Solid Layer Of Slate As A Substrate?

[plecostomus-mad]

would the fish be likely to be ok with a layer of solid slate, like a slab of slate? i was just thinking because ive changed over to sand and its a real pain to keep clean, gravel is just as bad but a solid bottom would make it sooo much easier to keep clean.

what do you think peeps?

mark

 

[mr130gallon]

sounds like an awesome idea, if it works i want to try it

 

[erk628]

sounds like an awesome idea, if it works i want to try it

Thats the same thing I was thinking. I think the best way to do it would be to custom custom cut the slate so it fits perfectly in your tank then silcon it in and silicone around the edges to seal it off so no food or poo could get under it. Only bad thing about that would be it would be kinda permanent. You might want to just lay some in there at first to see if you like but youll have to take it out during water changes to clean under it.

Something else I just thought of is your could cut it to make it fit perfect then just silicone around the edges to make a seal instead of doing the under side to, so if later you changed your mind you could just cut the seal and take it out.

 

[plecostomus-mad]

i was thinking of using silicone too i think it would look pretty good to be honest. its a 4ft tank its going in, thing is slate is heavy so it may have to be a thin slab, i dont want to crack the bottom. my plecos would love it im sure, plenty of space for algae to grow and easy access to foods instead of digging in the sand all day.lol

 

[erk628]

i was thinking of using silicone too i think it would look pretty good to be honest. its a 4ft tank its going in, thing is slate is heavy so it may have to be a thin slab, i dont want to crack the bottom. my plecos would love it im sure, plenty of space for algae to grow and easy access to foods instead of digging in the sand all day.lol

If you do it you gotta post some pics.

 

[plecostomus-mad]

i was thinking of using silicone too i think it would look pretty good to be honest. its a 4ft tank its going in, thing is slate is heavy so it may have to be a thin slab, i dont want to crack the bottom. my plecos would love it im sure, plenty of space for algae to grow and easy access to foods instead of digging in the sand all day.lol

If you do it you gotta post some pics.

definitely will do!

 

[llamalord305]

I was looking at ebay, and saw a vintage tank. It had a slate bottom. So I can't see why you can't do it.

 

[plecostomus-mad]

I was looking at ebay, and saw a vintage tank. It had a slate bottom. So I can't see why you can't do it.

sweet, so its been done

 

[mr130gallon]

sounds like you should definetly go for it lol

 

[finalfantay85]

Would love to see that!

 

[loraxchick]

I was looking at ebay, and saw a vintage tank. It had a slate bottom. So I can't see why you can't do it.

i had one of these types when i was a kid. solid slate bottom.
cheers

 

[GAB99]

sounds like an awesome idea, if it works i want to try it

Thats the same thing I was thinking. I think the best way to do it would be to custom custom cut the slate so it fits perfectly in your tank then silcon it in and silicone around the edges to seal it off so no food or poo could get under it. Only bad thing about that would be it would be kinda permanent. You might want to just lay some in there at first to see if you like but youll have to take it out during water changes to clean under it.

Something else I just thought of is your could cut it to make it fit perfect then just silicone around the edges to make a seal instead of doing the under side to, so if later you changed your mind you could just cut the seal and take it out.

well if he made a seal woudnt the slate break in two? your saying around at least 200+lbs of water goin on it

 

[loraxchick]

slate is pretty darn sturdy stuff...depending on the thickness, 200 lbs in one spot wouldnt do a thing, let alone spread out over the footprint of the tank.
cheers

 

[GAB99]

o yeah i rememered when a fat guy walked into out slate basement and stood on one panel and it didnt break (he was biggest loser worthy btw)

 

[indigoj]

I've been toying with this idea but using natural slate floor tiles and filing in any gaps with slate chips.