tile substrate

[Maize]

I beleive and could be wrong...but the sealer wont allow things to get inside any crack and become bacteria. That's why I got the sealer, but I got a flat finish so it should look like normal tile. I'm guessing it will, I havent done it yet. I should sealing on Sat.

Check this site out http://www.lizard-landscapes.com

They have pics and vids on how to make your own furniture \ wall. It looks so easy!

Ley me know what you think

 

[leelasmom]

I beleive and could be wrong...but the sealer wont allow things to get inside any crack and become bacteria. That's why I got the sealer, but I got a flat finish so it should look like normal tile. I'm guessing it will, I havent done it yet. I should sealing on Sat.

Check this site out http://www.lizard-landscapes.com

They have pics and vids on how to make your own furniture \ wall. It looks so easy!

Ley me know what you think

Thanks so much for the link; I want to do the Stonehenge!!! :lol: There are some really awesome designs on there...excellent source for ideas!

Let me know how the sealer came out; I could always take the tile board out (thankfully it's removable) and do that.

 

[Maize]

Yea no problem, it's a great reference point. Actually we can help eachother out, if you find any cool pics send them my way and I will do the same. I will PM you with the email address.

 

[ajo]

I forgot to mention this - I went through all the Dremmel drama b/c I thought cutting the slate tiles w/ a regular tile cutter wouldn't work. Someone told me that, and I just took it for truth. Did you have trouble with any of them breaking or cracking??

Also, I was not aware that Lowes would cut tiles for you. As I said, I got these at Home Depot and it's very difficult to find anyone there to help you, never mind requesting them to do anything for you. No offense to anyone who works at HD or has friends/family who do - I'm talking about the HD nearest to me, not all of them!

I purchased the tiles, took them home, realized they didn't fit, went back to Lowes to customer service (not necessary), they called the flooring department, a man there asked what I wanted and took me back to a wet saw, where he cut the tiles. $.25 a cut though...

I didn't use tile sealer, since I wanted it to remain a rough surface. Do you think I should have? The grout I used was not traditional powder grout mixed w/ water - it was from a caulking tube. I picked it because it has a sanded texture, is mold/mildew resistant, and is siliconized. I have no complaints about it at all - very easy to use and looks great!

I too looked into getting a sealer for my slate.. The ones I found were relatively expensive and I don't know if I would trust a chemical sealer like that being heated up in an enclosed environment like my viv.. My only advice would be to go with a water based "flat" sealer, that way it will be less toxic and have a natural look (rather than shiny). I would try to get by without one though.

Slate tends to be non-porous, so any liquid is more likely to evaporate than absorb. However, I opted not to grout my tiles because I like to change them about once a month and bake them in my oven to kill off any unwanted growth. I can tell you though, that it is unlikely that a harmful bacteria strain would be able to thrive on slate as long as you keep the viv clean, I just tend to be a bit of a neat freak.

 

[leelasmom]

I purchased the tiles, took them home, realized they didn't fit, went back to Lowes to customer service (not necessary), they called the flooring department, a man there asked what I wanted and took me back to a wet saw, where he cut the tiles. $.25 a cut though...

I too looked into getting a sealer for my slate.. The ones I found were relatively expensive and I don't know if I would trust a chemical sealer like that being heated up in an enclosed environment like my viv.. My only advice would be to go with a water based "flat" sealer, that way it will be less toxic and have a natural look (rather than shiny). I would try to get by without one though.

Slate tends to be non-porous, so any liquid is more likely to evaporate than absorb. However, I opted not to grout my tiles because I like to change them about once a month and bake them in my oven to kill off any unwanted growth. I can tell you though, that it is unlikely that a harmful bacteria strain would be able to thrive on slate as long as you keep the viv clean, I just tend to be a bit of a neat freak.

Wow - $.25 a cut? That's not bad - I only needed 5 done. Sheesh...Wish I knew then what I know now!
The sealers WERE expensive - even a small size was more than $20. I was worried, though, about the chemicals, fumes, heat... so I know what you mean there, too.
I agree; keeping the viv clean is always important! I like the tiles because I can dust-bust out all the skin sheddings, cricket parts, etc. (when Leela's out of there, obviously) and wipe them all off together. Maybe your dragon poops on one tile - Leela likes to spread it out so when the tiles were in there loose it was really messy!

 

[mybabymojo]

you totally just gave me a great idea, i was having a hard time figuring out how to make the tiles fit, [since i dont have anyone who can help me cut them] but i have to keep them loose for easy cleaning, working with little space... :? i will post some pics when i get it done!

 

[Pravius]

You guys can seal the tile grout with Mod Podge...

Here is a link.. Much cheaper then those expensive ones and this is totally non toxic.

http://www.plaidonline.com/apmp.asp#ModPodgeBrands

I think I paid like $6 for a 12 oz container.

 

[Twobeardieguy]

Looks good!!

 

[newowner2]

i grouted mine i like it grouted just have to use that heathly habitat stuff to clean the cage when the go poop

 

[lovinmybd]

I have to agree about grouting being easier to clean....I grouted my floors and walls and it cleans up like nothing.

 

[beardieaddict]

i grouted my tiles because before i had them in there not grouted and there nails would get in between the tiles and they had to walk all funny to get them out of the tile and i was afraid that they could just pull them out so i grouted and now to clean it i use heathy habitat to clean it up it works really good