Turtle Basking Platform

🐢 Turtle Basking Platform (Featuring Ikea TISKEN Suction Cups)

Hello everyone! This is my very first post here, so please bear with me if anything isn't completely perfect. 😉

This is a functional basking platform designed for aquariums, tailored specifically for easy mounting and great stability.


📐 Real Technical Dimensions

Based on the official measurements of the model (Turtle Island_Base.step), here are the exact physical specifications of the platform:

• Total Object Width: 200 mm 
• Vertical Dimension for Printing: 155.74 mm
• Leg Length/Height: 75 mm

🧲 The Suction Cup System

For the mounting mechanism, I chose the Ikea TISKEN hook with suction cup (Ikea TISKEN Link). I opted for this specific model due to its fantastic price-to-quality ratio and absolute simplicity.

To test the concept, I repurposed some old TISKEN suction cups I already had at home. They have been installed in my aquarium (kept out of the water, not submerged) for over a year on an early prototype of this current base, and they still adhere incredibly well!

🔧 Assembly & Preparation

• Suction Cup Modification: To use this suction cup with the platform, you will need to unclip and remove the front hook piece, as the design only utilizes the protrusion on the back. You can see the exact part and dimensions in image_669819.png.
• Leg-to-Base Fit: I purposely designed the joint between the leg and the base to be quite tight to completely eliminate any wobbling or play. On my own print, I didn't need to sand or file anything down—I just had to apply a bit of extra force to snap it into place. However, depending on your printer's tolerances, you can easily file the joint slightly to achieve a perfect, snug fit and maximize stability.

💡 Note: To improve the aesthetics, I will soon upload and make available a small matching cap/cover designed to hide the exposed front hole left behind by the removed hook.

🐢 Tested and Approved by Papillon!

This platform was built for my turtle, Papillon — named so because she is a little escape artist who is constantly trying to climb out of the tank! She absolutely loves spending her time stretched out in the sun on this platform, and she can climb up onto it perfectly fine and without any trouble.

🖨️ 3D Printing Settings & Material Choice

• Material Used: This specific print was made using PLA+, simply because I didn't have any PETG on hand at the time, and it ended up working out permanently.
• Infill & Strength: It retains all the necessary strength required for the job, despite being printed with a low infill percentage. The platform doesn't experience any heavy mechanical stress or forces that could risk breaking it.

• PETG vs. PLA+: Because this model is in close proximity to water and stays in direct contact with an animal, some makers strongly recommend using PETG for better long-term chemical resistance and food-safety characteristics. I will leave the choice of material entirely up to your own preference and discretion!

   

Feel free to share your makes and feedback!