What to put in gaps between tiles?

[kjjohn]

Hello,
My leopard gecko Apollo has been on slate tiles in an Exo-Terra medium low tank for about a year now. I find that they are easy to clean, look natural, and are easy to heat with a UTH and establish a thermal gradient. However, I am going to be "remodeling" his cage at some point to make it look more natural and more stimulating for him.

My main problem with tiles is that they only come in sizes like 6"x6", or 12"x12", while the interior dimensions of the Exo-Terra tank are something like 17.5"x23", so I can't get tiles that will fit tight against the sides. There are big gaps. I was wondering what I could use to fill in the gaps? I was wondering is there is some sort of clay-type material that hardens, because then I could use it in combination with the tiles to sculpt a sort of multi-layer terrain inside, and bury the bases of fake plants in some areas. However, I'm not sure is there is such a material that wouldn't cause impaction. I've thought about Excavator clay, but I've heard its messy when it gets wet and isn't really that good.

If all else fails, I will probably just purchase a bag of Jurrassic sand to fill in the gaps, but I really don't like sand at all because it is hard to clean up and remove it all from the tank, plus the obvious impaction risk (though I'm sure a little bit in the gaps won't cause impaction).

Ideally, I'd like to do a substrate consisting of a thin layer of clay with 6x6 tiles embedded in it throughout various locations in the tank, and maybe some loose rocks embedded in it to function as steps or climbing stuff, sort of like this: http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8510/8471647441_6bef44e966_c.jpg

Also, I'm gonna try to create a sort of "litter box" in the corner of the cage since my gecko always poops in the same spot, so I don't have to clean the slate as often.

Opinions?

 

[Muffins94]

A thin layer of sand will be fine and probably shouldn't provide much impaction risk. I have used excavator before and I didn't like it at all. It was really dusty and was a waste of money. It might be a good product for other species but definitely not for a leopard gecko. Your best bet is to just use the sand. Clay and other sealers will do just that- seal the tile and getting out to do a whole cleaning will be hard. For a "litter box" I just put a paper towel in the designated area, and after it is used just throw it away and replace it. Keep the tile clean and is easy to pick it all up at once.

 

[kjjohn]

Thanks for the advice on the excavator clay. I will probably buy some Jurrassic sand. As for the "litter box", I actually use a little paper towel square in the corner too, and it works pretty good for keeping feces off of the surface of the slate. However, I notice that the liquid part will sometime soak through, and I would like to be able to put a layer of something between the poop and the slate that won't let any liquid through, so there is less of a chance of bacteria buildup on the slate. I think it could really be just as simple as an open tupperware container with an entrance cut in the front, and just put the paper towel square in there instead of directly on the slate. (However, tupperware would sort of take away from the whole "natural" look I want to have)

 

[Muffins94]

Maybe use a small sheet of thin plastic, foil or parchment paper under the paper towel?

 

[Elizabeth Freer]

Thanks for the advice on the excavator clay. I will probably buy some Jurrassic sand. As for the "litter box", I actually use a little paper towel square in the corner too, and it works pretty good for keeping feces off of the surface of the slate. However, I notice that the liquid part will sometime soak through, and I would like to be able to put a layer of something between the poop and the slate that won't let any liquid through, so there is less of a chance of bacteria buildup on the slate. I think it could really be just as simple as an open tupperware container with an entrance cut in the front, and just put the paper towel square in there instead of directly on the slate. (However, tupperware would sort of take away from the whole "natural" look I want to have)

At some home improvement stores one can buy tiles in other dimensions, perhaps like 6 inches x 18 inches. Have not tried it, but heard that it is so.

There are some food grade sealants available for sealing the slate...two different brands, two sizes of containers. That is available at my local Home Depot. An alternative is to have a second section of slate for the poop area. Then that section can be switched out for cleaning/disinfecting.

 

[toke]

I just put a 6 x 6 tile in which ever corner they go in and can remove it keeps the natural slate looktoo

 

[CString]

Sorry to revive an old thread, but you can usually have tiles cut for free. I just upgraded to a 36"x18" tank, which is really more like 35.5"x17.5" on the inside. I bought two 18x18 tiles at Lowes and they cut them on the spot so I had a 35.25x17.25 area. It's as tight as they could be with me still being able to pry them out for cleaning.

 

[VivaNFLD]

Agreed, tiles can be cut at most locations they can be bought.

Regarding excavator clay, I have personally never used it but lately have been curious about it. I don't like the idea of how it is a permanent fixture to a tank and this bring hard to clean. But, I had an idea of making a tunnel system in a mould on some kind of tile or small tray like box so the tunnel system could be removed from the tank and cleaned appropriately. A mold would be needed, preferably something that the clay wouldn't bond with so when the clay sets, the panels could be removed and violá! Tunnels!

Just a thought, I haven't tried it but I might.

 

[craigrs84]

Hello,
My leopard gecko Apollo has been on slate tiles in an Exo-Terra medium low tank for about a year now. I find that they are easy to clean, look natural, and are easy to heat with a UTH and establish a thermal gradient. However, I am going to be "remodeling" his cage at some point to make it look more natural and more stimulating for him.

My main problem with tiles is that they only come in sizes like 6"x6", or 12"x12", while the interior dimensions of the Exo-Terra tank are something like 17.5"x23", so I can't get tiles that will fit tight against the sides. There are big gaps. I was wondering what I could use to fill in the gaps? I was wondering is there is some sort of clay-type material that hardens, because then I could use it in combination with the tiles to sculpt a sort of multi-layer terrain inside, and bury the bases of fake plants in some areas. However, I'm not sure is there is such a material that wouldn't cause impaction. I've thought about Excavator clay, but I've heard its messy when it gets wet and isn't really that good.

If all else fails, I will probably just purchase a bag of Jurrassic sand to fill in the gaps, but I really don't like sand at all because it is hard to clean up and remove it all from the tank, plus the obvious impaction risk (though I'm sure a little bit in the gaps won't cause impaction).

Ideally, I'd like to do a substrate consisting of a thin layer of clay with 6x6 tiles embedded in it throughout various locations in the tank, and maybe some loose rocks embedded in it to function as steps or climbing stuff, sort of like this: http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8510/8471647441_6bef44e966_c.jpg

Also, I'm gonna try to create a sort of "litter box" in the corner of the cage since my gecko always poops in the same spot, so I don't have to clean the slate as often.

Opinions?

I bought my tiles at Lowes and they cut them for free to the dimensions I needed to fit my tank.

I took measurements of my tank before going to the store so I had a rough idea of what cuts were required and directed the Lowe's employee how to cut them.

Don't rely on what dimensions your tank should be, measure it to be sure since the tanks can sometimes vary by an inch or so (mine was like this). Don't cut the tiles so that they fit too tightly. If you are trying to force them in it may stress the glass and cause it to break. You probably won't be able to get a wall-to-wall fit anyways since the silicone glue usually prevents this. Insects tend to get into the gaps, which can be annoying. I put my insects in a glass dish to prevent this.