I have a half log hide in my first males tank, he's had it since I got him, I've always just put Eco earth to cover the second opening. He's now gotten so big he fits in it perfect an has uncovered both ends so he can go back an forth threw it. Soon as I have an open tub hell finally get a tub but till then he's lived for almost four years with that half log... But yeah get a cold side hide for your little guy most people say same kind as the hot side so he can't favor one over the other because of design.. Again I don't do that on my only ball in a tank he has two different kinds of hides. Like completely different nothing about them is the same, I've never seen him act any different then any of my other snakes that are in tubs. My two cents I guess