Need help with supplies and suggestions for my BP snake rack!

I'm making a stacked 6 tub 28 quart rack for ball pythons.

It consists of:
Melamine Board
(7 pieces) 2' x 18"
(2 pieces) 4' x 2'
(1 piece) 4' x 18"
(6) strips of 3" flexwatt (18" long) to put on each shelf for belly heat.
(6) sterilite 28 quart tubs
(1) thermostat
(250' (i know it's alot but it was only $7 on ebay :P)) Melamine edging (to make the rack look nice)


Things I need help with:

What bedding should I get? (NOT NEWSPAPER) Aspen, Cypress Mulch, Ecto Earth?
What should I get for hides? Get a bowl and cut a half circle?
What should I get for water bowls? Dog Bowl?
Anything else I need that would benefit the snake? Decor like vined leaves?



All suggestions will help, thanks!

I use aspen, Reptile Basics medium hides, I use ceramic water dishes that they can't tip over, I don't have any decor, but for the tubs if they don't slide in and have the sides and back covered (like by the wood) I spray paint the sides and back black, since mine aren't covered it gives them a little extra privacy.

packing paper

I use paper towels i get at Family dollar at $15 per 30 roll case.

I also get my hides from Dollar tree $1 for 3 bowls and i cut holes in them. Water Bowls i use ramekin bowls for hatchlings and crocs for adults. Ramekins come in 5" bowls that are perfect for adults

Thanks for the helpful ideas, just need to know 1 more thing: Would ecto earth or cypress mulch hold the humidity better? Or would aspen be ok for ball pythons?

If you want a loose type substrate aspen ill be fine. Humidity isnt really an issue to maintain in racks unless you live somewhere that has no humidity

Ive used cypress mulch but it tends to break down alot and tend to get bugs from time to time...gnats mainly but i use aspen on my rack all the time and havnt had a problem with it.

I like aspen myself.

For hides I use these drawer organizers from Walmart. Under $3 each. They fit in my 15 quart tubs and my 750 gram female still fits under them.

Dollar store pet bowls work well.

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