Bouncing an idea around :)

Currently Ive got 2 axies in a 10 gal with a divider and bare bottom but I really want to upgrade them to a 20gallon long.
my issue Im having is that Ive got sand in the bottom of the 20 right now and I HATE it already. my idea is to completely clean out the 20 and silicone the bottom of the tank and sprinkle sand (for traction). best of both worlds...as easy to clean as a bare bottom AND it looks like theres sand there.
what do you think? if the silicone is food safe, it should be ok to use (given the cure time and what not).

You can buy aquarium silicone from the hardware shop- I used it to fix up a 6L tank for RCS, and they were fine in there. As for food grade, not too sure what could be in it- don't forget humans can take a lot more than an axie! Main advice is let it cure for at least a week (longer if you can manage) before putting anyone/any water in.
Also, what aren't you liking about the sand?

If the silicone is safe and chemicals wont be released into the water, then I think it's a great idea One idea is possibly mix the sand in with the silicone as well as sprinkle on top to have a better sandy look to it.

I also think that if the silicone is safe for building aquariums with, I think that it would be safe for covering the bottom of the aquarium.

Some silicone says that it is aquarium safe, always read the label. The silicone should be type 1 clear and contain no anti fungal or anti mildew properties. As for your idea do a test in another container to determine whether you like the look of it

I think that's a highly effective solution and shouldn't be an issue safety wise as long as its aquarium safe silicone.

The only down side to bare bottom and what your proposing in my opinion is that you can not root plants effectively.

I was wondering how long to let it sit thanks, a week it is! lol The major things I dont like about sand is that it sucks up super easily and I spent all day washing and putting the sand in my tank and the water STILL wouldnt clear up after a few days. Another thing that sort of bugs me is how easily it can be eaten. I know some people think its no big deal but I would prefer not to chance it. I have beardies and geckos, sand is horrid for them. Im not a big fan of live plants (I cant seem to keep them alive!!) so that wont be a problem lol

The silicone I bought is made for aquariums. I didnt think about mixing it in with the silicone, Ill have to try that

Thanks for the EXACT wording of what is should/shouldnt be too bad home depot and lowes doesnt carry anything like that By the way, I did not even think to do a test hahaha thats probably a REALLY good idea.

I have bare bottom right now and its so easy to clean but I feel like my little ones dont really like it. It takes some effort for them to GET moving lol instead of just walking around like they do on the huge rocks I have in there.

Thanks so much for all the ideas/opinions I will post pictures when its all finished