Equipment Review and Discussion :: floating platforms with chipping paint

[LaurL55]

Hi all,

Has anyone else experienced chipping paint or color from floating platforms? This is the second one I have gotten and am very annoyed. I'm guessing it's unsafe for the turtle and annoyed that companies sell such things.

On another note, I really like this other ramp platform I have, but it attracts algae under it and eventually I have to replace it.

I'm not the best with building things, but is there an easy simple platform I can buy or make that will last pretty long?

Thanks.

[steve]

I've had paint/coloring fade from those resin platforms due to vigorous cleanings. What kind of platform do you have or want? I've seen some nice acrylic platforms that doesn't contain paint, or if you want something natural, you can go for some cork bark.

[LaurL55]

I have an acrylic one, but it collects algae under it. I guess I want some kind of an island that offers shade and floats and doesn't chip paint.

[steve]

How would it offer shade? I'm not too fond of the islands I tried. I really like using cork bark, it's probably the safest type of basking area you can have.

[woolmanj]

I have used several types of platforms and have not been particularly happy with any of them.

I am now on my third floating Turtle Dock. I think it is the same dock which is described somewhat favorably on a page on this website.

They certainly are attractive looking when they come out of the box and they are light-weight. The fact that they float while attached to the side of the tank is also a plus.

Unfortunately, my Nick likes to knock the bottom suction cups of the wall of his tank and then uses the bottom of the tank attachment to scratch his back (can't remember what the technical name is). The dock still works, but it doesn't look quite as spiffy.

Disturbing to me is the same issue raised in this thread. As with the previous two, when I put the Turtle Dock in the tank for the first time, it immediately begins to flake off paint. I only put my third one in today for the first time and the bottom of the tank is covered with little paint flakes from the turtle dock. This was a continuing issue with my previous two, both in the tank and when I cleaned them.

It would be nice to know whether these paint flakes are toxic to our RES's.

Additionally, it is very hard to clean these Docks due to their rough surface. If you scrub the surface or hit it with a spray of water, more flakes come off. I can handle the unattractive appearance this creates, but I hope the flakes are not harmful to our RES's. I would think there has to be a better way.

Thanks, Peter

[steve]

I'm not a big fan of it... but it is convenient for many keepers. You should consider a platform like this: viewtopic.php?f=6&t=27700