Tile bottom with cichla?

[ArttyFish]

I think a lot of people just do substrate because it is so easy to wash up some gravel or sand and dump it into the tank and move it around. But when you have to do tile i remember when i did my tank i had to buy all these tools to cut the tiles so they fit perfectly and interlock with each other to look nice. Not a lot of people will invest money to buy tile cutting tools. I also bought tiles that are sand colors cause i like the look and color of natural beach sand.
The point about the rays is true as well. With real sand the rays have a chance to hide more and its really about getting to see your fish at all times when you want.

 

[sevank21]

I havent had any experience in tiled tank bottoms but if i plan to tile the bottom, is it necessary to grout as well? Dunno if it sounds crazy but i would want to try just putting the fitted tiles in while the fishes are there, no more cement or adhesive stuff..

No grouting required. It's toxic. U can silicone. But the downfall with that is u have to drain out the tank etc etc. Plus once u silicone it, its damn near permanent.

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[sevank21]

I think a lot of people just do substrate because it is so easy to wash up some gravel or sand and dump it into the tank and move it around. But when you have to do tile i remember when i did my tank i had to buy all these tools to cut the tiles so they fit perfectly and interlock with each other to look nice. Not a lot of people will invest money to buy tile cutting tools. I also bought tiles that are sand colors cause i like the look and color of natural beach sand.
The point about the rays is true as well. With real sand the rays have a chance to hide more and its really about getting to see your fish at all times when you want.

That's what I'm saying bro. If imma invest in fish, I wanna see them lol!

Ur right bout washing sand/gravel and tossing it in, super easy. It's a lot more time consuming measuring and cutting. But I figured, once its done, maintenance will be easier in the long run.



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[dangerhack]

Like someone else said if I had a tank over 36" tall I would prob do tile do to easy cleanup.. I had a friend that did a tank with slate tile that looked pretty cool but I prefer sand over everything


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[oscarfishguy]

I tiled my tank to make maintenance easier. I used a sand color tile and am happy with it, but I think real sand looks much better.

 

[wcgunns]

Im in the process of getting enough flagstone for my 8'x3' tank. Im planning on putting it in as tight as possible and filling in the joints with sand. Im thinking it will add a better look than bare bottom but stay easy to clean.


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[shookONES]

I've become a HUGE advocate of tile bottom tanks in the last few years. The ease of maintenance is incredible, as is the effect it has on fish. My only words of advise to those considering it: avoid natural stone tiles in favor of inert ceramic tiles, either have fish known to stir up the bottom or lift tiles once in a while and siphon out what accumulates. Also, most Home Depots and Loews cut tile free of charge. No need to buy a tile saw or anything crazy like that.

 

[oscarfishguy]

I tiled my tank to make maintenance easier. I used a sand color tile and am happy with it, but I think real sand looks much better.

View attachment 798417


Sevank21, sorry I posted this pic in you're other thread and meant to put it here.

 

[haynchinook334]

I'll play.
This was my old school tile bottom tank and I loved it. Easy to clean on the go.

 

[sevank21]

Man Pete. That tank has so much dope fish!

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