Can anyone tell me what tile is safe?

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
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tcarswell

Polypterus
MFK Member
Dec 6, 2008
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I want a darker colored tile to lay in the bottom of my 90 tall (48X18" footprint) What is safe ? I want to switch because I got gravel now but I am keeping bichirs only in this tank I think they would much prefer tile than a bare bottom as would I moving my rocks around etc

Cliff notes can anyone lead me to safe tile ? Is it obtainable at lowes ? Home Depot? Where would I start? :popcorn:
 
i recently discovered that the most safest tiles are the ones that are 100% natural stone. with 0 sealants and/or penetrators.
it makes seance because so many of us use rock work/gravel in are tanks with no problems.

these ones will be found at stores that deal with counter tops and flooring specifically. some tiles are man made and can have harmful additives that can leach out into water. they contain artificial additives to give the tile certain characteristics but make it dangerous to use in a submerged application.

pool tiles are also safe, go to a pool store for more information on those.


im using Italian blue pearl granite in my new set up.

newsetup001.jpg


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Thanks a lot guys ! Love the italian blue pearl action! It is beautiful!
I like the slate idea I think that is the route I am going to go I have some marble but its not a favorable size. Slate might look kinda natural and would be an easy clean.

BTW your avatar with the loch ness monster cracks me up. Chef's parents !! LMAO
 
tcarswell;3307057; said:
Thanks a lot guys ! Love the italian blue pearl action! It is beautiful!
I like the slate idea I think that is the route I am going to go I have some marble but its not a favorable size. Slate might look kinda natural and would be an easy clean.

BTW your avatar with the loch ness monster cracks me up. Chef's parents !! LMAO
Click to expand...


most slate should be fine (fish store slate/rock). however, the guy at the tile store discouraged me from buying slate tiles. he stated that some slate tiles can rust when exposed to the elements for long periods of time. :WHOA:

i don't have any proof this true or not. i just took his word for it, to play it safe. :)

thanks, it sucks that Isaac Hayes died.... we probably will never see chefs parents again.

heres a little something to remember them by.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8CJQSlxbqFU&feature=PlayList&p=9A68190B14933854&index=0&playnext=1
 
i just did a little research on slate tiles. i found that slate tiles often come with or need a sealer. also, they require higher maintenance then any other natural stone when its come to flooring.




'' Slate is a natural stone, but unlike marble, limestone and granite, it requires different maintenance and troubleshooting procedures ''

- search slate problems on google.
 
Deaths Sting;3307148; said:
i just did a little research on slate tiles. i found that slate tiles often come with or need a sealer. also, they require higher maintenance then any other natural stone when its come to flooring.




'' Slate is a natural stone, but unlike marble, limestone and granite, it requires different maintenance and troubleshooting procedures ''

- search slate problems on google.
Click to expand...

slate is one of the WORST choices for a floor. i would know, ive been a floor mechanic for 9 years:(. i will try and derail a customer from installing slate on anything but their front steps at all possible costs. its nothing but trouble. and the part about some types rusting is true. i believe its from iron deposits or something iron-like that is in the slate.

most stone, slate and even marble flooring tiles do NOT come pre-treated/impregnated with any sealers. its much easier to obtain completely natural, untreated tiles than it would be to find them pre-sealed.

if you have a counter-top fabrication or installation shop near you, they would have tons of scraps and pieces you could most likely get for next to nothing. most of the granite and marble tops they carry are glazed and highly polished, which should be fish safe
 
IKeepPacu;3307512; said:
slate is one of the WORST choices for a floor. i would know, ive been a floor mechanic for 9 years:(. i will try and derail a customer from installing slate on anything but their front steps at all possible costs. its nothing but trouble. and the part about some types rusting is true. i believe its from iron deposits or something iron-like that is in the slate.

most stone, slate and even marble flooring tiles do NOT come pre-treated/impregnated with any sealers. its much easier to obtain completely natural, untreated tiles than it would be to find them pre-sealed.

if you have a counter-top fabrication or installation shop near you, they would have tons of scraps and pieces you could most likely get for next to nothing. most of the granite and marble tops they carry are glazed and highly polished, which should be fish safe
Click to expand...

im glad u chimed in, i think people would of still bought slate tiles even after my disclaimer.
 
get slate tiles... i have them in my tank to make caves.
 
IKeepPacu;3307512; said:
slate is one of the WORST choices for a floor. i would know, ive been a floor mechanic for 9 years:(. i will try and derail a customer from installing slate on anything but their front steps at all possible costs. its nothing but trouble. and the part about some types rusting is true. i believe its from iron deposits or something iron-like that is in the slate.

most stone, slate and even marble flooring tiles do NOT come pre-treated/impregnated with any sealers. its much easier to obtain completely natural, untreated tiles than it would be to find them pre-sealed.

if you have a counter-top fabrication or installation shop near you, they would have tons of scraps and pieces you could most likely get for next to nothing. most of the granite and marble tops they carry are glazed and highly polished, which should be fish safe
Click to expand...
Thanks for the heads up! No slate for me too bad :( I guess ill bring some dimensions to the tile shop I do not mind paying to have it cut I am particular about the color and what not so I will have to pay a bit but its worth it. Thanks everyone.
 
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