Which Slate Tile Do You Use?

[ILoveLemmonade]

Hello! I am new to the forum and would like some advice on which tile I will use for little Lemon. I have just set up her new 40 gal breeder and am going to switch to tile after using sand for a bit. I used to have a thin layer of sand on a repticarpet, but after reading everything here I am convinced that tile is much better for her!

That being said, what tile do you use and how do you use it? By that I mean: Where did you get it? What kind is it slate or vinyl? How did you cut it? Do you use any substrate beneath it? etc etc. Before I choose what will go into her cage, I would like to get a bit more information on it.

Oh, and I did a bit of searching on the forum and did not find much discussion on which tile specifically is used.

 

[KristineM]

We use slate tile. Home Depot or Lowes have it. It provides traction, files nails, easily cleaned. Some places will cut it for you or offer different sizes to fit the tank. Repticarpet can always fill in open spaces.

Slate tile (or any tile, really) should be baked at 200 degrees for 10 minutes to get rid of any bacteria. If you have to go with a ceramic tile, you can use sand paper on it to create traction.

They break easy, don't do much with them until they are completely cooled off. My husband bought a few different sizes and trimmed them himself. He says it was pretty easy. We also put a layer or two of paper towels under the tile to absorb any moisture.
(Don't forget to leave some room to be able to lift them out for cleaning)

Hope that helps. Keep us updated!

 

[Baldwin]

I bought a box of six 12"x12" slate tiles from Home Depot. They come 6 to a pack. You will only need 5 to do a 40 gal breeder tank. You will need to cut 3 of the tiles to make them fit. 2 of the six stay intact/uncut. I used a diamond blade on a 4 1/2 angle grinder to cut the slate. You can get the blade at Home Depot and that will probably be the most expensive piece you have to buy at ~$24. I bought an angle grinder at Harbor Freight for ~$20.

Not sure if Home Depot can/will cut it for you, but it can't hurt to ask.

My slate tiles lay directly on the bottom of the glass tank. No sand or anything else to collect "stuff". To clean it, I take them out and hose them off and let them dry in the sun.

I love the slate tile. It looks really nice in the vivarium.

Hope that helps,
-Jim

 

[ILoveLemmonade]

Thanks for the replies! You were both very detailed and helpful. I am looking at some tiles at the moment but the reviews say that they are very uneven. Did either of you have any problems with this?

Also, how scratch and stain resistant are the tiles that you use?

 

[Baldwin]

Mine are totally uneven. My lizard doesn't seam to mind.

 

[ILoveLemmonade]

Mine are totally uneven. My lizard doesn't seam to mind.

Hm.. how are the edges? Are they sharp at all? And if they are, could these be sanded down like ceramic? Haha sorry for all of the questions I just want to be sure. These look great and come in a pack of 5 square feet which is perfect, but they are said to be very uneven.

 

[KristineM]

Hmmm...mine aren't uneven at all. Then again, my husband did this. They're SO easy to spot clean daily and even the "big clean out" is easy. I use a vinegar/water solution in a spray bottle for the big clean out once a week. It's just my schedule though. Everyone does their own thing.

I just noticed you're using sand. I'd ditch every bit of it right away. The paper towels underneath just seam to make my cleaning a bit easier and it had been suggested in case of any moisture. I chose to take the suggestion but it's all up to you, of course

Just sharing my experience.

 

[KristineM]

Are you ordering online or something? I'd suggest going and seeing for yourself if at all possible. You can feel the texture and know what you're purchasing...

 

[Baldwin]

Here are a couple pics of mine. I think if I was to sort through the loose tiles at the store, I could have found 5 that were even.





I'm planning on building a custom enclosure later this year and will properly set the tile and grout it in the new enclosure.

 

[ILoveLemmonade]

Kristine, yes, I am getting rid of the sand altogether. Beside the fact that it is unhealthy for the dragon, I don't like the smell of the sand I am using! Thanks for the suggestion on the paper towels, this is what I planned to do. As for purchasing the tile, there is a Lowes and a Home Depot in my town so I will go to both and see them in person. I am just looking through online so I know what I'm looking for when I get there.

Baldwin, thanks for the pictures. It gives me a much better idea of what I will be dealing with. I may try to file them down if I cannot find some that are even. Regarding your comment on your new enclosure, is sealing the tile necessary or the best way to go? I would like to remove the tiles and wash them whenever necessary. Would it be easier to seal it and just wipe down the messes?

 

[Baldwin]

I wasn't planning on sealing the tile, just securing it with thinset and filling in the gaps between the tiles with grout. Not sure if there is any advantage to this or not. Hadn't really thought about it that much. I could see the benefit to being able to remove the tiles for cleaning.

Honestly, the edges are not really sharp and haven't been a problem. Slate is actually pretty soft, so you could probably file it pretty easy.

 

[KristineM]

Not sealing them makes my life easier as far as removal for a deep clean.

They're all suggestions, though. Ultimately the decision is yours based on what works best for you

Let us know how it all comes together!

 

[ILoveLemmonade]

Thank you both for all of your help! I have learned from my experiences with Lemon to always research before I buy, but now il sure of what I need.