What's the best substrate?

I'm looking for good ball python substrates, So far I've tried cypress mulch and josh's frogs coco husk, but they only last me 1-3 months and I have to buy another bag.
What are some substrates that last a while? I'd like something that would last a couple of months, Maybe something I'd only have to buy a few times a year.
My terrarium is 38x18x15 inches.


Thank you!

I've used ReptiChip, and all the other names that are technically ReptiChip but under a different name. The chunks are a little bigger. I've also use Reptile Prime, which I technically like but costs too much compared to ReptiChip.

If you don't mind aesthetics, just plain paper works good too. Cheap and easy to replace. But the ReptiChip is much better for humidity which you need for your ball.

In terms of how long to go before changing? Really depends. I spot clean when I see poop or urates. And, I do a full clean with complete substrate replaced once month (yes, sometimes due to time it'll be longer than a month). I don't do it, but I'm sure you can get away with a complete substrate replacement only a few times a year if youaintaim spot cleaning. Others may disagree.

If the substrate gets dirty enough, it WILL start smelling.

Thank you! I was looking into ReptiChip breeder blocks, But I am unsure of how long one block would last me.

I would say that "spot cleaning" only goes so far, as germs are left that you cannot see- & it becomes a health issue- not just about the odor.

As long as you're using disposable substrates, you'll always be buying more. There's an option if you'd rather spend money only once- but you'll be handwashing instead. Backless indoor-outdoor carpet lasts just about forever, can be cut to fit, & washed & disinfected almost endlessly. Best to have at least 2 so that one is always ready to replace the dirty one after a quick wipe down. It's not the best for holding humidity though- but you can use a humid hide instead, & mist now & then if needed also. It's available in many good colors, sold in large home improvement stores like Lowe's or Home Depot- usually sold by the foot from a 12' roll. Plan measurements ahead of time. When you wash it, you can also shake out most of the water & use immediately for more humidity. It also offers good traction that snakes like, AND if you're using UTH, heat rises easily up through it. ;) (Cuts easily with normal scissors too.)

My snakes have a mixture of coco husk, sphagnum moss and a topsoil + sand mix. They're also all bioactive with springtails and isopods who keep things clean, so I only need to periodically spotclean large poop chunks.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

I would say that "spot cleaning" only goes so far, as germs are left that you cannot see- & it becomes a health issue- not just about the odor.

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Oh of course! No matter what substrate I'm going to change it out every month and spot clean weekly.
When I said "Last a while" I meant something I could buy in bulk? Just something that comes with a lot of substrate.

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Originally Posted by Ruby

Oh of course! No matter what substrate I'm going to change it out every month and spot clean weekly.
When I said "Last a while" I meant something I could buy in bulk? Just something that comes with a lot of substrate.

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If you check various sources for similar products, you can probably find "bulk" sizes, & you can compare costs that way too, assuming you enjoy math. Generally speaking, bulk sizes do save you money, & I tend to shop that way too.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

If you check various sources for similar products, you can probably find "bulk" sizes, & you can compare costs that way too, assuming you enjoy math. Generally speaking, bulk sizes do save you money, & I tend to shop that way too.

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What do you guys think about this?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...DKIKX0DER&th=1

It's made for gardening, But it doesn't have any chemicals and they flushed out any extra sodium.
I think I've only seen one person use this for reptile bedding (Benjamin's Exotics)

It looks very similar to Eco Earth.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Ruby

What do you guys think about this?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...DKIKX0DER&th=1

It's made for gardening, But it doesn't have any chemicals and they flushed out any extra sodium.
I think I've only seen one person use this for reptile bedding (Benjamin's Exotics)

It looks very similar to Eco Earth.

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It's the same things as Eco Earth... just a different brand.

I've never used the coco fiber for my snakes, but people do use it. I honestly don't know what the risk level is, but people against using it will say it easier for impaction to occur. I guess the theory being that it sticks to the food prey when the snakes eats it. The larger chunks of ReptiChip are less likely for that to be swallowed. Again, never tried it, but it IS used.

I think it "looks" nicer the enclosure... looking like loose dirt. But also probably a little harder to clean.

Just my 2¢.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Charles8088

It's the same things as Eco Earth... just a different brand.

I've never used the coco fiber for my snakes, but people do use it. I honestly don't know what the risk level is, but people against using it will say it easier for impaction to occur. I guess the theory being that it sticks to the food prey when the snakes eats it. The larger chunks of ReptiChip are less likely for that to be swallowed. Again, never tried it, but it IS used.

I think it "looks" nicer the enclosure... looking like loose dirt. But also probably a little harder to clean.

Just my 2¢.

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Thank you, This was very helpful.