Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey all, I was wondering about using tile as a substrate. My main concern is the wieght it would place on the bottom of the tank. Has anyone had any problems with cracking? Apart from that..wheres the best place to get it from?

Jackal
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Rebel Born, Rebel Bred

I'm pretty sure its safe. Lots of people use them and are very happy. I looked into it, but I'm ok with paper towels, so why spend the money.

Personally, I use paper towels (cheaper)...But, I have heard of many people recommending it for its easy clean up, attractive look, etc. You should probably look into your local hardware/do-it-yourself store. Walmart might even have tile(but don't quote me on that! ). Hope I helped!

Alyssa
Leos4you- High Quality Leopard Geckos!

i have been using tile for aprox. 2 months now. so far, i like it very well. i have a 4 ft long 55gallon aquarium. it took 4 tiles to cover the bottom. i didn't even have to cut them!
they can be purchased at a variety of locations. i recommend lowes or home depot. they have a large variety of colors. price range for tiles here is .79 - $2.00 each.

be careful placing them in the tank, i put a big scratch along my front glass. i was so mad at myself!

the tiles will have to be picked up and cleaned under periocially. i noticed mine had gotten a few mealworms trapped underneath
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Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Lizards

0.6.0 leopard geckos - mango, noodle, jaws, nagant, sobe & 1un-named
0.1 bearded dragon - sydney
0.1 king snake & 0.2.3 corn snakes
1 red eye tree frogs, 3 green tree frogs, 2 firebelly toads
5 anoles,6.0 bettas & numerous tropicals
1.2 dogs (dachshund-pepper, brittany spaniel-jenni, lab-kaci)
1 hubby & 2 boys

www.skayart.com

Hey, i was wondering, does the bottom still stay warm, from the UTH when theres tile? Like is tile a good conductor?

the tile seems to be a good conductor. i can place my hand on it and feel the warmth. my temps are ranging 82-92.

i did place a piece of styro-foam along a portion of the bottom (under the tank) today as extra insulation. i am planning on keeping it there for the winter months. that way they will have a really warm area to hang out in!
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Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Lizards

0.6.0 leopard geckos - mango, noodle, jaws, mosin-nagant, sobe & 1un-named
0.1 bearded dragon - sydney
0.1 king snake & 0.2.3 corn snakes
1 red eye tree frogs, 3 green tree frogs, 2 firebelly toads
5 anoles,6.0 bettas & numerous tropicals
1.2 dogs (dachshund-pepper, brittany spaniel-jenni, lab-kaci)
1 hubby & 2 boys

www.skayart.com

it cost maybe $9 dependin on ur cage size for two carpets.They come in diffrent colors like grey green blu and brown.And so easy to clean , its attrative and the UTH makes it feel real warm for the geckos
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Jae from Jer'z

my reptile collection and their names..
1.0.0 normal ball python [1½ ft.] Jumangi
leopard geckos
1.0.1 tremper albinos [juveniles] Yoshi & Laly
0.2.0 albino [babies] Peatree & Little Foot
1.0.0 hypo [adult] Tigga
0.0.1 normal [seems pregnant] Queens

I have been very happy with slate tiles as a substrate for my large leo tanks. I have gotten them from both lowes and home depot, they should be able to cut them there. Be sure to measure carefully, inside the tank, and take the same measuring stick/tape to the store to mark the tiles. They are not all exactly 12"x12".

It actually holds and distributes heat unlike paper towel and newspaper. I use a very small amount of sand to fill in the cracks; it helps keep mealworms and crickets from hiding there. If you have any more questions, let us know!

DaveCable

Thanks, I'll do that. And by the way, love your tank set up! Nice job. Thanks again.

Jackal
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Rebel Born, Rebel Bred