Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I order a boaphile 221D a week ago. Im considering using vinyl flooring cut to size for the bottom of the cage. It would be a snap to clean, and would allow heat to pass thru. Anyone done this before?
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0.1 CB 2005 Normal Ball Python @ 24"/255g

Wouldn't be very absorbant. One of the reasons you need a substrate in the first place is to absorb any liquids (spilled water, waste material) so that your snake isn't sitting in a wet puddle.

>>I order a boaphile 221D a week ago. Im considering using vinyl flooring cut to size for the bottom of the cage. It would be a snap to clean, and would allow heat to pass thru. Anyone done this before?
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>>0.1 CB 2005 Normal Ball Python @ 24"/255g

vinyl would not be a good substrate, as it heats up, the vinyl may stick to the bottom of the tank, and it would provide crevices where bacteria and parisites may be harbored.
another thing to consider is that vinyl tyle is not intended to be exposed constantly to heat, it may release potentially dangerous gasses as it heats up. if i am not mistaken the vinly chains contain chlorine, which on heating may be released with hydrocarbons.
there are plenty of better options out there, if you are looking for easy to clean, i use low shag indoor/outdoor carpet, it cleans and disinfects easily and it drys out fairly rapidly.(it is exactly the same thing as the zoomed carpets sold in petshops) and your local home renovation store usually has end of rolls on special
aspen bedding, also works very well, and is easy to clean.

Why bother? When I had boaphile cages I found that they were very easy to clean up. I fed my boas outside of their cages in separate feeding boxes/totes. While they were feeding I would roll up the old soiled newspaper, wipe down the bottom of the cage if necessary, and put in a fresh layer of newspaper.
Keep it simple.

i once tossed the velevet underground and nico and bob dylan's blonde on blonde on the bottom of my snakes terrarium... didn't soak up nothin at all and totally ruined two great albums... if you've gotta use vinyl i would recommend disco...