Howdy all,

I recently ordered a T10 (48"w x 24"d x 15"h) pvc enclosure from animal plastics for my lovely ball python. I don't think I'll be able to let the enclosure itself stay for very long without Luna (the BP) going in, simply because I don't really have the space to keep both enclosures. However, since I know the AP enclosures can take a few months to arrive, I was thinking I could do some prep beforehand so that I have some fairly well established plants, isopods, and springtails ready when it gets here.

I have had pothos in with her before. Granted, I didn't really give it time to root, but she slithered over it, took a nap on top of it, and it did not do well. So I think I'm going to be going with other plants. My chameleon had an umbrella plant, dracaena, and some other things, but I'm not sure the lighting will be enough. All I intend to have is simple LED lighting, not plant specific. Any Ideas on what plants I should get? I intend to get a fairly large tub or pot, use the same substrate I would be using for her, and get their roots to spread as much as possible. I also tried some air plants at one point and those were also flattened. So probably something a little more tree like with stronger leaves?

As for the clean up crew, a similar plan. Get some cultures going in the same substrate, add most of it (but leave some so that I have some backup), and give it maybe two weeks to settle a bit before I add her to her new home. There's only so long I can have a 40 gallon tank on the dining room table (where she would be waiting). Currently, I have springtails and dairy cow isopods getting started, and I'll probably get a couple more isopod species, just not positive which ones, yet.

For substrate, any advice on what I should use? She's on reptichip/coconut bark pieces right now. I was thinking maybe a little layer of hydro balls, then some more isopod type substrate, and some reptichip on top? Since she has a heat pad, I don't want to make it too deep. Is terra firma from the bio dude good? Is there some other mixture you might recommend? How does this sound overall plan wise?

Also, a question for folks who have these enclosures: how deep is the substrate layer?

That's about all, any input or advice is very appreciated. :)