i got my tiles from a specialist (counter top and floor designer).. they know their products way better then any department store
. however, going to a place such as the one i went to will cost BIG $$.. 2 18'' square tiles cost me almost $150. to me its worth it because these guys knew their tiles! i also i highly doubt u could find Italian Blue Pearl in a Department store.. if u could it would probably be synthetic.. when dealing with tiles for aquaria always go all natural (just like the gravel/sand u buy, i have forsaken my 3M colorquartz..its highly synthetic and could be potentially hazardous). there's a thread somewhere explaining it.. i don't want to get in to it.. i don't want to be reminded..
anyway, originally i was going to buy slate tiles, but then the dealer told me they have the potential to rust when exposed to moisture for long periods of time. as for ceramic/porcelain tiles.. remember there usually used in the bathrooms and showers.. they contain man made additives to prevent mold and other biological yucky stuff from growing (they almost always come coated with something) i would stay away... some ceramic such as the pure clay type like in Terra-cotta pots are safe..
i have had my tiles in my tank with my fish for about 3 months now.. i haven't noticed any jumps in any parameters and the fish are very healthy
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granite tiles have the potential to contain arsenic! you will find that slate may hold a higher risk of arsenic.. however, it would be rare to come across a tile with a dangerous amount.. 100% natural granite should be anyone's # 1 choice when it comes to tiles IMO... i say IMO now because; i know of a few on here who do use other tiles made of ceramic etc etc.. i would like to let them and everyone know that in no way am i generalizing tiles!!! there are ceramic tiles and other tiles that are safe to use.. i am merely giving a guide line to purchasing tiles.
remember to buy ur tiles from someone who can explain where they came from and whats in them....
THIS IS THE ONLY WAY U WILL KNOW THAT THE TILES ARE TRULY SAFE FOR AQUARIA!! usually the price will reflect this as well..
now for some pics of my Italian Blue Pearl tiled tank:
. however, going to a place such as the one i went to will cost BIG $$.. 2 18'' square tiles cost me almost $150. to me its worth it because these guys knew their tiles! i also i highly doubt u could find Italian Blue Pearl in a Department store.. if u could it would probably be synthetic.. when dealing with tiles for aquaria always go all natural (just like the gravel/sand u buy, i have forsaken my 3M colorquartz..its highly synthetic and could be potentially hazardous). there's a thread somewhere explaining it.. i don't want to get in to it.. i don't want to be reminded..anyway, originally i was going to buy slate tiles, but then the dealer told me they have the potential to rust when exposed to moisture for long periods of time. as for ceramic/porcelain tiles.. remember there usually used in the bathrooms and showers.. they contain man made additives to prevent mold and other biological yucky stuff from growing (they almost always come coated with something) i would stay away... some ceramic such as the pure clay type like in Terra-cotta pots are safe..
i have had my tiles in my tank with my fish for about 3 months now.. i haven't noticed any jumps in any parameters and the fish are very healthy
.granite tiles have the potential to contain arsenic! you will find that slate may hold a higher risk of arsenic.. however, it would be rare to come across a tile with a dangerous amount.. 100% natural granite should be anyone's # 1 choice when it comes to tiles IMO... i say IMO now because; i know of a few on here who do use other tiles made of ceramic etc etc.. i would like to let them and everyone know that in no way am i generalizing tiles!!! there are ceramic tiles and other tiles that are safe to use.. i am merely giving a guide line to purchasing tiles.
remember to buy ur tiles from someone who can explain where they came from and whats in them....
THIS IS THE ONLY WAY U WILL KNOW THAT THE TILES ARE TRULY SAFE FOR AQUARIA!! usually the price will reflect this as well..
now for some pics of my Italian Blue Pearl tiled tank:
Photos of tiles with better lighting/camera (Actually apperance when it the tank)
