Hi folks, I have a new 8 month old bp and I have some husbandry questions I'm hoping y'all can advise me on.

As the moment he's in a tub (22" x 17") but once I know he's eating, shedding and pooping well I plan to set him up in an exo-terra (with the lid modded as much as I need to maintain humidity levels). The exo I got used came with slate tiles on the bottom, and I'm wondering if it might be beneficial to use them.

At the moment, the tub is inside the exo-terra and the heat source is a large heat pad on the bottom of the exo-terra, which is providing a good temperature. But, I don't think the idea of there being only a piece of glass and newspaper between him and the heat source, and I was thinking that the slate might do a better job of spreading the heat uniformly and preventing any hot spots. Or, for all I know, it could do the opposite.

Alternatively of course I could use a few inches of substrate which may be better or worse...

The major downside of the tiles is cleaning it if he poops on it and it gets between the tiles. Or I could do both... the tiles, and enough substrate to cover the tiles and absborb poop. Or newspaper...

I am not sure! Any thoughts on what is best / safest? He is my only snake so I am not too fussed if it's extra work cleaning. Thanks!