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I was wondering if anyone knew anything about slate tile that you would get form a store for floors and such. Is it treated with anything? I will shortly have access to a new box of slate tile left over from a bathroom rehab. I was thinking if i could break it into pieces I could use it in my tank but I wanted to be sure it wasn't treated with anything that would hurt my tank.

Great question, Mo. The question is - Is it tile or is it rock? If it is rock, then I would have no problem in using it in my aquarium. If it is tile, I would pass on putting it in water.

__________
"To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism; to steal from many is research."
researched from Steven Wright

No. All my caves are made of pre cut, home-depot-esque treated slate.

I work for a builder so it is actual slate tiles for a floor or wall. They are not honed meaning that they are rough uneven tiles instead of smoothed out. I asked the builder and he said he is pretty sure they are not treated with anything until the tile guy actually seals them after installing them but maybe I will try calling the distributor tomorrow just to be sure. I just thought if there are extra boxes and they are not treated I might as well get some free decorations. I am planning to smash them up a bit so they are not in actual 12"x12" tiles.

mo735

I just purchased two slate tiles and soaked them for a few days. Yes they are a rock use new ones only. Cutting them can be a problem unless you have the propper tols which you should have any way.

To remove any sharp edges I used a rasp and a file no problems at all.

Keith

Near enough is not good enough, therefore good enough is not near enough, and only your best will do.
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Sounds good! I left a message for the tile guy as well as the distributor but from the sounds of it, i think it will be ok. As far as breaking it, I was planning to do that outside with a hammer. These are fairly thin tiles so I don't see it as a problem but if it is, I will get someone to do it for me. I know there are all kinds of tools around here so I'm sure I'll find something. Another question.... do you glue the slate pieces together when you add them to the tank? After watching my oscar line drive a stack of plastic rocks half way across the tank yesterday because he didn't like their placement, I think it might be a good idea.

Hi,
Any time... you stack rocks, you should glue them together.
Most use aquarium grade silicone, others use epoxy. Be sure
to let them cure for several days. Curing time depends
upon several things including ambient temperature, and
thickness of the glue.

Frank


-->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--

Can you reccommend any good glues/epoxys?

Last edited by mo735 at 11-Jul-2005 16:44

GE or AG silicon

mo735,
Check your local DIY/hardware/home improvement store in their silicone section (home depots is near their paint section ) for either aquarium grade sillicone, or if you're more trusting the grades that cuppa mentioned. The problem is that some are manufactured with antibacterial in them to prevent mold and mildew. That's great for your bathroom but not for your tank or your fish !
And I fully agree that all rocks should be glued if they're stacked. They can move, and injure or kill fish, or @the very least ruin all your great aquascaping!

^_^[hr width='40%'] Only 13 dives and they're already calling [link=me]http://babelfish.qwertydigital.com/" style="COLOR: #EB4288[/link] a
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Think I'll stick with silicone since knowing my luck I would end up getting the wrong stuff and kill everything in my tank. Still have not heard back fropm my tile guy or distributor but I will keep you all posted!

mo735

If you want a particular shape forget about the hammer. Mine were about1/4ins-5/16ins I used a metal cutting blade in a small circular saw. I do not recommend any one to do this unless they know exactly what they are doing. A small angle grinder can be used as well.

It has to be held down while cutting and certainly not your hands. See photo of how I cut my slate

I was using safety glasses and a very small hot piece came through the gap alongside me nose and into my eye.


Keith


keithgh attached this image:


Last edited by keithgh at 11-Jul-2005 22:53[/font]

Near enough is not good enough, therefore good enough is not near enough, and only your best will do.
I VOTE DO YOU if not WHY NOT?
VOTE NOW VOTE NOW

My father is a mason so perhaps it would be wise to get him to cut the pieces for me. I know we have a saw for cutting stone somewhere. THanks for the adivce!