Question: Floor tiles for substrate in my tank?

[simko]

Good morning everyone,

I was just wondering if anyone has , or thinks it is safe to place flooring tiles in the bottom of my tank, I'm thinking of the slate/textured tiles.

The reason I ask is this: I know pebbles are not recommended, but sand is, I was thinking tile may offer a nice texture for axolotl feet to grip onto, be easy to clean, and look pretty nice... can i get anyone's thoughts on this?

I realize some tiles may be treated with chemicals, are there any that dont? Does aonyone think that the composition of the tile may alter the pH of the water?

thanks!

edited to add: Just found this link
http://www.caudata.org/forum/f46-be...rate/64617-new-slate-bottom-axolotl-tank.html

 

[Bengdogg]

Hi,

I have seen this done on a forum ages back using slate and aquarium safe sealant. It looked really smart!

 

[LSuzuki]

You would want to avoid any substrate that changes pH, but I think ceramic tiles (and slate, of course) are safe in that respect.

There has been some talk that some tiles might leach heavy metals (from pigments), but I know I saw at least one posting somewhere that said it shouldn't be a problem with modern high-temp-fired tile. But I don't feel like I have enough credible information to draw a conclusion with regards to the safety of ceramic floor tile in general. (If anyone has more info, please share!)

 

[LSuzuki]

Oh, also, it is BEST to use aquarium sealer, not the sealer used in that thread, since sometimes the formula changes in the non-aquarium sealers to something not safe for amphibeans. I think the sealer used in that thread may have been one that has changed formula in the intervening years.

If you decide to use a non-aquarium sealer and have time to research the ingredients to see what is safe, let us know what you find out. :happy:

 

[Cacique]

I find my sand pretty easy to clean, no idea how the tiles would work. For my sand I just gravel vac lightly if my axolotl has stomped all over his poop, or just directly over the poop if it's intact.