I am using cypress bedding and at some point I plan to build a rack system for the snakes, but I currently only have the aquariums. I will try the che over the water bowl. The 60 gallon tank is only 4 foot long, and the Ball I have in it seems to like it. I had read that they should be able to strech out the length of the tank. Is that not true? He is close to 4 foot in length.