Planning out first terrestrial set up.

[REM955]

So here is the current state of things:
While I am moving out soon, I don't plan on actually getting the snake just yet. This area I speak of will just be cordoned off until I have a cage to put there. Really just planning now.

I am looking at getting a Woma Python. I am looking to buy something for the adult size, assuming 6ft as that was the maximum I could ever expect. Safe estimate with the rest showing 4-5ft.

The space I want to use is 28" deep and I am thinking 6ft out is the maximum. A number of guides hover around 4'L * 2'D * 2'H, but I would like to expand it out to 6ft in length.

The questions:
I doubt there is an issue with increasing the size, but is there anything I need to do other than add more hides?

What kind of substrate? I see a lot of Aspen being mentioned, but wanted to confirm.

I am not building my own. Simply not handy. Anyone have a preference in U.S. vendors in particular?

Thank you.

[psychocircus]

I personally like apcages for their quality and prices. Several substrates would work. Aspen is fine. How do you plan on heating the enclosure?

[REM955]

I was thinking a heating mat underneath the cage, but I've heard that those can break and set themselves to high and burn scales. The other idea is to use lamps, but that requires space overhead so stacking in the future (if there are more) might be an issue.
I think I'm leaning more towards lamps now. This would just be one on one end and scatter hides on the other side correct?

[Mikoh4792]

I was thinking a heating mat underneath the cage, but I've heard that those can break and set themselves to high and burn scales.

What you are talking about is heat tape. Most heat mats(especially ultratherm) do not go above 95F unregulated. Though, I think all heat sources should still be used with thermostats just in case anything happens.

The other idea is to use lamps, but that requires space overhead so stacking in the future (if there are more) might be an issue.
I think I'm leaning more towards lamps now. This would just be one on one end and scatter hides on the other side correct?

I think radiant heat panels are better than heat lamps for overhead heat when using enclosures without screen tops. They are low profile, usually lower wattage, and much safer(gentle heat, as opposed to light bulbs that get very hot). I would recommend heat panels from either RBI or pro-products.

[REM955]

I see. These panels are installed on top and radiate to the ground below. This panel should extend the entire depth of the vivarium? For the 24in previously mentioned:
Reptile Basics 80 Watt Radiant Heat Panel - Reptile Basics Inc (http://www.reptilebasics.com/80-watt-radiant-heat-panel)

[Mikoh4792]

I see. These panels are installed on top and radiate to the ground below. This panel should extend the entire depth of the vivarium? For the 24in previously mentioned:
Reptile Basics 80 Watt Radiant Heat Panel - Reptile Basics Inc (http://www.reptilebasics.com/80-watt-radiant-heat-panel)

It depends on the size of the cage you go with(I know you're deciding between 4 and 6 ft) and the type of gradient you'd like to provide. With a 4 foot long cage, I'd have it extend the entire depth of the enclosure. For a 6 foot cage, i'd probably have the long side parrellel with the length of the enclosure. Though one thing you have to keep in mind is that the inside dimensions of a 2 ft deep enclosure is going to be a tad short of 24"(usually 22-23") so a 22.5" heat panel might be too large to fit the entire depth.

I like to use pro-products heat panels becuase you can order a lower wattage panel to do the same work(They are more efficient). This comes out to a smaller heat panel, and therefore it's a bit more flexible when choosing how to install it. For my 4 foot enclosures, I use the 65 watt ph-3 models that are 12" x 18"