Newbie to Tile..

[Leopard.Geckerz]

I currently use paper towel but would like to re-do everyone`s tanks (7) with something more attractive. I`d die before using sand or any loose substrate, and repti carpet is okay, but hard to come by in my area, and I think tile looks great. I went to home depot today and saw quite a few that I liked. I`m sure this has been asked before, but what am I looking for, exactly? There was thin, vinyl, stone - tile replica, that was like, about --- that thick and flexible, and there was also ceramic and porcelain tile that was about a cm thick. I wasn`t sure which was the stuff to get? I use UTH and no light heating. Is the heat going to be able to go through the thick stuff?? I`m sure this sounds like a dumb question, but any help or suggestions would be great!!

 

[Jaiden23]

I use ceramic tile, although some people do use porcelain or stone as well. With an UTH, there is a chance that the vinyl tiles could give off chemicals when heated, so I wouldn't really recommend using vinyl, although I do believe a fellow member here uses vinyl and hasn't had any problems with it. I'm still a bit wary of it though.

When looking for tile for your tanks, just keep in mind that it has to be something they can easily grip. You should avoid all glossy or glazed tiles, as leos have a tendency to slide around on them.

As for heat, my temperature gradiant improved when I switched to tile from repti-carpet. My warm side stays at a constant 90 F and the cool side stays down around 75 F.

Tile is by far my favorite substrate :main_thumbsup:

 

[Leopard.Geckerz]

I use ceramic tile, although some people do use porcelain or stone as well. With an UTH, there is a chance that the vinyl tiles could give off chemicals when heated, so I wouldn't really recommend using vinyl, although I do believe a fellow member here uses vinyl and hasn't had any problems with it. I'm still a bit wary of it though.

When looking for tile for your tanks, just keep in mind that it has to be something they can easily grip. You should avoid all glossy or glazed tiles, as leos have a tendency to slide around on them.

As for heat, my temperature gradiant improved when I switched to tile from repti-carpet. My warm side stays at a constant 90 F and the cool side stays down around 75 F.

Tile is by far my favorite substrate :main_thumbsup:

Thanks!!! I was thinking the traction too would be an issue on the slicker stuff. The ceramic I saw was grainy, not glossy. Not like super gritty but not slippery either. I was just worried about heat travelling through it because it`s so thick.

 

[chaosapiant]

I use tile that is about a 1/4 inch thick, and my UTH has no problems. If anything, tile is a much better conductor of heat than repti carpet or even sand. And between paper towels or carpet, i'd go with papertowels. My leo always got his little toes or mouth stuck on the carpet hairs when hunting. Tile is the best, imo.

 

[Bonney425]

i use slate. my heat is good they have good traction plus i think i looks cool just an idea, (purchased at home depot)