Best substrate?

[Snake Judy]

Depending on the ratio of the mix you do it can hold humidity really well or you can create a dry environment depending on what you are keeping. I don't use a drainage layer myself. If you are using a heat mat for your snake then don't do 5 inches over that as the heat won't make it through. I had to thin it out in my snake cage over the heat section...for my lizards they use bulbs so depth isn't an issue. I use springtails with my lizards but haven't decided if I wanted to make that jump or not with the snake. The plants will need some form of light to grow well.

Oh for sure, that's a good point for anyone interested in a bioactive substrate system. Larger snakes will need a good deal of substrate for for it to function properly, so under-tank heaters aren't really an option. I'll be using a RHP in mine, along with a 6500K LED light on a timer if I decide to use live plants.

[That_One_New_Guy]

Keep the bottom layer coco and put some reptibark on top. It looks great

[jclaiborne]

Oh for sure, that's a good point for anyone interested in a bioactive substrate system. Larger snakes will need a good deal of substrate for for it to function properly, so under-tank heaters aren't really an option. I'll be using a RHP in mine, along with a 6500K LED light on a timer if I decide to use live plants.

Awesome. Also 5 inches of dirt as I am sure you are aware adds a substantial amound of weight so make sure the cage is where you want it so you won't have to move anything afterwards.