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I've seen threads about it, and some of you are tired of hearing about it, but it is time we clear the air about this product. The web seems to lack a solid review, so I'll take a stab at it.

The Turtle Topper goes for about 50 USD shipped online. This is comparable to the price of the Large Zoomed Turtle Dock which is goes around 35 USD. Right out of the box you can tell it is a sturdy product. It weighs around six pounds and is about 17" long. It comes with a set of directions and in minutes you have it set up and ready to go. This basking area sits on top of the tank and fits most tanks under and including 55 gallons. The suction cups secure the basking area in place and there is nothing to worry about. The hood comes with a removable "screen" on top and has a long rim on each side for the use of clamp lamps. While the topper looks natural, the feel is rather plastic-like, unlike the Zoomed Turtle Docks. The ramp, however, is sturdy and has ridges to help your turtle get up and down and has a maximum water line for novices to ensure they do not fill their tank up too high to make for an easy escape. The topper also has a below water basking area which is a neat and useful idea that is not implemented in many tanks. The basking area itself is rather large. I have two medium sized turtles and both can fit in it. However, they seem to be hesitant to use it and shoot down when they come down. Overall, it will do what you need it to and maximize the space in your aquarium. It looks good, and is affordable.

Pros: Affordable, natural looking, practical, below water basking area, easy to set up.

Cons: Can make one for cheaper, only goes up to 55 gallon tanks, lips for clamp lamps could be improved

4.5/5 stars

Good review! Thanks! I have been wondering about that. It's definitely a cool idea.

On the sliding down - it might just take your turtles time to figure out how to lower themselves down slowly. When I first made Frankie's atba, she would shoot down the ramp. I put some non-stick cupboard liner on the ramp, but it wore off pretty quickly. She eventually figured out how to walk down it without sliding. She just digs her front paws in. Your turts may be able to figure out the same eventually

Um, in one of the threads on here, somebody actually posted an infomercial from youtube that describes everything you wrote. It's a fine review that you did, very nicely written, but you didn't have to go through the trouble.

Was it designed with turtles in mind, by a person who owns turtles himself? Yeah, it was. But I just feel like a dude who has had turtles, should know the reality that you can't use the turtle topper forever, and will eventually have to resort to other means in the future. They don't make one for a full grown turtle. I think most of the reasons why people give up their adult turtles is because of a lack of a good basking area (tank sizes don't seem that big of an issue to me).

I have an EPT, which pretty much peaks at 5 or 6 inches, so she could use the turtle topper for the rest of her life. My RES on the other hand will eventually out grow it. If they make one for larger tanks, I'd buy it. It will last long, looks great, and works. You just have to realize that it is practical, and that not everyone has an RES.

Great review Adam! Thanks for writing it. It's good to see a turtle owners review as opposed to an ad.

Thanks. I just wanted to inform people about this. If you can make your own, great, go for it. However, I wanted to let people know that this will not be a waste of your money but there are things people should know before buying it. I was not lucky enough to find a review so I took the chance and got it, luckily I don't regret it.

E-Bay: http://cgi.ebay.com/Aquatic-Turtle-Tank ... 286.c0.m14



YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LICy7PWiCQg

I'm a former cabinetmaker and, like many others here, could not find a topper that could accommodate Floyd and his new tank. I made one out of oak, but am switching to white ash to match the rest of my living room furniture.

If anyone is interested in the one I have, or would like a custom topper (or stand for that matter), please contact me.

PS - Marisa (moderator) told me I could post here!

This one is 48x18, 12" tall, plexiglass windows. $50 plus shipping

Thanks for the review! Since it was so positive I bought one and my RES loves it. When I first installed it he was biting it though. XD

I was also kind of worried he would be too heavy to get up there on his own but this morning soon after the basking light came on he went on up. I'm so proud of him. <3