Penn-Plax Turtle Topper Above Tank Basking Platform, 14-in
The Penn-Plax Turtle Topper Above Tank Basking Platform provides a unique spot for turtles to bask on top of their tank. Aquatic turtles are naturally avid swimmers that prefer deep water. Because the Turtle Topper sits on top, you can fill the tank completely so your turtle can enjoy swimming throughout the entire tank. It’s made to support the weight of multiple or larger turtles without sinking, which helps keep them dry as they bask. Two mounting rims are included to attach clamp lamps for optimal basking.
Key Benefits- Provides a unique spot for turtles to bask on top of their tank
- Because the Turtle Topper sits on top, you can fill the tank completely so your turtle can enjoy swimming throughout the entire tank
- Made to support the weight of multiple or larger turtles without sinking, which helps keep them dry as they bask
- Two mounting rims are included to attach clamp lamps for optimal basking
- Fits most tanks up to 55 gallons
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Item Number103786
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Dimensions17.5 x 14.25 x 6.5 inches
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Reptile Type
Aquatic Turtle
Healthy Habitat Recommendations
Please allow your turtle time to adjust to its new basking platform. A turtle's natural desire and need to bask will draw it to use the Turtle Topper.
Hatchling turtles generally require water that is shallower. A good general rule is to use the Turtle Topper with turtles that have a minimum shell size of four inches.
The Turtle Topper ramp is designed with a maximum water level indicator. It is important to NOT fill your tank above this level. With the water at this level, your turtle should not be able to escape. It is advisable to not place any items such as tall plants or other décor in your turtle's tank that the turtle can use as a footing to climb out. However, you can also retrofit a screen cover or other materials to make a top for the open space to prevent escape if necessary or to prevent children or other pets from having access to the tank.
Lighting
The Turtle Topper is designed to be used with two (2) 5.5" clamp lamp fixtures (not included). A good general guideline is to use a 75 watt basking/heat bulb in one (1) fixture and a 5.0 compact UVB bulb in the other fixture. Always research the specific requirements of your turtle.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Periodically remove the Turtle Topper from the turtle tank and clean with a reptile safe cleaning product or use a mild soap or dishwashing detergent. In order to disinfect and sterilize the Turtle-Topper, it is also recommended to clean with a diluted bleach solution of approximately one (1) cup bleach to one (1) gallon of water. Make sure to rinse completely and allow to air dry before placing the unit back on your turtle's tank.
Are Penn-Plax products safe for my pet?
Yes! Penn-Plax goes to great lengths to ensure that all of the products we manufacture are produced with the safety of your pets in mind.
I recently purchased one of your Turtle Topper basking platforms, and my turtle(s) are scared to use it! What can I do?
Turtles are sometimes very apprehensive about new aspects of their environment, and that definitely includes basking platforms, too! A sure fire way to get your turtle(s) acclimated to their new Turtle Topper is to put a treat, or some of their food into the Turtle Topper. Even the most apprehensive turtles love the Turtle Topper once they're used to it inside their habitat.
90% Recommend
90% of reviewersrecommend this product
You've Already Reviewed This Item
49 Reviews
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By Ernie on Sep 11, 2018
I got this because I felt my 2-yr old RES was beginning to outgrow his tank and the platform I had was the kind that suctioned to the wall - it wasn't very stable and he could barely fit on it. This topper is great! I have, I think, a 40 gallon tank and it fits perfectly on the top. I love that I'm able to fill up the tank fully with water now because Vincent loves swimming and has been having a ball, but I have an external filter and it became a slight challenge balancing that above the water level that I feel is needed for Vincent to get up the ramp. So far he has not actually climbed inside and it has been 4 days - not sure if it's too steep or he's just not used to it yet. It does make the I got this because I felt my 2-yr old RES was beginning to outgrow his tank and the platform I had was the kind that suctioned to the wall - it wasn't very stable and he could barely fit on it. This topper is great! I have, I think, a 40 gallon tank and it fits perfectly on the top. I love that I'm able to fill up the tank fully with water now because Vincent loves swimming and has been having a ball, but I have an external filter and it became a slight challenge balancing that above the water level that I feel is needed for Vincent to get up the ramp. So far he has not actually climbed inside and it has been 4 days - not sure if it's too steep or he's just not used to it yet. It does make the rest of the tank a little dark so I'm probably going to purchase another light to shine in the water. (Also, in my opinion this was a fantastic price for the product and it is very sturdy.) … more
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By turtlezblog on Aug 21, 2018
This product is great. I run a reptile rescue and care for over 45 aquatic turtles. Some being large, and heavy it’s hard to find a dock that works. This is the only basking dock that I can use for tanks that will hold babies, juveniles and sometimes even the big adults. (One adult male, females grow to large so a tank shouldn’t even be used for them) so I’m not sure if an adult female could fit but this product overall is the only turtle dock I have used that actually works, it also allows you to give them the maximum amount of water so they have even more room to swim! Overall great product, I recommend 10/10
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By Raelopez on Aug 7, 2018
You have to have about a square or a rectangle tank to be able to get the stopper it is wonderful it is an amazing I love it it's a lot of space but you have to put bedding in it because it's plastic and it makes a lot of noise when their nails hit against the platform they had a little trouble getting on it because it was plastic they kept on slipping I had to put a net on it so they can have a grip to get on it otherwise it's great is fantastic for red ear sliders or whatever water turtle you have
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By Barb on Sep 4, 2018
Its a great ideal. But my slider turtle can not pull himself up the ramp to get up top. My smaller turtle can, but the bigger one is just too heavy. I am going to put rubber on the ramp to help him. He just slides back down, because he can not get a grip to pull himself up. I have to pick him up and put him in it.That is my only complaint I have.
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By ClosetSamples on Aug 11, 2018 Top 25 Contributor
Setting up the Penn-Plax Turtle Topper Above Tank Basking Platform is super easy. It comes with instructions that are rather easy to follow, however, it is pretty self-explanatory. One thing I didn't pay attention to, though, is the size. I forgot the size tank we have (which is larger than the standard turtle tank since we had found a great deal on it). So when this came in, we had to make some modifications to be able to use it on our tank. My husband ended up making a make-shift support for our platform to sit on for the turtle. once he did that, the topper was ready for Bella to use. As other customers have said, the tank does need to be rather full for the platform to actually be used Setting up the Penn-Plax Turtle Topper Above Tank Basking Platform is super easy. It comes with instructions that are rather easy to follow, however, it is pretty self-explanatory. One thing I didn't pay attention to, though, is the size. I forgot the size tank we have (which is larger than the standard turtle tank since we had found a great deal on it). So when this came in, we had to make some modifications to be able to use it on our tank. My husband ended up making a make-shift support for our platform to sit on for the turtle. once he did that, the topper was ready for Bella to use. As other customers have said, the tank does need to be rather full for the platform to actually be used. Luckily, Bella seems to enjoy having a full tank of water rather than having less water as she enjoys swimming around in. Ever since we added a small tank heating pad, she has been a lot more active so a full tank is great for her. She didn't get on her platform immediately, as she was swimming around. However, after a while, when she was ready to rest, she made her way to check it out. Getting up the ramp didn't seem to be an issue for her and the platform has plenty of room for her to stretch out and relax (if that's what turtles do). While I do think the platform could be a bit more sturdy, it is overall well made and something our turtle seems to like. Plus, it looks pretty cool on top the tank. Definitely recommended for all the turtles for sure! … more
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By HunterPup on Aug 24, 2018
This turtle tank topper was exactly what we were looking for and priced cheaper than anywhere else. We wanted to fill the tank to the top to give him more space to swim and the only way to keep him safe was to find exactly this so he could not climb out. He loves to slide down the little ramp! He does, however, find it difficult to climb up the ramp because it is a bit too steep.
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By Tavian on Jun 13, 2018
I have a 20 gallon tank with one female adult RES (about 5 inches) and installment of the basking top was really easy. It only took her about 2 hours before she tried climbing on. Except I saw that I had to fill the tank to the "maximum water level" indicator on the ramp, because any less she wasn't able to climb on. I didn't expect the tank having to be so full but regardless of that she gets on fairly easy and has plenty of room to bask. It does get very noisy when they climb in and out fyi I didn't expect that either which I should have, but still a great product.
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By Jazzzy03 on Sep 6, 2018
My turtle is enjoying it! It took a few days for her to get the hang of going up but now she loves it! Her favorite besides basking in it is, sleeping in it at night and diving/sliding into the water from it!
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By Katie on Mar 4, 2018
I have two red earred sliders (both about 2 inches) in a 20 gallon high aquarium. I was only able to fill the tank about 1/2 way and with the rock cave and the filter my turtles didn't have much room to swim. I saw this online and although it says recommended for turtles over 4", I bought it any way. My turtles love it. It took them a couple days to get used to the new tank setup, but now they use it all the time. Because it is a 20 high, I have to have a portion of the topper hanging over the side of the tank, but the clamps and the platform underneath help counterbalance and keep the topper secure to the tank. I would buy this product again.
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By Katt on Jul 9, 2018
My turtle took an instant liking to the new basking spot which is bigger and studier than the one he had before. This allows me to fill the tank up all the way so he can have more swimming space. It's a great product that arrived the next day, thanks Chewy!
