Ball python questions(RACKS AND VISION CAGES)

Hi guys I have some questions about ball pythons I would be glad if you guys can answer them.
1)rack system for ball pythons is it the best way to keep the ball pythons if you plan to start breeding in the future?
2)Best substrate to use for a ball python rack (I was thinking cypress mulch)
3)Can I go to homedepot and buy Organic Cypress Mulch and is it safe for ball pythons babies,sub-adult,Adults?
4)good thermostats that are affordable and work great
I am planning on buying ball pythons at the next reptile show and will not breed until I am ready also whats a good website to buy all my supplies for ball pythons

1) http://animalplastics.com/

2) Paper towels all the way

3) Use paper towels

4) Spider Robotics. Herpstat basic or 1.

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Originally Posted by reptiliachnids

1) http://animalplastics.com/

2) Paper towels all the way

3) Use paper towels

4) Spider Robotics. Herpstat basic or 1.

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How do I keep the humidity up with paper towels?Do I just wet them lightly and it raises humidity

I keep my water dish over then UTH so that it makes the water evaporate quicker. But if its still to dry a light misting wouldnt hurt.

Racks hold humidity in very well, having a moisture holding substrate will make most tubs too humid.

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Originally Posted by The Serpent Merchant

Racks hold humidity in very well, having a moisture holding substrate will make most tubs too humid.

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So say I do not want to use paper towels as substrate whats a good substrate that will keep my humidity at regular levels

BUt why wouldnt you use paper towels? Trust me. Tons and tons of people use it. there is no down side to paper towel. Snakes can still "burrow" if they want to, its easy to clean, its cheap, it looks nice, snakes cant ingest it like substrate, its soft, did i mention easy to clean?

Aspen... But paper is the best. It is easy to clean, and is cheap what more can you ask for? It's not like you can see inside the tubs.

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Originally Posted by The Serpent Merchant

Racks hold humidity in very well, having a moisture holding substrate will make most tubs too humid.

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I agree for the most part, but it also depends on where you live. Living here in the desert we use cypress mulch in our racks and still have to mist to keep humidity up during sheds.

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Originally Posted by reptiliachnids

BUt why wouldnt you use paper towels? Trust me. Tons and tons of people use it. there is no down side to paper towel. Snakes can still "burrow" if they want to, its easy to clean, its cheap, it looks nice, snakes cant ingest it like substrate, its soft, did i mention easy to clean?

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Paper towels can definitely be ingested! And if/when it happens it does not end good! If a small piece of cypress mulch, aspen, eco earth or similar substrate is ingested it can usually be passed without any issue. Paper towels on the other can't.
I'm not saying paper towels are a bad substrate to use but it has a risk just like everything else.

I can't imagine NOT using racks. I just build my own though....so I can't help if you're wondering where the best places to buy them are.
And for substrate, I use newspaper and have zero complaints.
Thermostats, I have Vivarium Electronics. VE-200's and VE-300X2's. So far, I really like them.

What you'll find is that there are as many different right answers to your questions as there are members here on BP.net :D

In that spirit, here are my answers:

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Originally Posted by angel619

1)rack system for ball pythons is it the best way to keep the ball pythons if you plan to start breeding in the future?

Yes, in my opinion, racks are by far the best way to keep BPs once you have more than about 3 or 4. My favorite racks are made by Reptile Basics, but there are several companies making fine PVC racks for the home breeder:
http://www.reptilebasics.com/

2)Best substrate to use for a ball python rack (I was thinking cypress mulch)

Best is hard to quantify. It really comes down to what's best for you. I use indented Kraft paper, and really like both it's look and ease of use. It's easy on my snakes, and they don't get news print on their bellies, which was a down side I discovered when using news paper:
http://www.uline.com/BL_1961/Indented-Kraft-Paper

3)Can I go to homedepot and buy Organic Cypress Mulch and is it safe for ball pythons babies,sub-adult,Adults?

Should you chose to go with cypress mulch, I think the organic stuff from Home Depot is safe for your animals.

4)good thermostats that are affordable and work great

My favorite: http://www.reptilebasics.com/ve-200


whats a good website to buy all my supplies for ball pythons

You can't go wrong with Rich at RBI!:
http://www.reptilebasics.com/index.php?p=home

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Good luck!