Reptile & Amphibian Forums

When I first began keeping balls, Greg Graziani recommended Cellsorb as a substrate. It is pretty cool stuff, absorbs well, and keeps odors down. Recently I added a few colubrids to my collection and keep them on aspen for burrowing purposes. Would it make sense to switch my whole collection to aspen? Is it better for the balls? More comfy lol? Thanks for your time, Manny

Far as I know Cellsorb is basically dried paper pulp or very fine wood fiber (which is basically paper pulp...as that is also very fine wood fiber...) Aspen is a great substrate for ball pythons as well. use what ever appeals to you the most and your ball pythons seem to prefer.

I just use paper towel, as it has no dust, is cheap and easy to spot wastes.
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PHLdyPayne

I have used newsprint paper, paper towels and cage liners for many years. I switched to cellsorb for a few months. I did not like it. Don’t misunderstand, it is good and some might think it is the best thing ever made but I personally do not like it. I just switched over to Aspen and so far I love it. The Aspen has a nice aroma, good absorption and easy to clean. It last longer than newsprint and paper towels.

As was already mentioned, use what you like. Try them and decide for yourself.

BTW, my next substrate to try is Cypress Mulch. Harder to find and it MUST be clean "no bugs" or I will not use it.
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Kyle
www.royalvariations.com

"be safe, be happy and dont let anyone make you afraid" David Coverdale

I agree with your evaluation. Some people may find cellsorb to be the greatest substrate since sliced bread, but since using aspen for my colubrids, I have had a change of heart. I will switch only one of my balls to aspen and see what happens. Thanks for all your time, Manny

Manny,

You are welcome. Do us a favor and let us know your thoughts and comments after you try the substrates.

Sincerely, Kyle
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Kyle
www.royalvariations.com

"be safe, be happy and dont let anyone make you afraid" David Coverdale

Last night I switched over my pair of 100% het pieds that are both over 1000 grams. They are now both on aspen. My female was always very active and it was easy to catch her cruising around her cage. The male is definitly more shy. Well the female did her usual thing, but the male was all of a sudden cruising around almost as if he was cruising for chicks lol. They both began burrowing a little bit. Not very deep but it seems they both really enjoy the 2" of aspen. It may also be because it is softer on them than the cellsorb, but I may be looking too much into it. I reccomend the aspen but thats not to say that the cellsorb is not good either. Thanks for your time and help, Manny