Substrate preference for larger enclosures?

We just got two used Monster enclosures that are 30" deep x 18" tall x 84" long. Even though the seller hadn't used them in two years and cleaned them before I bought them, I still cleaned and disinfected them again once they were home. Getting into those back corners is... challenging! I had to almost climb into them to clean those areas, and I'm not a short person. So, any substrate preferences and tools/tricks for making the cleaning job easier once I house a critter in it?

Pros and cons to anything. I know many use Aspen, some use Cypress. Many use simple paper products such as newsprint, papertowels, or the red rosin paper from Home Depot. Currently, I am using good old paper towels for all my larger enclosures.

And I am sure you'll have messes to clean in those back corners. I have a couple thin putty knives that work well and are easy on the cages.

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Originally Posted by Willie76

And I am sure you'll have messes to clean in those back corners. I have a couple thin putty knives that work well and are easy on the cages.

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Thanks for the putty knife recommendation. For now I'll have the dividers in them and my female BCI's can live in them. Fortunately their messes aren't bad, and at least they're not at all aggressive or nasty in case I do have to climb in to do some deep cleaning in those back corners.

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Originally Posted by bcr229

Thanks for the putty knife recommendation. For now I'll have the dividers in them and my female BCI's can live in them. Fortunately their messes aren't bad, and at least they're not at all aggressive or nasty in case I do have to climb in to do some deep cleaning in those back corners.

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I'd still be careful when climbing in because you'll have restricted movements.

I say use unprinted newspaper but you'll do better with Cypress because it holds humidity better.

I'd recommend removing the animal from the cage if your going to clean. Some big boas could put you in a bad spot inside the cage if they mistake you for food.

Aspen - I was anti it for the longest time because it just seemed like it would be a PAIN with the amount of urine that comes from adult retics, but after experimenting with my 72" enclosures, the chipped Aspen mixed with some cypress where the hide is, it holds humidity enough, does well for heating, looks good, and absorbs urine great.

I've used newspaper fine, and Rosin paper from homedepot, which is my least favorite. I have used paper towels A LOT and that was my go to, but again, now that I've tried aspen, I use it in all my retic enclosures, but still use cypress in my Boa and Burmese cages.

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Originally Posted by bcr229

We just got two used Monster enclosures that are 30" deep x 18" tall x 84" long. Even though the seller hadn't used them in two years and cleaned them before I bought them, I still cleaned and disinfected them again once they were home. Getting into those back corners is... challenging! I had to almost climb into them to clean those areas, and I'm not a short person. So, any substrate preferences and tools/tricks for making the cleaning job easier once I house a critter in it?

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Originally Posted by reptileexperts

Aspen - I was anti it for the longest time because it just seemed like it would be a PAIN with the amount of urine that comes from adult retics, but after experimenting with my 72" enclosures, the chipped Aspen mixed with some cypress where the hide is, it holds humidity enough, does well for heating, looks good, and absorbs urine great.

I've used newspaper fine, and Rosin paper from homedepot, which is my least favorite. I have used paper towels A LOT and that was my go to, but again, now that I've tried aspen, I use it in all my retic enclosures, but still use cypress in my Boa and Burmese cages.

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Cypress mulch? Right.

Well, for the winter I decided to go with cypress due to humidity issues (house gets very dry). A cat litter scooper has proven useful in removing any messes. If I had any larger snakes I would probably upgrade that to a manure fork... :D

Yes cypress mulch. Pretty much the exact stuff you can purchase at a garden supply shop. I use zoomeds forest floor and one bag last me a while since i only use it mixed and only at the hot hide.


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