base layer for slate tiles?

[wicked gecko]

Was wondering what the most popular base layer is. Found some awesome natural slate tiles and they're definitely lots of pockets and hollow spots on both sides. I've searched and see several options being paper towel, eco earth, fine clean sand, and repticarpet. Of these I find paper towel most tempting for when there is a spill or mess and it's easily replaced for routine maintenance. My only concern is weather or not paper towel will be enough to fill the gaps for a safe and distributed heat. Only other item I'm waiting on is the larger uth to fit the 20 gallon tanks. Opted for the 11x17 flukers one this time and already have the thermostats to swap over from the 10 gallon ones. Thanks for your help! Russ

 

[Yoshi'smom]

I am weird and use a cloth layer between the glass and ceramic tiles. It's easily laundered when necessary and isn't costly like constantly throwing away paper towels. I'm just crafty with the sewing machine. I chose a durable but light weight beige fabric and hemmed the corners so it fits the dimensions exactly. You can barely tell it's there as my tiles fit nearly perfectly at the bottom of my tank.

 

[JessJohnson87]

The other tile I had in my tank fit flush against the glass on the bottom so I used paper towels. The new travertine tile that I bought, does not sit flush against the bottom so I had to order sand to fill the gap between the bottom of the tank and the tile. I've been having heating issues since I switched tile. If you get the 12x12 pieces, 2 of them will fit perfect. You will have to get one 12x12 piece cut to 6x12 for the last bit that's not covered by the other 2 pieces of tile, unless they have it in 6x6 pieces then 2 of those will work.

 

[wicked gecko]

Thanks. Never thought of towel style ☺ I got a remgrit blade for my hacksaw and it works great for cutting the slate. Even used it to shave the sides a little so they fit tighter. It was only $2.98 for the remgrit blade. I may have to use sand but hoping not to. Maybe just have to test a few days of each and see how temp does before deciding. Doing hiccups cage first and he can stay in his 10 gallon until the 20 is perfected.

 

[IHaveNoIdea]

I use the eco earth, it works well. The only problem is when a cricket or roach escapes and hides under the rock (in your case tile).

 

[wicked gecko]

My tiles fit tight enough that the crickets won't be able to get under the slate. Honestly I don't think a meal worm could get under them.

 

[JessJohnson87]

We have like 3 4 1/2" grinders with cutting discs. Think I'm going to shave some off of my tiles so they fit better. Post pictures when you're done, would love to see them!

 

[Elizabeth Freer]

I recommend fine clean sand to fill in any irregularities underneath your slate.

Some people use clean playsand.

 

[wicked gecko]

I'll take some pics when it's finished for sure. I'm excited to get them both swapped but the other one will take a bit longer. The 14 year old wants to work on his own set up so I'll just help a Lil on his and let him do most of it.

 

[Elizabeth Freer]

I'll take some pics when it's finished for sure. I'm excited to get them both swapped but the other one will take a bit longer. The 14 year old wants to work on his own set up so I'll just help a Lil on his and let him do most of it.

14 is a great age to gain confidence with home improvement projects, no matter what the size or whose.

 

[CWilson13]

When I switch to tile (soon hopefully) I plan on using sand, just enough to fill in the underside gaps of the tile. I had never thought about using cloth though.

 

[Elizabeth Freer]

When I switch to tile (soon hopefully) I plan on using sand, just enough to fill in the underside gaps of the tile. I had never thought about using cloth though.

Seems like the cloth would need to be something like terry cloth to work. Sand probably is a more efficient conductor.

 

[Yoshi'smom]

The fabric I use is light and durable. The heat from the UTH is transferred well through it and the ceramic tile and my UTH is on a thermostat so I'm still able to achieve optimal temps. I've not had a problem with in since I've started using it.

 

[wicked gecko]

Hoping to make it back to town in the next week or so and find either sand or a decent fabric. Waiting on the larger uth until about then also because I had to order it. Going to work on building a stand for it this weekend and a custom cover.

 

[JessJohnson87]

Share pictures! I'm terrible at building things out of wood.

 

[CWilson13]

I agree with Jess, once you have everything built we'd love pictures. Or, you could even do step by step photos and start a thread in DIY

 

[wicked gecko]

I didn't get at it this weekend. High of -7 here today and not much better tomorrow so won't be working out in the garage until towards the end of the week because it's not heated. Headed to town today instead and grabbed some washed and screened play sand. Also grabbed some screen for the cover project and silicone for a future project. Will post some pics when I finally get to work in the garage.

 

[JessJohnson87]

Be careful pouring the sand or else you'll end up with too much like I did. The weather has been crazy everywhere this weekend! You should look into heating the garage, it's awesome.

 

[wicked gecko]

I wish! My plan is to section off a room to heat at some point but it'll be awhile, we just found out last week that we've got another Lil one on the way :biggrin: Our garage is actually a 36x60' pole shed with a full cement floor but it's not insulated. Gotta make me a room out there and just heat the room. Guess I'm a glutton for punishment though lol we've got boys ages 14,18,20 a Lil princess that's 3.5 and the new surprise on the way!

 

[JessJohnson87]

My husband would love a garage that big. We're lucky that our garage came with a heater on one side when we bought the house. Congrats on the new little one! Sounds like you have your hands full.