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Thread: Tortoise Tank Build out..

  1. #1
    Administrator brewmaster15's Avatar
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    Default Tortoise Tank Build out..

    I've a group of Red footed Tortoises that I am raising to eventually Breed... In the Summers they are outside, winters they spend the time indoors in tanks. They have out grown the tank and we decided to build a Tortoise tank in the family room (my old fishroom). Above the tank will be a lego table/ project table for the kids..

    The tank is just short of 10 feet and 33 inches wide... I'll be putting it on wheels as I need to easily move it out to clean ... and because I still have to tile the floor,LOL.



    The Project is a joint project by "ABE " Construction.. A=Al, B= Becky, E= Ethan.











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  2. #2
    Administrator brewmaster15's Avatar
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    Default Re: Tortoise Tank Build out..

    Projects we do usually entail reusing old stuff.. all the plywood is re-purposed, the primer paint was a craigslist freebie ( Kiltz), even the wheels are re-purposed from an old rack I had.

    al
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  3. #3
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    Default Re: Tortoise Tank Build out..

    Thought I would document the whole process here... at this point we are painting and sealing... which brings me to a question for all you.
    I need this to be really waterproof at the base... I plan on building a large soaking tub for them in there and its going to get messy and wet... I'll be caulking the seams of the floor, but what would you suggest as a sealer... Marine epoxy like is used in wood fish tanks? I was almost tempted to try and tile it or use a linoleum floor? What ever it is, nothing when toxic when dried.


    Thoughts or suggestions?
    al
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  4. #4
    Administrator brewmaster15's Avatar
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    Default Re: Tortoise Tank Build out..

    AquaticSuppliers.com Freeze Dried BlackWorms and other foods your Discus will Love!!!


    >>>>>I am a science guy.. show me the science minus the BS

    Al Sabetta
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    I take Pics.. click here for my Flickr images

  5. #5
    Registered Member nc0gnet0's Avatar
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    Default Re: Tortoise Tank Build out..

    I'll be caulking the seams of the floor, but what would you suggest as a sealer.

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  6. #6
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    Default Re: Tortoise Tank Build out..

    looks good, but not cheap! have you used this stuff Rick?

    al
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  7. #7
    Registered Member nc0gnet0's Avatar
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    Default Re: Tortoise Tank Build out..

    Yup works great. Your right about the not cheap part, but nothing comes to mind atm that meets those requirements

    Another option might be several coats of Thompsons, then cover with a pond liner, than something over that. pond liner alone might be prone to rips with the turtles claws over time.
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  8. #8
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    Default Re: Tortoise Tank Build out..

    Quote Originally Posted by nc0gnet0 View Post
    Yup works great. Your right about the not cheap part, but nothing comes to mind atm that meets those requirements

    Another option might be several coats of Thompsons, then cover with a pond liner, than something over that. pond liner alone might be prone to rips with the turtles claws over time.
    you might be onto something There Rick.. something like the Pond liner has benefits.... I could maybe make a fastening system like they use on pick up truck covers. The benefit would be to make it removable. Cleaning could be as easy as lifting out of the tank, carrying out to the compost pile as I use shredded bark as bedding.

    hmmmmm..
    thanks,
    al
    AquaticSuppliers.com Freeze Dried BlackWorms and other foods your Discus will Love!!!


    >>>>>I am a science guy.. show me the science minus the BS

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  9. #9
    Registered Member nc0gnet0's Avatar
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    Default Re: Tortoise Tank Build out..

    If you want to get really fancy you can use a product called envirotex lite and do something like this:



    But now I am giving away my DIY project lol...........
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  10. #10
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    Default Re: Tortoise Tank Build out..

    Quote Originally Posted by nc0gnet0 View Post
    If you want to get really fancy you can use a product called envirotex lite and do something like this:



    But now I am giving away my DIY project lol...........
    lol.. no worrries Rick, "ABE" construction only works on low budget projects.
    AquaticSuppliers.com Freeze Dried BlackWorms and other foods your Discus will Love!!!


    >>>>>I am a science guy.. show me the science minus the BS

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    I take Pics.. click here for my Flickr images

  11. #11
    Registered Member nc0gnet0's Avatar
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    Default Re: Tortoise Tank Build out..

    LOL, that is a table the people made out of Lake Erie stones and a garage sale table.
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  12. #12
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    Default Re: Tortoise Tank Build out..

    Lake Erie has got some weird stuff.
    AquaticSuppliers.com Freeze Dried BlackWorms and other foods your Discus will Love!!!


    >>>>>I am a science guy.. show me the science minus the BS

    Al Sabetta
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    Aquaticsuppliers.com


    I take Pics.. click here for my Flickr images

  13. #13
    Administrator and MVP Dec.2015 Second Hand Pat's Avatar
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    Default Re: Tortoise Tank Build out..

    Nice project with the kids (boy they are getting big). I had the same idea as Rick using a pond liner and you could wrap the sides with the liner used for showers which is plenty thick.
    Your discus are talking to you....are you listening


  14. #14
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    Default Re: Tortoise Tank Build out..

    Quote Originally Posted by brewmaster15 View Post
    you might be onto something There Rick.. something like the Pond liner has benefits.... I could maybe make a fastening system like they use on pick up truck covers. The benefit would be to make it removable. Cleaning could be as easy as lifting out of the tank, carrying out to the compost pile as I use shredded bark as bedding.

    hmmmmm..
    thanks,
    al
    Type EPDM into Craigs.That's the rubber we use on industrial roofs and so happens to be what pond liners are made out of.Alot of times you can find scrap from a roof for sale of being given away.If you were closer Al,I have some decent pieces left over from my pond build.Your looking for atleast 45mil,I used 60mil on my pond.
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  15. #15
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    Default Re: Tortoise Tank Build out..

    Quote Originally Posted by Bill63SG View Post
    Type EPDM into Craigs.That's the rubber we use on industrial roofs and so happens to be what pond liners are made out of.Alot of times you can find scrap from a roof for sale of being given away.If you were closer Al,I have some decent pieces left over from my pond build.Your looking for atleast 45mil,I used 60mil on my pond.
    cool Thanks Bill!!

    al
    AquaticSuppliers.com Freeze Dried BlackWorms and other foods your Discus will Love!!!


    >>>>>I am a science guy.. show me the science minus the BS

    Al Sabetta
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    Aquaticsuppliers.com


    I take Pics.. click here for my Flickr images

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