AstroTurf? Tiles?

[imderanged]

I've been using shelf liners as the "substrate" in my bearded dragons tank, I'm pretty happy with the functionality of it, but I'm not crazy about it aesthetically. I was thinking of either using AstroTurf as a kind of washable carpet, or getting self adhesive vinyl tiles and doing the bottom of the tank and the back to match. I was wondering if anyone knows any reason why either of these would not be a good idea, or if anyone has tried it, how it worked out for them...THANK YOU.

 

[Claudiusx]

If you are going to go with vinyl tiles, you want the NON-adhesive type.

I've never used astroturf so I can't comment on it.

I'd just use tile really. It looks great IMO.

-Brandon

 

[imderanged]

If you are going to go with vinyl tiles, you want the NON-adhesive type.

I've never used astroturf so I can't comment on it.

I'd just use tile really. It looks great IMO.

-Brandon

Why should I use the non-adhesive ones? What do I use to stick them down? I was thinking of using the tile on the back of the tank as a decorative background. Thanks.

 

[hockeyballz30]

mainly the reason for non-adhesive is because of the heat conducted in the tank mixed with the glue on the tiles. You want as much non-toxic or fumes that you can get away with. For a floor the tiles work great and can just be laid down in place. As for a backdrop, a non-toxic glue needs to be used. someone else can suggest glue that they have used inside their dragon tanks that would be suitable.

 

[jodyberry]

I use indoor/outdoor carpet cut to the size of my viv floor. For about $20 I got about 8 custom size pieces. When one's dirty, I replace it in 30 seconds.

Then once a month I'll clean the dirty ones and have a clean set of 8 again!

 

[GAIJINIJI]

I used linoleum for mine. Pretty inexpensive, comes in a multitude of colours, easy to clean and easy to cut to size (so dont need to stick it down).

I like the idea of astro turf excpet for two things
- my beardie generally tries to eat anything that has any colour
- baked in beardie poop is difficult enough to clean nevermind getting down between the 'roots' of astro turf!

 

[hockeyballz30]

do you find the linoleum is too slippery?? I am looking for a different floor as well that is easy to clean and can withstand the heat and cleaning

 

[imderanged]

I was to the hardware store today and took a look at the "astroturf" they sold and there is no way I'm putting that in Vlad's tank. It came apart if you just pulled on it. I'm sure a dragon would eat it. Maybe there is another product that is similar but better quality that would be OK but I didn't see it there. The man working in the store happened to keep reptiles too. He told me not to get ceramic tiles because they would stay too cold and the dragon would not like the feeling and avoid the tile. I'd never heard that and thought it sounded odd, but he was trying to be helpful so I didn't contradict him and figured on doing more research on it later. He told me to use a different type on indoor/outdoor carpet but it was an ugly charcoal grey and looked hard to clean. I ended up getting a new sheet of shelf liner for now, but i think i might buy one of the Repti-carpets ZooMed makes.

 

[GAIJINIJI]

do you find the linoleum is too slippery?? I am looking for a different floor as well that is easy to clean and can withstand the heat and cleaning

The lino I got is textured enough to allow for grip. However there is a trade off between grip and easy wiping... its still easy enough to wipe down though.

 

[jamiedennis]

How do you seal the linoleum down? Basic white glue, or something else??? Im wanting to cover my particle board with something to keep it from getting wet and then expanding... Melamine is particle board with a fermica covering on it... So I figure doing something similar will work. Yes, No?

What about latex paint(s) with low VOC's as a 'protective' layer??? I asked this question in my own thread and havent had any replies, so since this is along the same lines as my request I figured Id jump in...

Sorry if I taking this off topic...

I will add to the topic though, that Repti-Carpet in theory is great! but in practice is really hard to keep clean, so Id imagine astro turf would be close to the same thing... My beardie is on textured ceramics and he likes it. his claws were growing waaay too long and I didnt want to cut them by hand, so I read that textured tile will 'file' their claws down naturally and thats whats happened with mine - and hes been fine and dandy with it like that.

 

[Jess]

I just use Velcro to stick my linoleum down. IMO it's a great substrate.

 

[GAIJINIJI]

I didnt stick mine down at all... I cut it to the exact size of the viv so it doesnt slipIo around.

I sealed around the edges of the viv using non mould resistant silicon.

Hope that helps!

 

[Cloudk]

I have mine on astro-turf right now. I'm looking to change it. Its not sanitary in my opinion and my dragon doesn't like it because it tickles his belly. Only goes off his rocks when its food time. Haven't tried tiles. But for my beardie, astro-turf is a no. Its unreasonable to change out the carpet each time he goes to the bathroom imo. Been doing it for 2yrs... it sucks.

 

[twinmommy]

I use slate tiles. We really like them and it keeps her nails trimmed down. Easy to wipe up a poop and we remove them all every 2 weeks to clean them. That way we can soak them in a bleach solution. Some store that sell them will even cut a few pieces for you. I have a 40 gal long and it cost $27 for the tiles. Could have gootten them a bit cheaper but I went for they pretty ones!