I like the look of a natural, loose substrate, but it seems most recommend (especially for juveniles) a carpet type substrate. Are there any carpets available to fit my 48" x 18"? I'd prefer to not combine multiple sheets.
Carpet can be used but often not recommend as it can snag nails besides the unsanitary issues - what is often recommended is the textured NON adhesive shelf liner or the slated ceramic tile -- both are very easy to clean and less expensive as the sand mats reptile carpet and sand -- sand is terrible it harbors bacteria and they can eat it which then can cause impaction -- is often not advised -- you can get the shelf liner and slated tile from your local home improvement store -- if you have any more questions please ask -- I use slated ceramic tile in both of my tanks
Some will.some won't our home depot here would not- so my husband bought a tile cutter from harbor freight - the tank needs to be measured from inside the tank--- the tile needs to have some texture but not real coarse and not smooth so he does not slip- mine are also layed in the tank loose so they can be pulled for deep cleaning - no sealer no grout- I have put a thick blue shop paper towel from Walmart under the tile to catch and absorb the watery urate-