DIY Pond Turtle Basking Rock

Turtles are cold-blooded animals and require a basking site to keep warm. Pond turtles can often be found sitting on rocks or logs jutting out of the water as they soak up the sun's rays, which not only warm their bodies but also provide vitamins that help them metabolize calcium and strengthen their shells. You can make your own basking rock site for your pond turtles with a quick trip to a quarry, pet shop where they sell aquarium decor or the outdoor section of a hardware store.

Things You'll Need

  • Slate rock
  • Large porous rock
  • Aquarium wood/logs
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Instructions

    • 1

      Stack slate rock somewhere in your pond until it is about an inch from the surface. Slate rock comes in slabs that are easy to stack and are a staple in ponds and aquariums. The slate will provide the base for the basking rock site so you don't have to use a boulder in your pond. You may create as many basking sites as you like.

    • 2

      Place a large, porous rock atop the slate rock. The porous rock may be tuffa or virtually any type of rock available in pet shops. The turtle must be able to grip the rock, which is why porous rocks are preferred. The bottom of the rock should be submerged by a few inches so the turtles can climb on it from the water.

    • 3

      Place some aquarium-safe logs around the basking rock. The logs will provide ramps that make it easier for the turtles to crawl up on to the basking rocks.