newspaper substrate

[tmartin2347]

I'm officially switching from paper towels to newspaper cause its getting to expensive. I didn't want too much so not enough heat came through and didn't want to little so the snake got too much heat.

How many layers of news paper do you think I should use in a 6qt tub with 4" flexwatt?

[PythonWallace]

Use a few layers then put the tape on a thermostat. Don't depend on a certain amount of paper substrate to have proper temps.

[tmartin2347]

oh no I have my heat tape on a helix thermostat but I did'nt want too many layers and it not to let enough heat up through for my snakes. So you think like 2-3 layers would be good?

[Michael314]

I use two layers of newspaper at each end so in the middle they over lap giving 4 layers but the heat pad supplies a good amount of heat though it. I insulated the underside of the tank under the heat pad with bubblewrap. The thermometer is just put in without any tape.

[2kdime]

I use around 2 to 4 layers for my ball.

Food for thought. Some people prefer uninked newsprint for snakes.

I picked a 10 pound box at uhaul today. For 8 bucks!!! 140+ 20" x 27" sheets. Should last quite a while!!!

[Vlad]

One thing I found about uninked newsprint.... call the local newspapers... around here we have one that gives away roll ends from the printing run.

I picked up three about a month and a half ago... and I still have well over 2 left.

And free is definitely the right price point

[jdmls88]

oh no I have my heat tape on a helix thermostat but I did'nt want too many layers and it not to let enough heat up through for my snakes. So you think like 2-3 layers would be good?

you can afford a helix but not paper towels? lol Just do one layer beyond that its a waste. Just have your tstat setup correctly.

[wolfy-hound]

Go for newspaper! Tell your friends to save theirs.
I use at least 2 layers, up to 4. (just like previous poster) A single piece of newspaper tends to be a pain to clean up if they pee or dump the water over. I've started using the nitrile gloves for cleaning bins, because they have great traction to scoop out wet newspaper. My snakes just love tumping the water dishes the day before cleaning day.

[Ginevive]

I use newspaper, and I love it. It is free (Penny-Saver papers = awesome.) And I love being able to just grab it all in a ball and toss it, and the BP-created messies, out. I use one layer technically, but the Penny-Saver sheets, spread out, make mostly a two-layer cover for my 41-quart tubs, with one layer on the sides.