in most cases, everyone finally gives in and decides that tubs are the answer - it took me a while too - i use 25 quart sterilites with locking lids about 10 bucks for youngs, juvy's and subadults with dual side hides - aspen is not necessary - paper is fine - balls really dont care as they do not burrow - i use big apples bah1000 tstat about 40 bucks and their intellitemp mats about 25 bucks - THEY WILL NOT GET OVER MID NINETIES - even if plugged directly in wall so no melting issues - i put them inside tub - and use a plastic oscar meyer sandwhich meat container (thin plastic) for water and set it directly on the heat mat - every time it heats it is creating humidity - i can maintain 55% humidity with this setup - also the bah1000 can power multiple mats - it works for me perfectly