first i had aspen in there. then when i noticed the scale rot i sanitized the tank and put down news paper. His scales looked dirty the next day from it so i switched to paper towels. when i put his water dish in it he kept climbing in it and soaking the paper towls so i took it out so he wouldnt be sitting on soggy paper towels all day while i was at work.And the reason i was "dragging him" to work in his tank is cause when you work from 10am-1am you dont really have much of a choice. I had to get him food on my break or the pet store would be closed. I'm sure its really easy for you to judge, but i have always taken him on car rides with me. He doesnt like being locked up in a cage all day, and neither would i.