Tile help! Will it work? How can I do it?

[clynnp]

I've been looking into putting tile in my terrarium bottom. From what I understand, there are a few pros for using tile such as easier cleaning and I was wondering if there are any other benefits? Are there any cons to using tile? I'm currently using reptile carpet and paper towels when the carpet is drying after being washed. I'm thinking that the tile will make it so I don't have to wait forever for the carpet to dry after being washed. Also, the biggest reason why I'm looking at tile is because of feeding! Feeder insects get under the carpet and make it hard for my beardie to get to them, make it harder for me to get them out after, and cost me money when they go way under and die before they are eaten. At this point, I'm pretty sure I'm going to put in the tile. Before I do, is there anything I should know about it?

Also, I don't really know how to install the tile! Has anyone done it before that can share their experience or tips with me? Can I completely seal around the edges so insects (especially Pheonix Worms) don't get underneath? I'm planning on using ceramic tiles. Any tips on where to shop?

Any help is appreciated. Thanks!

 

[CooperDragon]

Tile Also keeps the nails filed a bit and holds heat for a while. I've used ceramic tile for years and like it a lot. I had two squares cut at Lowes (3 sets of two really) to fit the tank and just pull them out and replace with a spare set when they need cleaning. Bugs can get into the cracks if they aren't cut precisely but it isn't a huge deal. They can't get under them and can be wedged out with an index card or a hungry dragon tongue.

 

[clynnp]

Tile Also keeps the nails filed a bit and holds heat for a while. I've used ceramic tile for years and like it a lot. I had two squares cut at Lowes (3 sets of two really) to fit the tank and just pull them out and replace with a spare set when they need cleaning. Bugs can get into the cracks if they aren't cut precisely but it isn't a huge deal. They can't get under them and can be wedged out with an index card or a hungry dragon tongue.

Could I grout in between and leave them in there permanently and clean them in the terrarium?

 

[AcceptableGeek]

No need for grout. Just get a good measurement and they will fit tight. Tile is the best IMO. I use natural rough slate. Holds heat really well, keeps nails filed down, and poop cleans up easily. Plus you can basically reuse it as long as you'll ever need to, and there is almost no risk of impaction as long as you feed correct size feeders. I don't understand why everyone doesn't use tile.

 

[Taterbug]

I found poop got in the cracks more than bugs and required that more tiles be removed for cleaning as it spread under them. Grout will just give grossness a place to live and make it harder on you if you ever change your mind about tile or the layout of them.

Absolutly get a rough textured tile - there are only a handful of options at my local HD/Lowes that I would use. They have a natural slate that I love - Most are too slick and the dragon wouldn't get good traction on them.

Also, you can also your pheonix worms in a dish - they aren't particularly nimble. I did find roaches are able to squeeze under the tiles, but that was about it.

 

[clynnp]

I have access to a good amount of ceramic tile. The kind with texture to it. My uncles do custom tiling. I want to try and put it in permanently. The plan is to cut and lay textured ceramic tiling and completely eliminate anything getting underneath by grouting it. So the grout doesn't hold on to bacteria or yuckiness, the intention is to but a sealant on the grout. If I ever decide that I don't want the tile to be the direct substrate anymore, I can still put a reptile carpet on top of it.

 

[NatashaFatality]

I like that I can take the tile out to clean it. It's nice to be able to wash it in the sink. I was feeding roaches in another bin but found that she didn't want to eat somewhere that wasn't as warm as her enclosure so I found a dish the roaches can't escape. That way I can leave her alone to eat and I know they won't get all over the place.

 

[clynnp]

I like that I can take the tile out to clean it. It's nice to be able to wash it in the sink. I was feeding roaches in another bin but found that she didn't want to eat somewhere that wasn't as warm as her enclosure so I found a dish the roaches can't escape. That way I can leave her alone to eat and I know they won't get all over the place.

I've heard of dishes for worms so they can't escape but I hadn't heard anything about one for roaches. Is it the same thing? Where can I get these dishes?! haha

 

[Taterbug]

I use Pyrex bowls or metal cat food bowls for roaches. Anything smooth and taller than the roaches should work.

 

[NatashaFatality]

Like Tater said. Anything smooth and tall enough. Zan is small so the roaches are still small. I'm using some rectanglet bamboo dish currently.

 

[clynnp]

Thank you everyone for your help! I'm sorry it took me so long to reply. Work hours doubled recently and things got hectic. Progress is moving forward on my tiling project and I'm working on a bowl.