ok so I have the tile and grout and I plan on doint it toady if I can get the equipment to cut the tile. So I was thinking will the grout be enough to keep it secure to the bottom of the 20L tank? Would I need to seal it with silicone or something around the edges? I have no clue but Dave (fiance helping) says he doesn't think that the grout wil hold especially if bumped. well if that is so then I have to run to the store to fine something safe to seal it. and if I do have to seal it...what should I get?

please help me>thanks so much

ok so this is what I have for the tile floor. I have grout for the creases/cracks between the tiles. I have a handyman's all-purpose adhesive sealent (Loctite) says it is non toxic water resistant and odor free>for under the tiles to keep it secure to the glass tank

and then I ahve a sisicone II (100% silicone sealant) for windows and doors. (bioseal) mold and mildew product protection for around the tile and glass edge.

I hope this is safe. I really need and hope someone here knows. I am hoping to get this done soon...I didn't have time today so maybe this week. thanks!

That all sounds good. I would just use caulking for the tiles. It is much easier to work with than the grout. But the grout will do the job as well.

__________________
Mike

Why are you trying to grout tiles in to a tank?

Tiles and grout act together to make a floor nearly water tight. The glass bottom already does this.

__________________
~ Mark

it is mostly to look natural instead of the glass.

I might just use the caulk then and take the grout back =)

I've got to step in here...I have been in the flooring biz for about ten years....If you want to use tile, dont use ceramic make sure it is a nonvitreous porcelain. The ceramic tile can absorb water (and bacteria) from its sides and bottom. Furthermore, (Sorry Mark) grout does not make a floor water tight (or even close), grout will also absorb water and bacteria, both are great places for mold to form. Oh and grout does not hold tile down. The only purpose for grout is to hide the imperfections in size of the tile. A thinset or mastic needs to be used to hold it down. On that note....If I were you...I'd lay the PORCELAIN tile in loose (cut to fit) so it can be taken out and cleaned. If it is 'installed' into your tank it leaves too many places for mold and bacteria to grow.
I know it is not what you want to hear but I hope it helps.

__________________
The blind man takes your hand and says 'dont you see?'

I'm not in the flooring business, but from past projects, some types grout can contract and expand if I am not mistaken, if you are putting it inside glass that can cause problems. As mentioned it is also like clay, it absorbs quite a bit. I recommend floor tiles that stick down, they are water tight, and if you paint over it with some kind of sealer, it will not leak. But as was also mentioned, it makes more sense to just leave a glass bottom, it is easier to clean, and will lead to less complications in the long run.

__________________
“The most exciting phrase to hear in science, the one that heralds new discoveries, is not ‘Eureka!’ (I found it!) but ‘That’s funny…'"
- Isaac Asimov



TKE:TT:118

The only other thing I can think of....if a smooth bottom is finally decided on, place many coarse rocks around or stacked for the claws to be worn down on. I find the trimming of claws very tedious and find that this slows their progress some.

__________________
The blind man takes your hand and says 'dont you see?'

well, would it be ok for a dry terarium for a leo? I am not planning on having water in the tank (except fot the water dish) I was going tp use a damp cloth to clean it not soak it? If I do it that way is it still bad? I can seal the top with something that won't let water soak in the tiles too I saw that at lowes.