I use and love reptibark.... It's dark <easy to see urates> holds humidity relatively well <I mix mine with Eco earth because I live in a humidity challenged area> and is easy to clean. I'm impressed that you think enough of the animal to come here to figure out what is the right thing to do. My Nagini started out my 17 yr olds... I didn't get her for him until I knew I was ready to raise yet another animal. I dare the boy to try to take her from me now.