What substrate should I get? Non stick shelf liner vs. Tile

[KyleHarrelson]

What is better non stick shelf liner or tile? Shelf liner looks nicer to me. But how do I clean tile and shelf liner? Just run it through hot water?

 

[hockeyballz30]

Tile seems to work the best for me. It is easy to spot clean. Also, tiles can be removed to wash for a deep clean. I use wipes to spot clean when they go in the tank, and your done. When putting tiles in just place them down, they are heavy enough where they will not move, but light enough to take out and clean if needed.

 

[Jrl6130]

Yeah, I also use tile as a substrate and i LOVE it. I put shelf liner at the bottom then the tiles so the tiles stay and dont scratch the bottom

 

[Mediabandit]

I have tried repti carpet, shelf liner too but prefer the ceramic tile. It also helps trim their nails whereas the shelf liner does not.

 

[ClydesGirl]

I'm personally a HUGE fan of non-stick shelf liner. It's durable, yet disposable. It can hold up well, but if you want to just throw it out and put down all new liner, it's inexpensive to do so. Unlike tile, it's very easy to cut to any size you want. As for cleaning, I spot clean with organic alcohol-free baby wipes. For a deeper cleaning, I pull it out, spray it down with a water/bleach mixture, then rinse until I can no longer smell bleach. And whenever I feel like it's time to replace it, I just cut a new piece to size and I'm good to go.

As for brand, I recommend Duck brand, which is now labeled as "Easy Liner" and available from Lowes or Walmart. I'd advise against getting any with a print on it. To me, the printed stuff has a chemically/noxious smell to it. I just get a solid color, usually taupe.

 

[TeamNHL]

We just put two 18" tiles in our 40gal breeder tank, the tiles needed to be trimmed down by about a 1/4" on one side. We were using reptile carpet before, I personally think the tile looks better. Plus we find it easier to clean.

 

[RockHound]

I sealed up my slate tiles with a water-based stone sealer and caulked them in. Will still be easy to replace, but till then, the moisture stays out of them so spot cleaning is a breeze, and the caulk is naturally non-porous. Used clear Lexel for general waterproofing. Really can't beat the look of tile. My little rescue looks so awkward trying to run around on it though.

Only problem about just laying tiles in that I've heard is that liquids occasionally seep under them through the cracks between them and that can be icky.