 gal. I don't have room in my house right now for a 75gal. That's my goal though once I move into my other house. My res was a rescue, the little boy who owned him (turned out to be 16yo but wth) and had him in a small 10 gal which my daughter replaced with a used 20L and a small hang on filter. I visited and saw he had shell rot and just enough water to be dangerous if he flipped and got wedged. So the breeder is a total upgrade with this topper at 8in I know he needs more but it's better than 10. Any advice would be 👍

With the heat lamp over the artificial grass, is there in chance of a fire hazard? I know in the Arizona artificial grass gets very hot, and dog paws and people's feet can get burned. Is this something that can happen to my turtle? Thank you!!

Hi! Where did you purchase this basking loft??

Thank you for the video! Any thoughts on how you can easily slim down the width of the topper to fit a tank that's only about 13 inches wide? I know the penn plax topper suits it better, but I don't like the plastic finish on it and the lack of ventilation on the bottom.

@LongLiveYourTurtle

Жыл бұрын

Honestly, best advice I can give is to get a wider tank! Your turtle certainly won't mind ;)

I purchased this loft because I have a 40 gallon tank for my RES and I wanted to raise the water and give him more swimming space. It’s been two days and he will not go up the ramp. I put the turf on the ramp and the loft area for grip and to protect his nails. I also put him in the loft area but he only stays for 5 minutes and then goes back in the water. I have a iv light and basking light up there, so if he doesn’t go up there he will not be able to bask. Suggestions….. before I return it and go back to a pile of rocks in the tank for his basking area.

I prefer a uvb strip and a separate heat bulb. That way they are getting full uvb even on the outer bands of the heat.

@LongLiveYourTurtle

Жыл бұрын

That is a great way too! Thanks!

What's the measurement for the turff

Will it fit on a 55 gallon? I’m getting my turtle a new tank and I really want her to have the perfect home

I have used this topper and after a year it started to rust, it was covered in calcium build up, and the paint chipped. I just through it out because I couldn't clean it without chipping the black paint off. Also, I have tried using turf for my RES, and she ate it, she was pooping our turf for weeks after, just be aware if your turtles eats everything like mine does. Still trying to build the perfect bask area. Also, side tip for the ramp, I ended up going with a silicone mat with ridges that I found on amazon and I just zip tied it to the ramp, and it was perfect and easy to clean!

@LongLiveYourTurtle

9 ай бұрын

Great tips and info, thanks!

@JameGoFast

9 ай бұрын

what's a res

Please can you make another one. I’m struggling to find a platform for my turtles they are both large and in the uk, they only sell suction platforms 😞

Is your turtle a full size adult? Mine are about 15 years old so they are big. What are the dimensions of that hole the ramp comes up? I don't want mine getting stuck if it is too small.

Awesome! I have the same topper and light but, don’t have a uvb test meter. About how high would you think is adequate for the bulb to be for the turtles??

@LongLiveYourTurtle

2 жыл бұрын

Check the instruction manual for your bulb. It should tell you what height range is best!

Do u make or sell Tank set ups for people???

This is great advise. Been having trouble with the one I bought. Turtle can’t climb the ramp and goes down it like a roller coaster. Also claws get caught in the mesh. Glad I was watching it when it happened but my turtles back claws got caught in the mesh as it started to got down the ramp. The ramp was too slick and steep for my turtle to back up so it was stuck at the top of the ramp. If I hadn’t have been there to help I worry what might have happened

@LongLiveYourTurtle

2 жыл бұрын

OH NO! Glad your turtle had you watching closely. Yes without the mod the basker is not the greatest, better than most but not quite perfect.

What watt of heat bulb do you use on this basking area? I made one similar out of crate and I use 100 watt heating bulb and the area only gets up to around 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Shouldn’t the temp be more closer to 90-95?

@LongLiveYourTurtle

2 жыл бұрын

I shoot for 90. Can you move the lamp closer? Sounds like your ambient temp is pretty cool. Check UVB but go as close as you can to heat up the area. Also remember your turtle has a height to the top of the shell too!

How do I order 1

Hello Guys, i do live in Europe (in Austria to be precise) and i am trying to order this product but in the company does not deliver internationally and i havent found any alternative here in Europe. Caan anyone help me or has suggestions how i could order this? cheers

I have a res and I've glued rubber shelf lining to the ramp and have the reptile carpet on the screen, but she seems to have a really hard time climbing still. How high should the water be in my tank? it is 40 gallons and my turtle likes to stand and stick her nose up for air so I don't want it to be too full where she can't do that.

@LongLiveYourTurtle

2 жыл бұрын

I suggest filling the tank all the way up, that way the ramp is easier to climb. You can get a floating log/floating dock so that your turtle could hold onto that and stick there head out. Otherwise you’ll need something easier to climb, hope that helps!!

yo i have tank i think 90 gallons it 130cmx60x55 and need a strong desk or chest of draws or something that will hold it please someone help me it weighs about 90kg or 185pounds empty

Yeah I bought this as well and the ramp was pretty much a slip and slide. Turt couldn't use it at all. I took it back as soon as I could. Glad you modded it to work though, but I was kinda just done. It's like not enough thought was put into the product which was just weird enough for me to just give up on it. Why make something for turtles that can't actually be used by the turtles right out the box, right?

@JameGoFast

9 ай бұрын

fr and it's like $80 too and they couldn't even think about the material of ramp or even just the ANGLE HELLO THEY NEED TO BE ABLE TO WALK UP IT 😂

Huh, so you know how the mesh on the basking platform has diamond-shaped holes? On yours (on the side with the stand, at least), they're vertical while on ours, they're horizontal as with the other sides. This kinda made it a little harder to tighten the zip ties as they were wider than the holes were and thus couldn't bend properly, but with some pliers and extra force I was able to flatten them relatively well. No deal breaker, just a little more tedious. On a separate note, I would LOVE to find out if there's a way to swap out the mesh on the sides for glass or some kind of acrylic for a truly clear view into the platform itself. I don't dare unscrew all the panels and take it fully apart though, for now at least.

@LongLiveYourTurtle

Жыл бұрын

Hey, strange! glad you were able to figure it out. I would say your best bet is snipping out the screen and gluing on acrylic sheets (maybe incorporating brackets of some kind as well for corners. Very destructive though so be careful and plan it all out! Thanks for the comment!

Try a reptile fake dirt mat. It's rough but not rough. More grip

This is basically what I did but with reptile carpet! But now I need help trying to figure out how to widen the ramp! My turtle is getting so big, she just fits!

@LongLiveYourTurtle

2 жыл бұрын

Awesome! Hmmm, that's a good project. Don't tempt me!

@Rainbow-jq7gi

Жыл бұрын

Idk if you already figured something out, but i saw someone attach a floating basking dock instead of the ramp. The ramp is gonna be hard to remove but it’s doable

Thanks for this review and upgrade advice! What kind of sand did you use for substrate?

@LongLiveYourTurtle

Жыл бұрын

I used Pool filter sand for this setup: amzn.to/3o69med

@buffordchemistry3460

9 ай бұрын

Thank you!! :) @@LongLiveYourTurtle

looking at a 80w power sun can i put that and the housing right on top of the mesh? or will it become too hot and too much uvb? the meter is expensive so trying to do it without having to test

@LongLiveYourTurtle

3 ай бұрын

You'll have to refer to the UVB chart for distance, I try to set it at the lower bound (closer) with wire mesh tops. However I do think 80 watts will be too hot, even 50 might be depending on your climate. Good luck!

How many watts

I have a really large turtle... is there any way of making the hole larger so she can fit up in there?

@hardkore360

2 ай бұрын

Any luck? I have the same question

What’s the name of your fishes in the tank ?

So where do you put the uvb light in this setup?

@LongLiveYourTurtle

Жыл бұрын

He mercury vapor basking bulb emits heat, uva and uvb. It’s my favorite type of bulb!

how long do you get with the turf before you have to change it from it seating in the water

@LongLiveYourTurtle

Жыл бұрын

Years! If it starts to get dirty give it a good scrub and it should be back to business!

Could you give me ideas on widening the opening for my turtles to climb. They are getting way too big to climb in that smaller opening. I have this on a 150 gal tank. plus we added on the actual ramp to make it longer and give them something to rest on.

@LongLiveYourTurtle

2 жыл бұрын

I was thinking the same thing when reviewing this product. Only thin i can think of is to cut a hole in the screen, around the current ramp to remove basically a half of the base. Then use acrylic the size of the original base, and bend it at the cut so it makes a ramp. Then glue reptile turf or small tiles to the ramp so your turtle can climb up. Glue the flat part onto the existing (remaining) base. A lot of work but it should do the trick. Check out some of my other builds to see how I use acrylic this way. Thanks!

@karlirose88

Жыл бұрын

You might have to make your own bigger turtle topper with ramp out of egg crate and AstroTurf or reptile carpet and Zipties. It’s honestly not that hard you may be able to buy the egg crate from hardware store or aquarium store👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻🙏🏻🤞🏻 good luck

I cant seem to get one of those thrive basking lofts. Ive been trying for months and its sold out and doesn’t seem like it will be coming back any time soon. Do you have any similar recommendations that not a diy?

@LongLiveYourTurtle

Жыл бұрын

Mine ;) www.etsy.com/listing/1318779865/turtle-basker-4500-above-tank-basking?ref=listings_manager_grid

Bro it's perfect except one issue I would change use a fish safe glue for the turf. Non- fish safe glue will contaminate the water quality and isn't safe for anything that swims in it. Other then that awesome work man.

@LongLiveYourTurtle

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the info. Normal hot glue is inert once dried so it is safe for turtles!

@masonhigginbotham9375

11 ай бұрын

@@LongLiveYourTurtlewhat about that gorilla glue you linked in description as an alternative? I wasn’t thinking about this but I used that instead and since the ramp is going to be submerged under water I was concerned it could contaminate the water

If I have the tank filled with water. Can the turtle push the lid off and climb out?

@LongLiveYourTurtle

2 жыл бұрын

As long as the lid has some weight to it, your turtle should not be able to escape. Give it a light tug to test.

Looks like they no longer sell this topper. Can I find it somewhere else?

@LongLiveYourTurtle

6 ай бұрын

longliveyourturtle.etsy.com/listing/1506627608/turtle-basker-5000-above-tank-basking

would this basking ramp fit a 29 gallon tank? 30”x12”?

@LongLiveYourTurtle

Жыл бұрын

It would not, tank must be about 18.25 inches wide

Astro turf gets super hot and can melt from heat lamp. Have you had any issue with this?

@LongLiveYourTurtle

Жыл бұрын

Hi! No it doesn’t get nearly hot enough for that. Should only reach 100 deg F max at the basking area if you have everything setup correctly.

i wish the ramp wasn't as steep i'm returning mine and just gonna make my own cause my turtle can not get up the ramp even with grass on it lol i saw him using all of his cute little power to try 😂

On my thrive turtle basking station I tried both the artificial grass and reptile mat. Both kept moisture, didn’t dry out once wet from the turtle climbing out of the water and started to smell. The basking station around the edges also started to rust after a few months since the paint on the station is not a true weather proofing paint. Great concept and the nicest one available out there…just a waste of money due to rusting 2-4 months down the road.

@LongLiveYourTurtle

2 жыл бұрын

That’s a bummer, i wondered about corrosion. You can try a tile from the hardware store for the upper surface. You can use an 18x18 and get it cut at some stores for free.

@jackiebradford395

2 жыл бұрын

yep.…already tried the tile since it’s also better for a true basking area. Unfortunately the corrosion then goes under the tile due to moisture building up under the tile. The most corrosion where the paint peels off is on those inside edges where the tile didn’t even touch. There were 3 areas where the powder coat failed on the unit. I’m in contact with the district manager for my neighborhood Pet Smart and he is supposed to take care of things for me thigh since I don’t have my receipt from 9 months ago, he is making me go thru my bank statements. Pet Smart doesn’t have any customer receipts in their system past 60 days so they make things hard for the customer on failed products past those 60 days. This is my second unit that has failed and I’m done with this turtle basking station until Pet Smart can get with the vendor on a better paint job to stand up to the turtle elements. Not able to download a picture of all the rust on the station…otherwise I would. Now I know why so many folks just made their own basking stations…cheaper and holds up to corrosion better than the Pet Smart metal basking station.

@Vicious642

2 жыл бұрын

I'm really glad I read your review. I was thinking about buying one for my reeves turtle. But I think I'm just gonna stick with the zoo med turtle basking platform that floats and sticks to the side of the glass. I don't want to deal with rust.

Can I leave the first zoo lander lamp on top cover top

@LongLiveYourTurtle

Жыл бұрын

Its a bit close, you would really need check temps if you want to consider it.

This would be PERFECT for my 10yo YBS, but its too small for her tank!! Ho can I make this fit my 75G??

@LongLiveYourTurtle

Жыл бұрын

This will fit on a 75 but check the opening size for your turtle. If it’s too small you’ll have to mod it! This could be a challenge but fun if you are up for it!

What I do to help my turtle stop hitting the wall on the way out?

@LongLiveYourTurtle

Жыл бұрын

Bigger tank with more room to slide in :)

Hi! What’s the basking spot temp? I’m worried with the 100w it’ll get too hot

@lonniechancellor6405

2 жыл бұрын

for u answer i look up if u have a small tank 50 watts to 75 watts is plenty but if u have a big tank setup then 100 watts will be fine

@brentwoodley3172

2 жыл бұрын

High 80 to low 90 is perfect

@LongLiveYourTurtle

2 жыл бұрын

Its all about the bulb and the height of the bulb! Check the bulb instruction manual for UVB and use a thermometer for temp!

Did your turtle take several days before going up there for the 1st time? Mine is going on 5 days and has not gone up yet. Very active 1 year old, skittish when startled like most turtles.

My turtle is 12 inches, how big is the ramp, and she does not like the green stuff. She will only go up the egg crate and I put a plastic outdoor tile/stone like for the base. Where did you get the topper?

What filter should I use for for turtle I got a 40 gallon tank

@LongLiveYourTurtle

4 ай бұрын

Penn Plax canister filters are great, I know they can feel like overkill but it’s very worth it with a turtle.

@SamanthaSalisbury1077

4 ай бұрын

@@LongLiveYourTurtle thank you, && another question can I get some of your ideas setting stuff in the basking area, && what kind of stuff to put into the basking area

What grass did you use

@LongLiveYourTurtle

26 күн бұрын

This was basic turf grass from a giant roll in a hardware store. Pure plastic, no extra chemicals or additives.

Where did you get the turf from?????

@LongLiveYourTurtle

Жыл бұрын

Hardware store! Comes in a big roll.

What stand did you use? We have purchased two, but the tops are an inch too small. I don't want to spend a lot of money on stand. Any suggestions?

@karlirose88

Жыл бұрын

Make your own stand with egg crate

Do you have any internal Turtle filter recommendations?

@LongLiveYourTurtle

2 жыл бұрын

I do not. I don’t like them, I’m a canister filter guy all the way! Sorry for the lack of help.

@zericsigmonjr.5954

10 ай бұрын

@longliveyourturtle any canister filter recommendations? 40gal tank

I put a zoo med ramp on mine today

@LongLiveYourTurtle

2 жыл бұрын

Awesome way to do it!

I wish Thrive would make this exact same turtle topper for a 13 inch wide 55 gallon tank :/

@redeclipzegsx

Жыл бұрын

Actually nevermind I’m going to get the best of the best for my little guy and get him a nice wide breeder tank so I can get this exact turtle topper!

I have three turtles I bought that basking Platform after one year it started to rust The screen rusted the brace is rusted and I end up wasting my money cause. I throw it out and built 1on my own

The link to the basker doesn't work

@LongLiveYourTurtle

2 жыл бұрын

Should work now!

Do you think this could hold a full grown RES?

@LongLiveYourTurtle

Жыл бұрын

Unfortunately no, the ramp and opening to the basking area are too small, good for a growing turtle though!

LLYT💞can I diy this particular top to a size 18 wide tank?

@Nightxday0

21 күн бұрын

It’s already 18 inches wide 🤦‍♂️

Do you make these for ppl?

@LongLiveYourTurtle

Ай бұрын

I sell something similar! longliveyourturtle.etsy.com/listing/1671157298

Hello, does anyone know if the ramp/opening to the basking area would be big enough for a female red bellied cooter?

Is that a basking bulb

@LongLiveYourTurtle

Жыл бұрын

For this basking setup, 80 watt zoo med powersun. Always check temps and UVB distance for your particular setup. amzn.to/3O1U5Ka

About the turf: So you actually bought the full (I think it was something like 6ft) long roll of turf, and just cut off the length you needed for the Thrive? We just got back from Lowe's and Home depot, and neither were able to give us a smaller size. We're stumped. We really love the look and feel of the turf they have, but don't need that extra material. Other options through Amazon aren't that promising either though, and I misunderstood thinking you had gotten a smaller size for yourself. We might actually consider getting the full length roll even if it means storing the rest of it elsewhere, if that's what you did.

@LongLiveYourTurtle

Жыл бұрын

Hey! Great question. So I had that roll for other projects so it was multi-purpose for me. If you cannot find a similar product online in a smaller size you might be out of luck if you want to use that kind of turf. Only other suggestion is trying the reptile carpet as that will be a smaller size with less potential for waste. Hope that helps and thanks for the comment!

@MizaT11

Жыл бұрын

​@@LongLiveYourTurtle Ah that's a bummer. We found some turf at Home Depot that we REALLY liked, but yeah. We've gone ahead and ordered the reptile carpet, even if its not as nice looking. Technically not as cheap per sq ft, but much less waste and still maneageable. We were impatient and went ahead and installed the thrive dock anyway, using a kitchen towel and a washcloth zip tied to the mesh so she can climb up and roam around until the carpet arrives on Sunday. Will be attempting your glass cover next as well! Thanks for the response :)

I was having trouble with this specific enclosure. And this pops up. I don’t know which fbi agent watching me but thank you. 😂

@LongLiveYourTurtle

Жыл бұрын

Haha, You're very welcome!

Weird that they didn’t put a plastic bottom in like the Penn Plaxx basking station.

@LongLiveYourTurtle

2 жыл бұрын

Agreed, not great for turtle claws!

Benim kaplumbağamada böyle bişey lazım fakat Türkiye ye gönderim yokmuş😞

@brentwoodley3172

2 жыл бұрын

You can build one watch his other one on building one out of egg crate I built the same one

@berrin2020

2 жыл бұрын

@@brentwoodley3172 Teşekkür ederim🥰

Nice but doesn’t fit on 125 gallon tank

@LongLiveYourTurtle

2 жыл бұрын

How wide is your 125?

i got this platform. rusted to basically nothing in about 12 months.

@LongLiveYourTurtle

6 ай бұрын

Oh no! Check out the LLYT version: longliveyourturtle.etsy.com/listing/1506627608/turtle-basker-5000-above-tank-basking

I live in Australia so I can't get t

The Thrive is WAY too big for a standard 40 gallon tank!

@LongLiveYourTurtle

Жыл бұрын

What’s your standard 40? Only 40 I ever see is a breeder, which is a good width for turtles.

@rp7326

Жыл бұрын

@@LongLiveYourTurtle ... I must have an odd 40. Dimensions are 36L x 15W.

It was a waste of money for me. My turtles hate this basking set up. :(

80 watt that’s to much

@LongLiveYourTurtle

Жыл бұрын

Then you need to raise the basking lamp higher or look at getting a heat bulb and uvb that are separate (have not seen a mercury vapor bulb under 80 watts by a reputable company)

Hello! i hope everything is well I know this is an older video but I still wanted to pop a question my basking loft does not fit on top of my 75 gallon tank do you think it came messed up? because it does not fit at all and I got my tank from petco and the thrive from PetSmart and it does not seem to fit on top any suggestions?