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I decided to try a new substrate because I'm tired of all the dust from the shredded aspen. While it's great for a number of reasons (it's cheap, you can get it in bulk, looks nice, smells nice, etc.), the amount of dust makes me sniffle and sneeze, so I figure it could potentially be an irritant to my captives.

Anyway,
I got a bunch of the coconut fiber stuff, and so far, I really like it. It smells really nice, holds humidity really well and isn't much more expensive than the aspen.

The question I have is has anybody tried mixing it with shredded aspen? I just did, and it looks great, and seems to have taken care of the dust problem. I'm worried about mold/mildew with the added moisture from the coconut fiber developing.

I'm going to keep an eye on it over the next couple of days, but wondering if anybody else has tried the mixture of those 2 substrates...

Worst case scenario is I just ditch the aspen for my water python pair all together and stick with the coconut. I think I'm also going to make the switch for my Irian Jaya pair and JCP, too...

Thanks,
//Todd

Hey Todd,
I keep mine on Aspen until breeding season, then I put them on Cypress so I can spray them heavy. Gives them the dry season, then the REALY wet season. That has worked for 5 seasons now. I know what you mean about the dust, but it does not seem to bother the snakes. I think your aspen will mold fast when staying damp, I have seen it. Try cypress, I love it. Holds humidity, doesn't mold, smells good, etc. How big are those guys now?? SOME OF THIS SO FAR HERE!!!!!!!

Cool man- thanks for the response.

I did yank the aspen/coconut mix out, and put straight coconut back in, and it was way too much moisture- like 95 - 100%!

I dumped all that stuff, and am back to the aspen again. I think the humidity levels naturally where I am are cool, anyway.

Funny you mentioned the cypress- was looking at it today at a local reptile shop, but was too expensive.

I'll probably order a buttload of it online.

The girl has got to be pushing 4' now, and the male probably close to 4', and much more slender.

Will snap some pics when the sun shows out here again!

Post some pics of this years hatchies!!!

Thanks man,
//Todd

Go to Agway for Cypress. $3 for a 50lb. bag. Way cheaper!!!

Ahaha- thanks man!

The place I was in today, wanted $24.99 for like 10lb bag!

//Todd