grouting tile for tank

[sheri85]

i'm redoing Archer's tank since i discovered that calci-sand can cause problems, and found some pretty light-colored tiles at Lowe's. yesterday i just set them in there without grouting since i figured i'd need more research done (i mostly just wanted to get the sand out of there). Archer's still on small crickets, and the wavy edges of the tiles mean there are spaces for the crickets to hide in. Archer has figured out how to use his tongue to get them out since they're not very big cracks, but he doesn't go for food if he can't see it. which means i have to scare the crickets out.

anyway, i thought i'd make the tiles a more permanent fixture in his tank by grouting them, but i know pretty much nothing about grout. is there any kind that is considered unsafe for reptiles? do i attach the tiles to the tank floor first, and then grout between the tiles? i have about an inch of uncovered tank floor because my size tiles didn't fit exactly as planned. is there some way to break the tile, or would i need to get someone to cut it. the tiles are 6x6 porcelain (i think--that's what it says on the website).

any how-to advice would be appreciated.

 

[Adama]

Grouting is fine, and most people use it as part of fake rocks they build for their vivs.

We have ours very tightly pressed together instead of grouted, just in case we ever need to move the viv. With good measurements, they can cut the tiles perfectly for you. However, we still have some cracks so we adjust by feeding 3-4 crickets at a time for 10 minutes and make sure he catches them all before he gets more.

 

[sheri85]

Grouting is fine, and most people use it as part of fake rocks they build for their vivs.

We have ours very tightly pressed together instead of grouted, just in case we ever need to move the viv. With good measurements, they can cut the tiles perfectly for you. However, we still have some cracks so we adjust by feeding 3-4 crickets at a time for 10 minutes and make sure he catches them all before he gets more.

i didn't think about moving the tank. these tiles are pretty heavy, and there are 18 of them in there. i've pressed them together as much as i can, but they're kind of wavy so there's still gaps. but maybe i'll just deal with it until he can eat larger prey, because that tank is heavy enough without a ton of tiles stuck in there...this may require some thinking. thanks for your help though!

 

[Adama]

No problem. Also, Reptiworms (Phoenix worms) are great and a better staple for your beardie. Those with maybe roaches, silkworms, hornworms, or something like that would be a more balanced diet and you wouldn't have to worry about escapees through the cracks.

 

[sheri85]

i've tried reptiworms--Archer ate one, and hasn't touched any since. i don't think worms interest him enough. he won't even go for crickets until they move, even when they're right in front of him. i'll keep trying to introduce worms to him though. he's a brat though.

 

[volvotech]

Do not grout those tiles in there. It would be much more affordable to feed the Beardie crickets in a separate bin. I have slate in both of my 5 foot enclosures and would be miserable if I could not remove those tiles.

 

[sheri85]

Do not grout those tiles in there. It would be much more affordable to feed the Beardie crickets in a separate bin. I have slate in both of my 5 foot enclosures and would be miserable if I could not remove those tiles.

i actually bought a separate bin for Archer to eat in, and he doesn't like being in there. at first i thought it was because he was sliding around everywhere, so i sanded the bottom of the bin, and he still didn't like being in there. even with the crickets in there with him, he just ignored them and was clawing at the sides. and when i stuck my hand in he grabbed me and wouldn't let go. so i think i'll just have to deal with the crickets in the tank. Archer is so particular.

 

[volvotech]

Do not grout those tiles in there. It would be much more affordable to feed the Beardie crickets in a separate bin. I have slate in both of my 5 foot enclosures and would be miserable if I could not remove those tiles.

i actually bought a separate bin for Archer to eat in, and he doesn't like being in there. at first i thought it was because he was sliding around everywhere, so i sanded the bottom of the bin, and he still didn't like being in there. even with the crickets in there with him, he just ignored them and was clawing at the sides. and when i stuck my hand in he grabbed me and wouldn't let go. so i think i'll just have to deal with the crickets in the tank. Archer is so particular.

All Beardies are different, but mine disliked the tank at first too. The younger they start, the easier the adjustment is.

I'm not sure what your tool situation is, but if you have/know someone who has an angle grinder, you can cut the slate tiles pretty easily. I purchased a $10 tile cutting grinder blade from Home Depot, and was able to trim my tiles to fit perfectly. Not sure if that's practical for you, but, because I had the tools, it was easy for me.