Need help with supplies and suggestions for my BP snake rack!

[Xbloodrain67X]

I'm making a stacked 6 tub 28 quart rack for ball pythons.

It consists of:
Melamine Board
(7 pieces) 2' x 18"
(2 pieces) 4' x 2'
(1 piece) 4' x 18"
(6) strips of 3" flexwatt (18" long) to put on each shelf for belly heat.
(6) sterilite 28 quart tubs
(1) thermostat
(250' (i know it's alot but it was only $7 on ebay )) Melamine edging (to make the rack look nice)


Things I need help with:

What bedding should I get? (NOT NEWSPAPER) Aspen, Cypress Mulch, Ecto Earth?
What should I get for hides? Get a bowl and cut a half circle?
What should I get for water bowls? Dog Bowl?
Anything else I need that would benefit the snake? Decor like vined leaves?



All suggestions will help, thanks!

[Skittles1101]

I use aspen, Reptile Basics medium hides, I use ceramic water dishes that they can't tip over, I don't have any decor, but for the tubs if they don't slide in and have the sides and back covered (like by the wood) I spray paint the sides and back black, since mine aren't covered it gives them a little extra privacy.

[llovelace]

packing paper

[RichsBallPythons]

I use paper towels i get at Family dollar at $15 per 30 roll case.

I also get my hides from Dollar tree $1 for 3 bowls and i cut holes in them. Water Bowls i use ramekin bowls for hatchlings and crocs for adults. Ramekins come in 5" bowls that are perfect for adults

[Xbloodrain67X]

Thanks for the helpful ideas, just need to know 1 more thing: Would ecto earth or cypress mulch hold the humidity better? Or would aspen be ok for ball pythons?

[iCandiBallPythons]

If you want a loose type substrate aspen ill be fine. Humidity isnt really an issue to maintain in racks unless you live somewhere that has no humidity

[deathadder1069]

Ive used cypress mulch but it tends to break down alot and tend to get bugs from time to time...gnats mainly but i use aspen on my rack all the time and havnt had a problem with it.

[PonderosaSnakeHouse]

I like aspen myself.

For hides I use these drawer organizers from Walmart. Under $3 each. They fit in my 15 quart tubs and my 750 gram female still fits under them.

Dollar store pet bowls work well.