I have a ball python and a big tank. I have been using carpet but heard its bad because it holds not humidity. I was told that the bark you can get at petsmart is best but its so expensive because it takes two bags to fill my tank that I built. I was told aspen bedding isn't great either. Can I maybe mix the aspen bedding and bark and make it go further? (I already have a bag of aspen my brother gave to me). Also can I buy a really big bag of bark or mulch from lowes or walmart that wont hurt him? One more thing, can I use a household heating pad up under the tank as a UTH?
Hello,
If you are going to put the time into creating the proper ball python enclosure then you shouldn't be using carpet, thats for sure.
Aspen is fine. I'm not sure which bark you are using, but I'd make sure to check which type it is. There are some types of bark which are very dangerous for your ball python (for example, ceder).
As far as your UTH, I would highly recommend you use a UTH which was designed for the material you have made you tank from. Also be sure to use a thermostat!
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Remember that there are more important elements to a ball python enclosure then size.
I use to use aspen all the time for my ball pythons and it works fine. If you only have the one snake it wont be too much money because there is no need to change it often, only clean out the feces when needed. I found it worked perfect for me. Only reason I stopped is because I now have rack systems for my snakes, easier to breed and I have so many. And I suggest to get an under tank heater that is meant for reptiles.
I used coconut substrate myself and my BP's love it. It holds in humidity great and its cheap. I get about 10 L worth for $ 5 at any local pet store.
Also I use heating pads myself for UTH. I find it's easier to regulate the heat that way so I know it's not to hot or cold. I check mine every time I clean them out if not more.
I use cypress much, it works great and is very affordable. I don't like human heat pads for snakes. I suggest buying a reptile specific one and running it on a dimmer
