All Turtles Message Board

Bubonic · Level 2 Joined: 06 Mar 2008 Posts: 81

I wish I hadn't been senselessly enticed by the aesthetic appeal of this dock.

I made sure I got the largest size in order to accommodate my 6 inch slider.

First off, I had to adjust it numerous times so it wouldn't sink, or make him slide off, actually tilting enough to the side to dump him.

I lowered my water level because I figured maybe he'd get more leverage to climb onto the infernal device, and to at least make it so he won't drown on account to the products shoddiness.

It has been since last Friday I've had this, and I have yet to see him successfully mount it since I've balanced it out properly, he gets halfway on then gives up.

If I put him on it, he slides off of it immediately because of the intrusion of me having had put him there against his will.

I am pretty upset, I've already gone overbudget making sure he'd have a nice environment, and now I'm stuck with a stinker of a dock that is preventing him from basking.

Save yourself the trouble, buy something that works.
If you've gotten this awful thing to work, tell me how.

ryanandsuzyro · Level 3 Joined: 19 Nov 2006 Posts: 207

Based on the link you posted in another thread, I believe I use the same kind of dock. I too have the largest size. My Tucker is not as big as your turtle is...

Based on your description, I think the problem you seem to be encountering is that your turtle is too big and heavy for it. Tucker is about five inches and slightly sinks it, but he's able to still get out of the water fully so it's no problem. I am in the process of making him a large, new, non-floating basking platform out of plexiglass because he WILL sink it eventually.

You have discovered the common problem I have noted about turtle-specific accessories - they don't seem to come in sizes useful for full-grown adult turtles! "Turtle"-specific aquariums, filters, docks, etc... many (most?) seem to be made assuming your turtle does not grow past four-five inches.

ryanandsuzyro · Level 3 Joined: 19 Nov 2006 Posts: 207

If you haven't before, go check out the aquarium pictures thread here: http://www.allturtles.com/msgboard/topic6065.html

Some users have been very creative with their docks - and inexpensive.

I-LOVE-TURTLES · Level 3 Joined: 22 Apr 2007 Posts: 262 Location: My House

I have a 6" Red Eared Slider and i have a ZooMeds dock and he is just fine on it. Is your turtle overweight? Maybe that could be the problem?
_________________
3 very funny dachshunds!
1 odd RES

Bubonic · Level 2 Joined: 06 Mar 2008 Posts: 81

Well, my impulse buyer instinct kicked in and before getting back from school I went to this reptile place and got this,

and it better work for the price I paid for it!

Thanks for the advice, and the thread link, there's some pretty impressive stuff on there, I lack the handyman touch though.

He doesn't have chub rolls on him, but I think he is a tad weak.