Slate tiles: porous, absorbing poo and pee?

JumbosDaddy · Apr 17, 2021

I am planning my soon-to-arrive ZenHabitats 4x2x2, and considering slate tiles for the floor. Lots of advantages: file beardie's nails, not slippery like ceramic tiles, looks more natural. But unsealed slate tiles are porous and I guess they would absorb beardies droppings, and quickly get stained and smelly.

Anyone had experience with natural slate? Do you recommend:

1) sealing the slate with chemical sealer? I'd be worried about toxicity
2) wash the slate after a poop and hope for the best
3) use a waterproof ceramic tile instead

KarrieRee · Apr 17, 2021

I do not have a sealant or waterproof on my tiles -- I have them layed in the tank w/ no grout or sealer in between -- they are cut to the size of the tank w/ a thick shop paper towel from Wal Mart underneath - the tile came from Home Depot it is a ceramic slated tile that is not coarse or porous here is a pic of the tile - it is a textured / coarse almost smooth it is hard to explain it but the dragons like it alot -

Mine tiles do not absorb the pee or poop I clean them w/ vinegar/ water 50/50 solution - the towels absorb any urate that gets under it so I havent had any stains so far and its been in there for a while

JumbosDaddy · Apr 17, 2021

thanks so much KarrieRee, you've been really helpful, both in this post and my post about lighting. My Arcadia 24" is on the way

KarrieRee · Apr 17, 2021

Ok good deal -- if you need help getting it hung post please and I can post things to hang w/ along w/ distance and placement

JumbosDaddy · Apr 17, 2021

thanks Karrie, it's a Arcadia ProT5 UVB Kit 24" with a 14% bulb. I'm thinking of hanging it on the top screen towards the back on the hot side of the enclosure, with a mercury vapor for more light and heat, and a ceramic emitter for heat.

KarrieRee · Apr 18, 2021

That 14% bulb needs a distance of at least 17-18 inches above the basking decor ---you do not want to over UVB him or over heat him --- make sure your getting basking temps w/ a digital probe thermometer -- what brand and bulb of MVB are you getting -- they have certain placement and distance requirements as well --- to be honest if your going to use the 14% bulb I would stay w/a regular bright white basking bulb -- since MVB have UVB as well it is possible to over do that w/ that strong Arcadia -- if you were using the 12% I wouldnt be so concerned w/ the MVB as well but the 14% you have a risk of him hiding from the UVB rays --

Slate tiles: porous, absorbing poo and pee?

JumbosDaddy

Member

KarrieRee

BD.org Sicko

JumbosDaddy

Member

KarrieRee

BD.org Sicko

JumbosDaddy

Member

KarrieRee

BD.org Sicko

Members online

Latest resources

Latest posts

Latest profile posts

Forum statistics

Share this page