Penn Plax Turtle Topper Review: Best Above Tank Basking Platform?

If you’re like me and hate losing space inside the turtle tank, this thing is a lifesaver. The Penn Plax Turtle Topper gives your turtle a basking spot above the tank. That means more room for swimming and a comfy basking area on top.

It feels like giving your turtle a second floor to live on. I’ve been using this topper for a while now, and I honestly don’t see myself going back to any of those bulky in-tank platforms.

Let me walk you through what I like, what I don’t, and whether it’s worth your money.

What Is the Penn Plax Turtle Topper?

It’s a basking dock that sits on top of your tank, not inside. That’s the main magic.

It’s made of strong plastic and has a clear lid with two slots to add lamps (one for heat, one for UVB). There’s a little underwater “chilling spot” inside too where your turtle can half-submerge and hang out.

The ramp helps your turtle climb up with no problem. And it fits tanks up to 55 gallons (if your tank is 13 inches wide or less).

• Dimensions: 17 x 14 x 10 inches.
• Weight: Around 5.5 pounds.
• Supports turtles up to 10 inches long.

Why So Many People Use It

• Doesn’t eat up swimming space. That’s huge.
• Lets you fill the tank up to 90%, which helps with water quality and filter power.
• The ramp is wide, grippy, and sloped just right.
• That mid-level rest dock? My turtles love it. It’s like a mini hammock underwater.
• The clear top gives you a full view of your turtle’s basking routine.
• Two lamp slots are built-in. One for heat, one for UVB. No extra setups needed.
• The center grill lets in UVB light while also giving air circulation.
• It’s fully enclosed. So no escaping daredevils.

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How to set up the turtle topper?

You don’t need tools. Just place it on top of your tank.

Use the suction cups to stick it firmly on both sides. Slide the ramp inside the water. It should line up with your tank’s water height — there’s a “Max Water Line” marking to help with that.

Clamp the lamps on the top ridges. That’s it. You’re done.

Features I Actually Care About

1. No Space Wasted Inside the Tank

This thing sits above the tank, not inside it. So your turtle gets to enjoy almost the entire tank just for swimming. That’s a big deal if you’re working with a 20 or 55-gallon setup.

2. Fits a Lot of Tank Sizes

Works great with standard 10g, 20L, 20H, 29g, and even 55-gallon tanks. Just make sure your tank isn’t wider than 13 inches. If it is, Penn-Plax sells extender clips, but that’s extra.

3. Ramp Made for Chonky Turtles

The ramp is 5.75 inches wide and 8 inches long. It’s textured, not slippery, and the angle is just right for most turtles to climb up without a fight.

4. Built-In Rest Spot

There’s a hanging platform just below the waterline where turtles can chill while half-submerged. My turtle uses this spot a lot when he’s feeling lazy. Measures 11.25″ x 4″. You can remove it if you want more room.

5. Lamp-Ready Top

The top has two ridges where you can clamp on your heat and UVB lamps. The middle has a grill door (7.27″ x 8″) that lets UVB in and gives you quick access to your turtle. I use this all the time to check on mine.

6. Clear Plastic Top

Lets you see what your turtle is doing from above. Also makes the topper feel less bulky and more open.

7. Enclosed Design

Worried about escape artists? Don’t be. The top is closed off, so your turtle can’t leap out unless it’s a ninja.

8. Easy to Clean

It’s made of solid plastic. No weird grooves or corners. Just a quick scrub and rinse, and you’re done.

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Specifications (The Numbers That Matter)

• Overall Size: 17” L x 14” W x 10” H
• Basking Area Inside: 16” x 12.5”
• Grill Door: 7.27” x 8”
• Ramp: 5.75” W x 8” L
• Hanging Platform: 11.25” x 4”
• Fits Tank Sizes: Up to 55 gallons, max 13″ wide
• Material: Durable plastic + metal grill
• Color: Black
• Weight: Around 2.5 lbs
• Style: Above-tank basking dock

What I Personally Love

The suction cups are strong. They don’t come off easily like some cheap ones.

The ramp design is perfect. It’s textured and not too steep, so my turtle climbs up without flopping around.

That clear top with lamp slots? Genius. It keeps things clean and organized. No need to DIY anything.

And that underwater resting dock? A real win. It adds a second chill zone without any extra clutter.

A Few Things I’d Change

The inside surface is just plain plastic. Might be uncomfortable for some turtles. You could toss in some sand or rubber mat, but that’s extra work.

Big turtles might knock the ramp off if they’re clumsy climbers. So keep an eye out.

And yeah — it’s plastic. So if you put your heat lamp too close, it might melt or warp. Keep the bulbs at a safe distance.

My Final Take

I seriously think this is one of the best turtle basking platforms out there right now.

It gives your turtle more space, keeps the tank clean, and looks cool too. Setup is dead simple, and maintenance is a breeze.

If you’re using an in-tank dock right now, this thing will feel like a major upgrade. Just be smart about your lamp placement, and you’re good to go.

Would I recommend it? 100% yes.

If you are interested to check out the review on Amazon, Click Here.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is a turtle topper?

It’s a basking platform that sits above the tank, not inside. More space for your turtle to swim and bask.

Where to buy turtle topper?

You can buy a turtle topper either from your local pet shop or online. Amazon has a good deal on Penn Plax turtle topper. Click here to check it out!