Styrofoam turtle Dock

This is my tutorial on making a styrofoam turtle dock. I seen everybody else was making them, so I thought, " Why not?". It is my own design and if there are any additional concerns or suggestions on improving it, feel free to comment. The turtles love it, as their old zoo med dock was too small, and they weren't comfortable on it. I am only a teenager, but I have tons of experience with turtles. I have reared 8 from hatching, and other turtle lovers will know how hard it is. I currently own a 5 year old Western Painted, and a 3 year old Eastern Painted. If you're sick of that old zoomed (cork) dock, that your turtles can't even lay on without it being wet, then listen up.

P.S. Very wet turtle docks are a cause of shell rot. If conditions show, leave them in a dry tank overnight, and feed them dog food.(the dry stuff)  This is one of the best known ways of fixing it. Conditions should improve.

Step 1 Step 1: Supplies

"All of these supplies should cost a max of  $20.00."


1. A large piece of styrofoam( take size slightly larger than tank, so it fits tight) White,
compressed styrofoam.

2. LOW TEMPERATURE  glue gun. This is important because a high temp glue gun will only melt the styrofoam. It should be smaller and will have blue label saying low temp. I bought the mini gluesticks. I found out from the manufacturer that there are NO toxic additives or compounds. However, if you're still concerned about toxicity, feel free to use an aquarium sealant or epoxy instead.


3. A very sharp knife.You should have one at home. ( For slicing the styrofoam, and turtle dock)


4. Assorted SMOOTH rocks, fake or real plants, whatever you want on your new dock. Be Creative!


( You need smooth rocks, because sharp aquarium gravel will damage shells) 

Comments

[luperion]

very nice! dock looks great, instructions were clear and good, pics were just what they needed to be and told the story well, and your naration was awesome and witty. I love your Turtles! I have a 3 year old red eared slider :)

[chrysemyspicta]

thank you, and nice! I also have a baby Ornate Pacman and a 4 year old Albino African Clawed Frog.

[chrysemyspicta]

Why thank you

[ChrysN]

Nice.