Best type of sand for under tiles

[Lindz0518]

I wasn't sure if there was a type of sand that is better to put under the tiles? If one type is better with heat transfer than others? I want to switch to tile in the next month.

 

[ehebert]

I have tile and don't use sand under it. It's really not needed.

 

[Galyion]

I used the finest sand I could find.

 

[SC Geckos]

Sand just helps get rid of any air pockets under the tile. This will help the tile heat up more evenly. If there are air pockets under the tile it can act like insulation causing uneven heat. If your tiles are not flat on the bottom or don't sit flat on the bottom of the tank you may need to use sand under them. A thin layer of cleaned, sifted play sand will do the trick.

 

[Galyion]

Without the sand my uth would not keep the tile warm enough. If your tile is smooth on the bottom you prob don't need sand. My tile I have slate in one and ceramic in the other. Both tiles have big groves on the bottom for glue. And with that air space it would not heat enough.

 

[Lindz0518]

I need sand, the tiles I got have small diamonds on the underneath, so there would be air trapped underneath for sure. I was just going to use the reptisand because it is super fine and one kind doesn't have dyes. I also read on here that hermit crab sand is an excellent heat conductor.

 

[SC Geckos]

I would think natural sand would be a better heat conductor than a synthetic sand but I have no proof of this its JMO.

 

[BeeBopper]

Ozy recomended hermit crab sand and that's what I got for under my tiles as I was having a hard time keeping it warm enough. I haven't had any problems since adding the sand....and tiles look great too!

 

[Lindz0518]

I was thinking it wouldn't matter that much, I probably won't use hermit crab sand because most of it is calcium based. My geckos wouldn't have access to it but still would like to steer clear of any type of calcium sand. Thank you! Play sand seems more economical