Sand Under Tile?

[scottprice]

I'm going to be using tile as my substrate but I had one question, I saw someone had sand underneath their tile, would this help to retain heat and also use to fill in cracks? (I know some people use calcium to fill in the cracks) Good idea? :main_thumbsup: Bad Idea?:main_thumbsdown:

 

[downthebeatenpath]

When I used to use tile (use carpet now) I put a layer of eco earth underneath, I found that worked fairly well. The tile itself should retain enough heat so there wouldn't be any need for the sand to retain it.

 

[scottprice]

so now why would you use the Eco Earth? Do you think it would hurt or help with the temp control? Would it help or hurt specifically the surface temp of the tile?

 

[downthebeatenpath]

Well I don't know how you are putting the tile in there, whole pieces? I broke mine up to make it more naturalistic so there were a few gaps where they could reach the eco earth and I would rather have them in contact with that over sand. Also depends on if you just use an uth, I used an uth and a light so the tile always held a decent amount of heat. I can't see how the eco earth would take heat away from the tile, mind you I'm talking about a very thin under layer like 1/4-1/2". Pretty much just to cushin it on the glass and fill in the gaps.

 

[scottprice]

I'll be using 6x6 bathroom tile pieces, i found a pattern that resembles a sandy substrate, I like the idea of having to clean up only one tile once she establishes a defectorium. This is where I got the idea for the sand underneath the tile.

http://mysite.verizon.net/elgecko1989/gecko_care.html

 

[downthebeatenpath]

Well I guess sand would be ok as long as they couldn't come in contact with it, because then there really is no point of keeping them on tile since they still run the risk of impactation. If they can't come in contact with it, then I would say go for it, just make sure there is no contact at all.

 

[scottprice]

don't mind me I tend to overthink things