Substrate

[kc.exotics]

I want to turn Nero's tank into more of a display tank type thing. I want to use a bedding besides paper towels or newspaper. Is eco earth okay for ball pythons? If not, is aspen suitable ?

[CptJack]

I use aspen in my tanks. I've never had an issue. The only 'concession' I make is to wait about 5-6 days between putting in fresh substrate and feeding, since the snake compacts the HECK out of the stuff and it makes it less likely to get kicked up or picked up by the snake when it eats.

[Scottywelsh]

I use aspen, news paper and wood chips (vivs+rack) and wood chips is by far my favourite. Holds the humidity really good in wooden vivs with RHPs so misting is barely needed and looks by far the best aswell. Only thing is you need to get it out of the bag it comes in and leave it out to dry for a few days or the humidity is too much in the viv.

[Snoopyslim]

When we had a screen lid the eco earth was fabulous as it retains humidity...we are switching to repti-bark because the eco earth was giving the new tank too high humidity. Both look great but I like the look of the eco earth when it's rich with moisture...when it's dry I prefer the looks of repti-bark. Depending on what kind of tank I would use either - I hate aspen though so I am biased.

[PeanutButler]

I've used both. In tubs I've switched to using paper towel, because the eco earth was holding way too much humidity and it was a problem. I am still using it in my one display tank, but he has a heat lamp on him to keep the ambient temperatures up, so this tends to balance things out.

I only used aspen briefly, and I do like the way it smells. Some people say that it's too dusty, but I didn't use it long enough to be able to weigh in on that. The first time the snake pooped on it though, it was more difficult for me to spot clean it than it is with the eco earth. I feel like the eco earth acts more like kitty litter. This difficulty in spot cleaning made me switch from aspen to paper towel right away. I still have the bag so maybe I'll go back to it, but for now paper towel has been working well in my tubs, and the eco earth has been great in the display tank.