Choosing a substrate for your leopard gecko tank is a big decision. You want it to look natural, be easy to clean, and be affordable in price. Maybe you're wondering if you should use tile in your leopard gecko tank or you're wondering what type of tile to use. Maybe you are concerned about any downsides tile may have in the enclosure setup. Continue reading to find out what you need to know about using tile in your reptile enclosure.
Pros of Using Tiles in a Leopard Gecko Enclosure
Affordable
One of the many reasons that tiles remain a leading substrate choice for many leopard gecko owners is the affordable pricing. You can buy tiles cheap, making them a cost effective substrate choice.
Easy to Clean
If you think about the tiles in your home and how easy they are to clean, you can enjoy the same benefit when you add tile as a substrate for your leopard gecko. Tiles can be easily wiped clean for spot cleans or wiped with disinfectant for full cleans with ease. Tile can save you time and energy when it comes to your tank maintenance
Retains Heat
Some tiles, especially ceramic and slate tiles are able to retain heat, dispersing it well. This is great in a leopard gecko enclosure, where you are already using a heat mat for under tank heat. Tile can help you maintain the right temperature for your pet.
Natural Look
Tile not only provides a clean and affordable substrate solution, but it can also look completely natural in the enclosure. This helps you create the perfect habitat to ensure the comfort and safety of your pet.
Doesn't Hold Odors
One of the biggest problem gecko owners struggle with is eliminating any unwelcome odors. Tile isn't porous; therefore, it doesn't absorb odors, leaving you with a clean smelling habitat.
Safe
Tile is safe for your leopard gecko. There is no risk of impaction or getting their claws stuck. You can put in the tile with complete peace of mind knowing your pets will be safe with tile as the substrate of choice.
Long Lasting
All the reptile substrates you purchase will need to be replaced from time to time. Paper towel needs replacing regularly, coconut fibers and eco earth need to be changed every few months, but the good news is that tiles are long lasting. They should not chip or get damaged as long as you handle them with care. Tiles offer a good return on investment when used as a leopard gecko substrate.
Cons of Using Tiles in a Leopard Gecko Enclosure
Cutting to Size
It can be very difficult to cut the tiles to the exact size you need. It's recommended to get the store or a professional to do the cutting for you. Tiles can crack and break when cutting.
Heavy
Tiles are heavier than the other substrates, which means that you need to take great care when placing and removing the tile from the enclosure, especially in a glass enclosure that can also crack easily.
Best Types of Tile Used in Leopard Gecko Tanks?
There are three common tiles used by leopard gecko owners as substrate in their enclosures, these include:
- Slate tiles
- Ceramic tiles
- Porcelain tiles
Slate Tile
Slate tiles are the most popular tile choice amongst leopard gecko owners. Slate tile is excellent at retaining heat and is very easy to clean while being completely safe for your reptile pet. The downside is that slate tile is very heavy and very difficult to cut to the right size.
Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tiles are also a top choice for substrate in a leopard gecko enclosure. Ceramic tiles eliminate the risk of impaction, they look beautiful and natural and they are so easy to clean. The downside is that ceramic tiles can be difficult to install initially.
Porcelain Tile
Porcelain tiles are cheap and easy to clean. They come in a variety of colors and eliminate the risk of impaction. You will find it very difficult to cut these tiles to size and initial installation can be tricky.
Tile Thickness
The best tile thickness for a leopard gecko enclosure should be 1/4".
Smooth or Textured?
Leopard geckos do not have sticky feet that enable them to clamber around the sides of the tank, which also means that they don't have grip on the tile, which is why textured tiles are recommended. Textured tiles can help your reptile feel confident when moving around the enclosure and can assist with wearing down their claws.
Adhesive or Non-Adhesive Tiles
Remember when selecting your tile, you will have an under tank heater in place below the tile. Therefore, you don't want adhesive tiles, definitely choose non-adhesive. Adhesive tiles can release dangerous fumes when they get hot. Non-adhesive is quick and easy to remove and replace for cleaning and maintenance.
Tile Size
The first step is to work out how much tiling you need to cover the bottom of the enclosure with a natural looking, easy to clean, and odorless tile.
When you buy tiles, such as 12” x 12” tiles, they are never really the exact size, which is where it becomes tricky. This means you need to purchase more tiles to cover the area, some will be left uncut and others will be cut into wide sections. It's recommended you ask your hardware store to cut the tiles for you.