How do i make a good basking area?

Question

i have a 180 gallon tank, its a big sucker.. i plan on making a big basking area, im just wondering what would be the best way would be

ive seen them made in the tank above the water, aswell as ontop of the tank.. constructing one is no problem.. im a carpenter so working with plastic metal and wood come naturally..

im just looking for the cheapest and most space efficiant way to create an area for him.. i dont want it to look tacky either .. michaelangelo needs to live in a s**y pad lol

Answer 1

It really depends on Michaelangelo's species.

A desert dweller will love a nice big branch under the basking light set over a sandy substrate. (nice and dry)

A tropical species will like a nice big bracnch over water or a damp substrate such as coconut fiber. (nice and humid)

Answer 2

Check the pix about 1/4 the way down on this page...it offers several suggestions.  I'd use natural rock/slate stacked.  Be careful they can't come loose and fall on the turtle!

http://www.austinsturtlepage.com/Care/ho...