i use a 50/50 bes a beat and play sand for my russian tortoises. It holds moisture well. They are in a 45 gallon rubbermaid tank with a 100w uvb heater light combo. The substrate will dry out, but once a month, or so, i add a gallon or two of water. To make the bedding i use 3 blocks of bed-a-beast. Totally saves money. If it dries out i would have no problem using it for my hognose snakes, but for them i still prefer the walnut shell.