I'm looking into getting a Ball Python as my second snake. I understand that they need a somewhat elevated level of humidity. I don't knos if the ambient humidity in my home is sufficient, but I would imagine it is not. I live on Long Island, where it is not exactly dry, but I would imagine being in an air conditioned home goes a ways to keeping the air both cool and dry, so I would have to make sure the enclosure can hold in a fair amount of humidity, and screen top terrariums do anything but that. I was thinking about getting one of the plastic enclosures made by Animal Plastics, Boaphile, etc. and I was wondering what size model would be suitable, since the dimensions don't really parallel gallon tank sizes.

Also, as for substrate, I'm quite unsure. I don't think paper towels/newspaper really appeals to me. Since the python is just going to be my pet, I'd like a nicer looking substrate. I'm thinking of maybe orchid bark or cypress mulch, since those supposedly hold in moisture better than something aspen shavings, which is what my Corn Snake uses. I also hear that aspen is prone to getting moldy when wet. Coconut Husk is an option, but it's pretty loose and gets on everything. Does it ever irritate the extremities of the snake, like the nostrils or heat pits? Also, do bark chips substrates carry a lot of dust with them? What do you think would be a best substrate?

If I got a hatchling, I'd probably start it on paper towels and in a glass tank. Does keeping a moist towel on top help to keep in humidity in that situation? Does paper towel have the same effect?