Working with Tiles??
 

On this days off, I want to make a ledge around my tank. 6" wide, dor my morning coffee, or afternoon Beer while staring at the fish.. I was thinking topping it with black ceramic tile. BUT, I know nothing of working with tile. Is it something I should try? Or will making a 6"w ledge cost me more for tools than it's worth? I could use Arborite, but I think tile would look much nicer :D

How do I do tiles? Anyone wana give me some pointers?? Be much obliged.

Thx in advance

Is there a ledge around the tank at the moment?

No Paul. wasnt originally planed for, so I'll have to built the ledge first. Thats the easy part. Making it look good, Well, me and finishing carpentry don't see eye to eye HAHAHA

I'm no expert, but I've done tile work before and it's pretty simple really. If you have the space and can source the proper size tile, there should be minimal cutting involved. That's where the expense and tricky part usually comes in, when you need to buy a tile cutter, although they can be rented and for what you're doing, you don't need a heavy duty model. Generally floor tile needs an exterior grade plywood or concrete as a backing, but if you use wall tile, you can probably make do with most any backing. It won't be as durable though. Other than that, a few trowels, maybe spacers and you're good to go. Preparation, measuring and layout take the most time. If you have that down, the actual laying is pretty straight forward.

I'm thinking of using granite tile when I build my room divider tank set up. Tearing out existing kitchen counter and building tank support with granite tile perimeter. The remainder of the kitchen counter will then get the same treatment.

If I'm not mistaken, my2rotties husband is in the tile business, should be some great advice to be had from them.

as said before, talk to my2rotties. her and her husband know all about tiling:biggrin:

Then it shouldn't be that difficult, just buy a tile that suits your taste and use its dimensions to build the ledge along with the vertical tile for the shelf thickness, then you can pretty well get by without much cutting at all.

Can tile be cut with a regular glass cutter?

For the small amount you need a Dremel should be fine.

got a link to the tank pic?

Heres a pic of before I drilled and added the Bulkheads and coast to coast overflow.

http://banditpowdercoat.com/Powderga...l_IMAG0219.jpg

I love that you have a level right beside the tank