Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi - I have a question about flooring for my two leos. I have them on a sand substrate right now, but would like to switch to avoid the possible problems that sand can cause. I was thinking of using tile or slate. I talked to a few people about it and one of them told me that he had heard of geckos being burned by slate flooring. He told me that slate and tile are poor conductors of heat and will develop hot spots that could endanger the gecko. I have also heard that it can break glass tanks. I have a 40 gallon tank and wouldn't want to ruin it. I know that substrate is a touchy issue for gecko owners, and I don't want to start any arguments, but I would like some advice on the best kinds of non-sand flooring. It looks like many of you use slate with no problem - are there any tricks?

Paper towels would be your best bet. Cheap, and easy to clean. It's what I have my leos on right now and it is great! Hope this helps & if you have any other questions feel free to ask!!!!!!!!
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**Alyssa**
Leos4you-High Quality Leos, Without The Designer Prices!!

I know that it might not be best for them, but I was hoping for something a little more pleasing to the eye. I think a beautiful tank only adds to the beauty of the gecko. If I were breeding or something I would definitely use paper towel, but they are really just there for me to enjoy watching and occasionally handling. Thanks.

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**Alyssa**
Leos4you-High Quality Leos, Without The Designer Prices!!

Thanks for the shout! How'd you know I have trouble speaking up

I don't know about hot spots. I have like 50% tile 50% sand right now in my glass tank, nothing has broken. I'm building a new cage this weekend and i'm going to switch to like 90% tile 10% sand, just because they love to dig.

Tiles are great. It cleans with a wipe.
the do keep heat, better than sand and mine are ceramic so they heat evenly
good luck

It is a great conducter of heat. It may be hard to clean so that why some people have a sand area as the bathroom. If you have a UTH with a rheostat it should be no problem. The only thing I would recommend is a rouch tile for better grip.

-Owen
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1.0 Ball Python
1.2 Leopard Geckos
1.0 Vieled Chameleon
1.0.1 Red Eared Slider
0.0.4 crayfish /-4

I definitely think tile is the best substrate. As far as cleaning...I think its easier than paper towels...all you need to do is use paper towels in the potty area if you don't want to use sand and then just pick the towels up for an instant cleanup...to "quick clean" the tiles all you have to do is wipe them down with a damp paper towel, and then they can be easily removed for thorough cleaning. I've never heard of having hot spot problems with tile...hot rocks can burn...but I've never heard of tile doing it...doesn't mean it won't though. Tiles are definitely much more attractive than paper towels...and actually more like a leos natural habitat than sand. I also think tile is cheapest in the long run because each tile costs less than $2 and will last forever. Finally...lol You can use ceramic, real stone, or vinyl tiles...if they dont' fit perfectly in your tank and you want them to, the store can cut ceramic or stone tiles for you...or if you get vinyl you can cut them yourself with a pair of scissors. I would definitely use a matte finish tile though...shiny finishes are slippery and that doesn't make for very happy leos! Good luck!
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Christina

Leopard Gecko Morph Descriptions

2.3 leos
-0.1 tangerine het rainwater albino w/jungle background (Blinkers)
-0.2 jungles (Vahz & Skissor)
-1.0 tremper albino (Spitfire)
-1.0 tangerine rainwater albino (Bronx)

-ignorance is not to be punished when one is trying to gain knowledge...what scares me is the vast number of people who, when given the information to gain knowledge, choose to ignore it.

Thanks for all the information. Hopefuly I'll have a beautiful new tank very soon!

LoL
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**Alyssa**
Leos4you-High Quality Leos, Without The Designer Prices!!