Slate vs Porcelain Tile

[donna2782]

Hi all My son has recently been given a leopard gecko for his 7th birthday and I have a few questions though I'd like to start with the difference between slate and procelain tile. The video posted in the care sheet forum shows the porcelain tiles whereas the care sheet states slate. Does it matter which is used? I like the idea of the porcelain ones because it doesn't mention sealing them like the others. Is that correct?

Right now I am using play sand that has hardened somewhat so that there is only a few loose clumps here and there but am liking the idea of tile instead.

I plan to come back and introduce myself and Liz the Leopard Gecko when I can keep my eyes open :yawn:

Thanks for any info =)

 

[tonyperkins203]

Hi all My son has recently been given a leopard gecko for his 7th birthday and I have a few questions though I'd like to start with the difference between slate and procelain tile. The video posted in the care sheet forum shows the porcelain tiles whereas the care sheet states slate. Does it matter which is used? I like the idea of the porcelain ones because it doesn't mention sealing them like the others. Is that correct?

Right now I am using play sand that has hardened somewhat so that there is only a few loose clumps here and there but am liking the idea of tile instead.

I plan to come back and introduce myself and Liz the Leopard Gecko when I can keep my eyes open :yawn:

Thanks for any info =)

I prefer porcelain for a couple of major reasons:

First, and most importantly, slate requires the added step of applying a food grade sealer to it to prevent absorbsion of urate. The sealer can be quite pricey. Porcelain does not require this step. My porcelain tile cost 8 dollars, and will last forever. Slate is cheap as well, but the sealer is not so cheap. I like the idea of buy it, throw it in, and forget it.

Second, porcelain comes in a greater variety of color patterns and styles.

I have been told that slate conducts heat better than porcelain. If it does, it can't be by much because porcelain conducts heat extremely well.

Slate is natural rock, so it obviously looks more natural, although you can find porcelain that mimics the look of natural rock quite well.

I have also heard rumors that porcelain tile is slick and the gecko will slip on it. I have seen no evidence of this with my gecko. She has no trouble walking around on it or stalking prey.

Bottom line, it's really a personal preference. Both will serve you very well, and both are very safe for your gecko.

Make sure you use a thermostat for your under tank heater when using either. My porcelain tile gets upwards of 105 degrees without a thermostat.

 

[Elizabeth Freer]

I prefer porcelain for a couple of major reasons:

First, and most importantly, slate requires the added step of applying a food grade sealer to it to prevent absorbsion of urate. The sealer can be quite pricey. Porcelain does not require this step. My porcelain tile cost 8 dollars, and will last forever. Slate is cheap as well, but the sealer is not so cheap. I like the idea of buy it, throw it in, and forget it.

Second, porcelain comes in a greater variety of color patterns and styles.

I have been told that slate conducts heat better than porcelain. If it does, it can't be by much because porcelain conducts heat extremely well.

Slate is natural rock, so it obviously looks more natural, although you can find porcelain that mimics the look of natural rock quite well.

I have also heard rumors that porcelain tile is slick and the gecko will slip on it. I have seen no evidence of this with my gecko. She has no trouble walking around on it or stalking prey.

Bottom line, it's really a personal preference. Both will serve you very well, and both are very safe for your gecko.

Make sure you use a thermostat for your under tank heater when using either. My porcelain tile gets upwards of 105 degrees without a thermostat.

Tony ~

Thanks for covering the bases from A - Z. Much appreciated.....

 

[donna2782]

Thanks for the detailed reply =) Didn't I see a link somewhere that discussed thermostats?

 

[Elizabeth Freer]

Thanks for the detailed reply =) Didn't I see a link somewhere that discussed thermostats?

You will find that link right below in my signature. Scroll through till you get to the lighting/heating subsection.

 

[donna2782]

Thanks again!

I visited a friend today who's son also has a leopard gecko and they are using some type of indoor/outdoor carpet that's speckled brown and tan. It looks really nice in the aquarium and she said it's easy to clean. Would this be an acceptable substrate to use?

 

[tonyperkins203]

Thanks again!

I visited a friend today who's son also has a leopard gecko and they are using some type of indoor/outdoor carpet that's speckled brown and tan. It looks really nice in the aquarium and she said it's easy to clean. Would this be an acceptable substrate to use?

If you choose to use carpet, I will caution you on two things.

One, there is a slight chance that your gecko can get his toes or teeth caught in it.

Two, it can harbor bacteria from urate and feces.

I used reptile carpet for a while when I first purchased my gecko. It was ok, but I had to have two of them so that when I was cleaning one and allowing it to dry I could put the other one in. Also, after a while, it starts to get worn out and you will need to buy more.

For me, tile made better sense because it was easier to keep clean and I will never have to replace it. I always go with the one time purchase option over having to replace periodically, if possible.