Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I need some opinions on this stuff as far as being used as a substrate. I have heard a lot of mixed reviews about it. Some on here seem to like it and use it and some say that it's not good on the skin of a BP. Which it is anyway? I would use it if I get a majority of people telling me that it's safe for a BP because I do have some I could put in my tank. Anyway, what do you guys think? Thanks!

If you mean that green astro-turf fake grass cage carpet they sell - Don't us it, it sucks, won't work, bad idea. Use newspaper, cypress, aspen, etc. they work much better. If it's a specific product your asking about, I'm not familiar with it so I don't know.

-----
Tosha

1.1.0 Ball Python (Harry and Fluffy)
0.1.0 Siberian Husky (Kita)
0.2.0 Feline (Pippen and Pandora)
0.0.1 Dessert Tortoise (Pope)
5.4.2 Fish (1,2,3,4...)
0.0.1 Frog rescued from pool skimmer
0.0.2 Lizards rescued from pool skimmer

Aspen or newspaper are the best substrates. Cypress is ok to, but very dirty/messy & there are proven cases of impaction from it. I use Aspen, and find it much better than newspaper, cuz it is much quicker to clean, smells better, and as far as I know there are no proven documented cases of impactions from it in snakes. Aspen can be drying to your Ball pythons, but if you provide a humidity box or a room humidifier it will work great.
-----
Chad Bachman

Sorry, I have to disagree with those other two guys, after switching to marine astro turf (like boat carpeting, or outdoor carpeting) my life has been ALOT easier. The stuff is cheap, waterproof, and easy to clean. Also, no danger of accidental ingestion of substrate. All my balls seem to love it, and have had no shedding problems. Just cut to fit, and cut extra pads so you can do a quick change and soak in bleach and water to clean...