Substrate Question

[MartianMonkey]

I know that tile is pretty much the best but I was wondering which is better....ceramic tile or slate tile? I purchased a bunch of slate tiles (3x6) to line Arwyn's tank and I could have got ceramic tile for much cheaper (based on quantity).

 

[Cnochur]

I use slate because the roughness of it is more naturalistic and actually helps wear their claws down some. It's most akin to the stone in their natural environment. Smooth ceramic tile is less so. Also, slate retains heat very well and I don't know if ceramic is as good for that (it might be for all I know).

 

[MartianMonkey]

One more question....how the *bleep* do you cut this stuff. Someone told me I could use my dremel but I am making no progress. I have used my dremel to cut ceramic before and that wasn't to bad but this is like cutting a tough steak with a plastic spoon.

 

[Cnochur]

I think slate can only be cut with a certain kind of table saw, with water. I had the guys at Lowe's do it.

 

[Sherri]

Hi,
You will have to use a tile saw...well, Lowe's I have read will do it as the previous poster stated. Our Home Depot would not do it but other ones may...If not, call a few tile shops and find one that will cut your tiles for around $5.

 

[z71]

Lowes cut my tiles for no charge.