Tile Substrate

Ashli

New member
Hello, I am in the process of acquiring a leopard gecko, and before I receive the gecko I want to make sure that I am ready- meaning the tank is all set up and ready to go. I have heard a lot about tile as a substrate and how it is low maintenance and better for the gecko. I was just wondering where to get this tile and around how much does it cost to purchase this? And is it okay to use reptile carpet until I get tile if I am not able to get it before my gecko? Other than tile what is the best substrate, as is safest, to use?
 

Elizabeth Freer

Well-known member
Hello, I am in the process of acquiring a leopard gecko, and before I receive the gecko I want to make sure that I am ready- meaning the tank is all set up and ready to go. I have heard a lot about tile as a substrate and how it is low maintenance and better for the gecko. I was just wondering where to get this tile and around how much does it cost to purchase this? And is it okay to use reptile carpet until I get tile if I am not able to get it before my gecko? Other than tile what is the best substrate, as is safest, to use?

Where are you from?

In the USA places like Home Depot's and Lowe's carry porcelain and ceramic tiles. Some Lowe's will even cut it to customize for a small fee. Some people even go for slate tiles.

You can use paper towels in the meantime.

For a 30 x 12 x 12 inch tank, you can get tiles for $15 or less. Superior substrate all around: good heat conductor, permanent, easily cleaned, attractive.

Leos get their teeth and claws stuck in reptile carpet. Reptile carpet harbors bacteria from the feces and the urine. You would need 2 carpets---one to wash while you use the other.

How about checking out the Leo Caresheet linked below in my signature for very thorough leo advice?
 

dbott67

New member
I'm not an expert, but I recently changed from a reptile carpet to stone tiles. I had been using reptile carpet for just over 1 year, but my gecko has recently lost her appetite and in an effort to maintain optimal temperatures and environment, I decided to switch to stone and use an under-tank heater.

I did some research on using tiles and most of the consensus seemed to suggest using a natural, unfinished stone tile such as slate. In my case, I found 4" x 4" natural, tumbled stone at my local hardware store. A package of 9 tiles covered 1 square foot was on sale for $3.99. I ended up using 4 packages and created a multi-layered substrate.

11341219646-Vivarium_3.jpg-Windows-Photo-Viewer.png


One of the primary benefits for me is that the stone will absorb the heat and help maintain a more even heat throughout the day.

See my first post in this thread for more pictures of her vivarium (which now has a 3rd hide).
 
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Ashli

New member
I am from Florida, thankfully we have a million Home Depots and Lowe's around so I will be sure to check that out! And I would still be able to use the UTH for the warm side and warm hide? The thickness won't affect the heat being properly circulated will it? And do you recommend a certain kind of tile? And I have actually seen this care sheet I have it saved, I am actually on this site because of a video posted that had your care sheet linked, so I decided to check it out and made an account because I believe it will be come useful when I get my geckos :D thank you
 

Ashli

New member
This is a beautiful set up, I feel like you Leo is extremely happy there! And thank you that actually helps. I am just trying to get the best I can before I actually bring home my Leo
 

Elizabeth Freer

Well-known member
I am from Florida, thankfully we have a million Home Depots and Lowe's around so I will be sure to check that out! And I would still be able to use the UTH for the warm side and warm hide? The thickness won't affect the heat being properly circulated will it? And do you recommend a certain kind of tile? And I have actually seen this care sheet I have it saved, I am actually on this site because of a video posted that had your care sheet linked, so I decided to check it out and made an account because I believe it will be come useful when I get my geckos :D thank you

You are welcome, Ashli!

No specific kind other than what I mentioned.

Did you originally see Tony's videos on YouTube?
 

Ashli

New member
Yes, it was Tony's video! I loved it, so when he mentioned you and his site, I was one hundred percent checking it out and I am glad I did.. I printed your care sheet to have it with me during this process :D
 
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