Low maintenance tank decor suggestions

[Bogertophis]

@ROSIEonFIRE: I'm sorry that you're dealing with some sort of medical issue & a difficult diagnosis- I know how scary that can be, but honestly, sooner or later, that's most everyone ...so take heart. You're right to ask questions about keeping pets while keeping yourself safe too, health-wise, & snakes are a good choice IMO. The trouble is that if you ask your doctor about it, roughly one in a thousand might actually know enough about keeping snakes to give you an accurate response- there is a LOT of misinformation about snakes carrying salmonella (it's mostly aquatic turtles & various lizards- bearded dragons can carry quite a few things too) but snakes are just not a big offender in this area. Sadly, there is rampant hatred of snakes so it's way more likely that your doctors will be repeating false & negative information about their health risk to you- so be prepared, not shocked, okay?

Sure, snakes can carry some pathogens, but since they're cold-blooded, they tend to have very different issues than us warm-blooded types get. There's also ways to mitigate the risks- use a decent (but snake-safe) disinfectant to clean the enclosure (glass is recommended- it's easier to sanitize, as is PVC), wash your hands, wear a mask when cleaning the enclosure (to avoid breathing air- born particles), etc. And don't handle your snake in the kitchen or when eating.
Also get acquainted with your nearest reptile-qualified vet: https://members.arav.org/search/custom.asp?id=3661

I've kept a house-full of snakes for almost 40 years now with no adverse health issues for myself, & they've always been throughout my house- in my bedrooms, den, living room & even my large dining room- not locked away in a "snake room". I vividly remember many years ago when a doctor hurriedly MIS-diagnosed me with a serious autoimmune condition based on aberrant lab work only, instead of considering all the factors needed for that diagnosis, & which happily proved to be quite false, but I didn't know that for quite some time. When my stress was reduced, voila! No more "condition"-my bloodwork was normal- I was lucky. Anyway, I want to point out that the comfort & "distraction from negativity" that a cherished pet can bring you can be a very POSITIVE factor in your health also, as I hope it will be for you. That doesn't mean you should take unnecessary chances, of course, & your questions about maintaining a ball python are the right way to proceed.

I'm more about convenience too, when it comes to substrates & keeping snakes. I honestly don't like newspaper though, as it offers no traction for snakes, & also because their feces will sit there waiting to be slid thru- it's not that absorbent. I prefer to line my tanks with white paper towels (better absorption), folding up the edges so there's no "spill-over", then adding dry substrate over that. In my case, since I keep colubrids these days (had BPs in the past), I use a mixture of Carefresh* & paper shreds (from my own shredder- bills & such). That adds plenty of 'cush' for the snake to even burrow in, & makes spot-cleaning easier. *You would NOT want to use Carefresh for a BP though, or any snake that needs higher humidity, as that product is actually hygroscopic & will work against you. But if you check around, there's various shredded paper substrates you can buy- Chewy carries quite a few, for example. And U-line, as dakski mentioned, has some options too, if you want to use a "cage liner". (When using 'dry' substrates for a BP- you should also make them a large "humid hide". Saturated & drained moss is excellent & can be rinsed & re-used unless contaminated with feces.)

Apart from the substrate, you can give a more natural appearance to a glass tank by installing scenic background (outside the tank, on the back & sides) which also offers privacy for the snake- shy snakes like BPs appreciate that. (Never mind- you did say PVC-) And you can use some natural branches or driftwood for low climbing (BPs are not big climbers but they enjoy some variety). The branches can be sprayed with your disinfectant, & dried before re-installing. (NEVER use bleach on branches or anything porous though- it will not rinse away & the fumes are deadly to snakes- not good for us either.) Best disinfectants would be the F-10, or chlorhexidine (diluted, which is what I use). You can ask your vet too- they might be will to sell you a small bottle of what they use- since some of these products only come in amounts that you'll have trouble using up with only one snake. I too use the Reptile Basics black hides- easy to clean, & many sizes available.

More questions? Keep 'em coming- we're here to help.