New Rack; Eco Earth OK substrate?

[ispitroseas]

I got my first official snake rack with tubs, heat tape, and a nice t-stat. I haven't set up the rack yet, but I want to know is eco earth an okay substrate to use, provided that humidity is ideal? I actually plan on moving to puppy pads, as I've heard some good experiences with owners using them. Anyone have experience with either in a rack system? I dislike paper towel, as I feel it's more wasteful and I go through it quickly, but other suggestions are welcome.
Not sure if it matters, but I'm housing four yearlings and two bigger adults. There is ample room in the rack for the adults, but a bit of space for the younger ones. i was planning on putting in a hide for them, but since it's a rack would it be okay to do without?

Sorry for the questions! I kept mine in individual tubs on a hardware rack with hobby/intro level t-stats

[Albert Clark]

IMO, the eco earth or 100% cypress mulch will make the humidity skyrocket so just monitor your humidity closely. I use unprinted paper in my racks for the bp's with a handful of 100% cypress mulch under the hides. My humidity is always in the high 50's to high 60's. You will have to experiment and see what works for you.

[Lizardlicks]

That's also what I've heard most people run into. Tubs and racks retain the moisture better, so starting with already moist substrate can turn your snake's enclosure into a swamp. Aspen is lighter on the moisture content if you want a mulch type substrate (say if you prefer spot cleaning) but unprinted news paper or paper towels work even better.

[ispitroseas]

Where's a good source for unprinted newspaper. Alternatively, are bulk aspen shavings safe? I have some artists newsprint blank paper, but that would get expensive fast as a pad is around $12. I could try paper towels, but has anyone tried puppy pads? It seems that would control humidity well.

[JoshSloane]

I always just used paper towels. Worked great for racks. Cheap and easy to replace.

[BFE Pets]

please do not use eco earth for your snakes. I use it on my tarantulas and its a great product. however I recently ran out of cypress mulch and decided to use eco earth in one of my enclosures. it cost me dearly. my female Bothriechis schlegelii ended up getting a mouthfull of it while feeding and it blocked her airway. she didnt make it. I gave her the f/t mouse and left the room. I came back a couple hours later to check on everyone and found her with a mouthful of substrate and nonresponsive. I know it was completely my fault for using it on her but I never thought in a million years something like that could happen.

[ballpythonsrock2]

please do not use eco earth for your snakes. I use it on my tarantulas and its a great product. however I recently ran out of cypress mulch and decided to use eco earth in one of my enclosures. it cost me dearly. my female Bothriechis schlegelii ended up getting a mouthfull of it while feeding and it blocked her airway. she didnt make it. I gave her the f/t mouse and left the room. I came back a couple hours later to check on everyone and found her with a mouthful of substrate and nonresponsive. I know it was completely my fault for using it on her but I never thought in a million years something like that could happen.

First time I have heard of that. Gives me cause for concern since I use eco-earth. Usually everyone I've heard say's it is completely harmless and wouldn't hurt a snake even if swallowed. I was looking at getting something maybe better as far as humidity goes anyway. Sorry that happened to you but thanks for the warning. I would have never thought that would happen either.

[Albert Clark]

U haul sells it (unprinted newspaper) by the box. I paid 9.95 for a box of 200 sheets. Fits my 41qt. tubs easily, I actually have to fold part of it inside the tub. I still use only a handful of 100% cypress mulch under the hide.

[blk02ssmonte]

I use either news paper or kraft paper. I have 41 qt sterilite tubs and bought 12 inch wide kraft paper at grainger.com. I think it was 900ft roll or close maybe. It has been a while and I just cut it to length cause the width is perfect. News paper is great also...just use to sections open up and they fit great. As far as humidity, I just use a big water bowl and one hide. They shed perfectly, eat, and appear to be happy. Ok just found the product info for the kraft paper.

product # 6twr0 27.35ea
30lb brown kraft paper, 12 inch wide, 1200ft

[ispitroseas]

I use either news paper or kraft paper. I have 41 qt sterilite tubs and bought 12 inch wide kraft paper at grainger.com. I think it was 900ft roll or close maybe. It has been a while and I just cut it to length cause the width is perfect. News paper is great also...just use to sections open up and they fit great. As far as humidity, I just use a big water bowl and one hide. They shed perfectly, eat, and appear to be happy. Ok just found the product info for the kraft paper.

product # 6twr0 27.35ea
30lb brown kraft paper, 12 inch wide, 1200ft

Newspaper with ink?

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