How to Make Your Own Water Turtle Dock
Turtles are interesting and relatively low-maintenance pets. When kept under the proper conditions, turtles thrive and require feeding and only occasional cleaning. Turtle tanks can be purchased or homemade, as can many of their supplies -- including the dock. Turtle docks are used to allow aquatic turtles access to dry land for basking purposes. A sturdy, inexpensive dock requires no more than a few simple items and can be made at home.
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Instructions
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1
Measure the width of your turtle tank and make a note of the measurement.
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2
Cut a piece of cork bark to match that measurement.
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3
Place the cork bark over the spot you intend to put your dock without actually placing the cork bark into the tank. Decide how much room your turtles need to bask on the platform. Make sure that the turtles have enough room to bask but that the dock still allows them plenty of room to swim. Trim the cork bark again if necessary.
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4
Wedge the cork bark between the sides of your tank. For small turtles, this should be stable enough. For larger or several turtles, or even for added stability, stack stones beneath either side of the bark to hold it up. You might also trim extra pieces of cork bark and wedge them vertically under each side of the dock to free up more swimming area for your turtle.
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5
Fill the water in your tank until the level is even with your new dock. The dock is now ready to use.
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Tips & Warnings
Driftwood can also be used to create a turtle dock, but requires lots of extra support to stay afloat.
Be sure to thoroughly wash any materials you use to create your turtle dock in order to remove any dirt or substances that might potentially harm your turtle or turtles.
