TILED TANK BOTTOMS

[Gshock]

So does anybody here have a tiled bottom in their ray tanks? Im a big fan of smooth barebottoms but Im considering laying tiles on the bottom to make it more visually appealing and possibly, even more smooth for my rays to glide across. Anybody with experience on this have any tips? What type of tiles should I use? Should I silicon it down or just lay it down? Im worried about crap and debris getting trapped under and in the sides on the tiles and messing up my water. Im also thinking about using tiles with bigger surface area so theres less cracks in between for debris to get stuck in, is there any sort of disadvantage? Thanks.

 

[Morcs]

So does anybody here have a tiled bottom in their ray tanks? Im a big fan of smooth barebottoms but Im considering laying tiles on the bottom to make it more visually appealing and possibly, even more smooth for my rays to glide across. Anybody with experience on this have any tips? What type of tiles should I use? Should I silicon it down or just lay it down? Im worried about crap and debris getting trapped under and in the sides on the tiles and messing up my water. Im also thinking about using tiles with bigger surface area so theres less cracks in between for debris to get stuck in, is there any sort of disadvantage? Thanks.

Ive heard of people using sand in all the gaps to prevent debris getting down there, without having to silicone everything down

 

[Plec123]

this sounds like an epic idea. someone should definitely try it.

 

[smpage]

More than a few people on MFK have done this. Good luck and post pics!

 

[Gshock]

Ive heard of people using sand in all the gaps to prevent debris getting down there, without having to silicone everything down

I have thought about using sand, but with a couple rays swimming all over the tiles, the sand is gauranteed to get kicked up and scattered, also with my powerheads, the sand will probably just be blown into a corner after it gets kicked out. Any other ideas?

 

[Pharaoh]

People have also siliconed the tiles, but this can be fairly difficult to remove.

 

[Austin]

many have done it. they will have to be cut so make sure you have a a tile cutter. i wouldn't glue them down with anything, just lay them in. a gravel vac should get most of the debris.

 

[Pharaoh]

many have done it. they will have to be cut so make sure you have a a tile cutter. i wouldn't glue them down with anything, just lay them in. a gravel vac should get most of the debris.

This is probably the best option.

 

[Austin]

This is probably the best option.

i've seen some bad threads about removal. i just have commitment issues, and glue is way too permanent for me

 

[Gshock]

many have done it. they will have to be cut so make sure you have a a tile cutter. i wouldn't glue them down with anything, just lay them in. a gravel vac should get most of the debris.

Any advice on what kind of tiles I should use? Stone? Ceramic? Porcelain? Im expecting stone is probably too rough for rays, so is there anything smoother than ceramic or procelain tiles?