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I've got some slate tiles which are fairly thin that I thought I'd use for top & bottom of caves. I've also got some thicker slate for the sides & back - but what is the best way to cut it without it splitting? The local builder wasn't interested in helping.

Also what is the consencus of opinion: with or without bottoms for cleaning purposes (& to check on 'em)

And lastly, for this post that it!, what dimensions do you recommend - is it a good idea to have a variety of sizes up to a max, or does one size fits all?

Thanks for all & any help!!

Haven't got far enuff yet to making my own slate caves but standard Zebra Pleco Caves seem to be (1" H x 1.5" W x 5" long) internal dimensions.

There are a few good thread here on slate caves I know Husky Jim has a thread right below this one with great looking more natural look in slate.

He also has a couple pics that were included on the thread on PC that are not in this one that show the tools used..

Not trying to center ya out Husky, ya just made an impression I guess as it's a sweet cave.

I borrowed a wet saw to cut mine, not usually any loss or breakage that way, and everything comes out with edges you can put together. You can usually rent them for a few hours really cheap

hi.
i got a tile cutter from screwfix for about £30. it works well on roofing slate although you have to be really carefull not to rush the cut as roofing slate tends to splinter really easy

A wet tile saw will do the trick.

Zoban wrote:Haven't got far enuff yet to making my own slate caves but standard Zebra Pleco Caves seem to be (1" H x 1.5" W x 5" long) internal dimensions.

There are a few good thread here on slate caves I know Husky Jim has a thread right below this one with great looking more natural look in slate.

He also has a couple pics that were included on the thread on PC that are not in this one that show the tools used..

Not trying to center ya out Husky, ya just made an impression I guess as it's a sweet cave.

Thanks for the good comments.Tommorow i am planning to make 6 new caves because i set up 2 new breeding tanks (1 for Ancistrus and 1 for L134) so till night i will post a detailed description of the procedure and the tools used.

I made some at the weekend

I used a angle grinder with blade like this...

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/115mm-4-5-DIAMOND ... 0062521458

I wouldn't recommend unless you are used to handling power tools, have all saftey equipement.

This is clearly very dangerous...

Maybe a local tile shop would do it for you ? Worth a ring around....

Thanks for all the suggestions.
I bought a wet tile cutter in the end - does a great job!

Lucy <><