Question about tile

Hey, I know that people usually use slate or ceramic tiles, but I was wondering if vinyl adhesive tiles would work for a bearded dragon? I've heard that some people worry about fumes when it gets hot, but others say it will only be a problem if it exceeds 120f?

Several years ago a friend of mine used the adhesive tile. She had problems with adhesion in the warmer cage temperatures. The tiles would slightly shift allowing debris and excrement to get into the small cracks between tiles. Not a pleasant smelling cage. :(

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Originally Posted by 55fingers

Hey, I know that people usually use slate or ceramic tiles, but I was wondering if vinyl adhesive tiles would work for a bearded dragon? I've heard that some people worry about fumes when it gets hot, but others say it will only be a problem if it exceeds 120f?

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A while back I received a free custom built enclosure. It had previously housed a beardie.
This enclosure had the adhesive tiles in it...HAD.
Many of the tile corners were broken off, sections were lifting, etc... I would say that over 20% of the overall floor space was missing tile, with several other sections lifted and intact, but with substrate underneath, which meant it was only a matter of time before those sections broke off as well.
Removing the tile was the first thing I did to refurbish the enclosure.

Adhesive and high heat are not a great idea.

Adhesive in a cage is even a worse idea.

The heat will melt the glue, the tile will become loose and likely lift up and if the animal manage to move it and get underneath it it will end up glued to the tile which will be a nightmare.

Like what the above posters said. For that reason, I use regular tiles plus paper towels with my beardie. Beardies poop can get messy... So the best way to clean up the mess is to place a papertowel between tiles, remove the dirty tile when dirty for easy cleaning.

Thanks for the replies, guys. I'll have to see if I can get my hands on actual slate or ceramic tiles I guess. Either that or keep using reptile carpet.

Alright I found a couple of boxes of small white tiles we have. I think they'll work, however she might slide around on them as they are slightly glossy. Also, do you have to use grout, or can you go without it as long as it's a snug fit?

You want to either use grout (best) or caulk (not great, but better than nothing). You would be amazed at what gets between the thin cracks. :(

But what if you need to move the tank later? Won't it be too heavy if they're stuck in?

Also, are caulk and grout dangerous at all for the dragon? Like chemical-wise?

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Originally Posted by 55fingers

But what if you need to move the tank later? Won't it be too heavy if they're stuck in?

Also, are caulk and grout dangerous at all for the dragon? Like chemical-wise?

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You might want to caulk them with aquarium (silicone) sealant, that IS safe & without fumes (also not sticky) once it's dry. But yes, tiles will add weight. Alas, nothing
is perfect.