How to Raise Turtle Ramps

Successfully keeping aquatic turtles in an aquarium requires giving the turtles a habitat they feel comfortable in. Turtles like to bask in the sun and have long nails so ramps with rough surfaces allow them to clamber up the ramp to a basking platform. Alternatively, when the turtles need a place to hide or rest, they can use the area beneath the ramp platform. Swimming turtles also need a ramp so they can easily climb out of the water and get to dry land. As your turtles grow, you can raise your ramps by adjusting their length.

Things You'll Need

  • Small, medium or large turtle ramp
  • Suction cups
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure your turtle tank so you know the length, width and height dimensions.

    • 2

      Purchase a small, medium or large turtle ramp from a local or online reptile supply store depending on the size of your tank. Make sure the ramp does not take up more than 1/4 the length of your tank. Look for ramps that are made from sturdy acrylic and feature a rough surface so your turtle can easily gain traction moving up the ramp.

    • 3

      Position the ramp so one end is 1-inch above the water level in the tank. Attach this end of the ramp to the side of your aquarium with two suction cups. The other end of the ramp should extend down into the water of the tank and rest on the bottom of the tank. Secure with suction cups.

    • 4

      Remove the ramp and replace it with a larger one to raise the ramp higher as your turtle or turtles grow in size and require larger ramps and platforms. A longer ramp can be positioned higher up the wall of the tank. Place large stones or cork board near the base of the ramp, giving your turtles an easy way to access the end of a longer ramp.

    • 5

      Remove and clean your ramp with warm water and dish soap whenever you normally clean your tank.