Packing paper as a substrate

[VooDooDoc]

I currently use aspen as substrate and it works just fine. But it's a mess and harder to spot clean. I moved a couple of years ago and the moving company left me a bunch of packing paper that I still have just sitting around. Wondering if that would be a good substrate? I've probably got enough for a full year.

I have a misting system that runs a few times a day (modified walgreens ultrasonic humidifier), will it turn into a big soggy mess? If you hold your hand under the fog you can barely feel it so it's not a lot. Keeps humidity between 45-55%.

[kitedemon]

Paper is hydroscopic it absorbs water vapour out of the air and can become damp. I don't personally like using it as spot cleaning with paper is not possible. I see no reason why not to try it if it is wet and soggy return to aspen. No big deal just switch when you have time to keep a close eye on it.

On a side note if you find it gets damp after the fogger cycle you may find a warm mist humidifier works better it is not micro drops of water but water vapour that is from heat not vibration. I have tried both (I humidify the snake room itself) I like the arm ones way better they also do not tank the ambient temps at all.

[RetiredJedi]

I use packing paper as substrate and have no issues what so ever. Of course, I don't have to mist either and my humidity is always good to go so I can't respond about the misting machine. However, like kitedemon said you can't spot clean so, if they pee the entire substrate usually gets wet and has to be changed. I love using packing paper.

[JLC]

I, too, use the paper left over from the movers. Just check it and make sure there is no waxy coating on it. My last two moves have seen an increase in a different sort of paper that looks coated in wax or something, and that wouldn't work well as a substrate at all. Mostly though, it's still plain ol' newsprint.