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Serious ramp issue

PostPosted: Fri Aug 04, 2017 7:59 pm
by TurtleHeaven
Today is Red's first day in his new 120 gallon tank. He adjusted very quickly and has used the basking platform three times today; however, when he exits he ends up slamming into the tank. I haven't seen it, but I certainly heard it. I think that maybe...
The ramp is too long?
The ramp is too steep?
I need to raise the water level (can add another two inches)?
I need to move the platform further to the end? My husband will have to cut into the basking platform to accommodate the output hose.
All of the above?

All suggestions are welcomed... thank you

Re: Serious ramp issue

PostPosted: Fri Aug 04, 2017 10:52 pm
by litefoot
Any pictures of it ? But yes , sometimes turtles enter the water very fast if startled by anything. A noise in the house , TV ... even a draft will get there attention. Must make sure they have a safe entrance into water , including the glass tank or sharp underwater rocks. Can the ramp go long ways with tank with little modification.

Re: Serious ramp issue

PostPosted: Sat Aug 05, 2017 11:54 am
by steve
13 or so years later, still happens with my turtles. Most of the time they move slowly and slide off, other times they launch off.

Re: Serious ramp issue

PostPosted: Mon Aug 07, 2017 11:44 am
by rambologic
Same story here, my turtles usually launch off their basking platform when they are startled. I try to keep the area immediately around the platform free. No decorations or anything like that.

Re: Serious ramp issue

PostPosted: Tue Aug 15, 2017 5:35 pm
by TurtleHeaven
Thank you, everyone, for your reassurances. I so love this site. As it turned out, the solution was for me to completely enclose his basking area which is 2x2x1 . I had initially only covered three sides because we wanted to be able to see him. However, it appeared to not give him the sense of security he needed. It has been over a week since we heard any crashing. He feels so comfortable now, that a missile can go off next to the tank and he won't even flinch. Yesterday he spent over six hours up there, and I feared he had died... until I heard the now common gentle splash and he assured me he had only gone to heaven.

Re: Serious ramp issue

PostPosted: Tue Aug 15, 2017 5:59 pm
by rambologic
Curious as to what your basking spot looks like. Glad you found a solution!

Re: Serious ramp issue

PostPosted: Tue Aug 15, 2017 10:08 pm
by TurtleHeaven
Two photos here... inside and outside.
Outside.jpeg
Inside.jpeg
Nothing fancy, but Red loves it. Can't see from the photos, but there is an 18 inch clearance from where he launches off the platform to the end of the tank.

Re: Serious ramp issue

PostPosted: Tue Aug 15, 2017 10:55 pm
by steve
Impressively nice and clean looking! He looks like he's flying :)

Re: Serious ramp issue

PostPosted: Tue Aug 15, 2017 11:33 pm
by litefoot
Very Nice !

Re: Serious ramp issue

PostPosted: Thu Aug 17, 2017 1:05 am
by rambologic
Looks great!