Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I got my new 20 gallon long today and want to use tile as the substrate as was suggested. I'm going to Lowes to get it so what kind should I look for? I want something thats thin, and conducts heat okay. Also, what size tiles are best, the larger 12 by 12 inch ones? Any materials I should stay away from? Thanks for helping me out I think it will look really nice when I get it ready.
Heather

Depends on tank size. I know 12x12 are too big for my 10gal, but I have no idea what the dimensions of a 20 gal are. I'd suggest measuring before you go, and asking them to cut the tiles down a bit if necessary.

As for the type of tile, you don't want to use a glazed tile. Those are the shiny ones people use in their bathrooms. They're too slippery for a leo to walk on. You want something with some texture to it. Slate is good for that, but reguluar floor tiles have a (relatively) rough texture as well.

>>I got my new 20 gallon long today and want to use tile as the substrate as was suggested. I'm going to Lowes to get it so what kind should I look for? I want something thats thin, and conducts heat okay. Also, what size tiles are best, the larger 12 by 12 inch ones? Any materials I should stay away from? Thanks for helping me out I think it will look really nice when I get it ready.
>>Heather
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Blaine

0.0.1 High Yellow Juvenile Leo (Echo)

Get bigger tiles for best heat conduction, trim to fit if necessary
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Sarah Stettler aka Starling
Sarah@stargecko.com
StarGecko.Com COMING SOON! Star Quality Leopard Geckos
Specializing in Hypotangerine Tremper Albinos

I measured the tanks today, and the 20 gallon long is 30"x12" and the ten gallon is about 20"x10" so I'll need about two and a half 12x12 tiles for the 20 and about two for the ten (with some trimming of course). I am probably going to go for gray or brown looking tiles and sand the side that goes up to give the geckos extra traction.