Is this good substrate?

lucky8926 · 11-14-04, 02:06 PM

I ran across this stuff called Biomats here is the description of it:
A ¼-½ inch thich coconut fiber mat that is natural and breathable. It can be used as a replacement for artificial turf and other liners. Can be used alone or as a bottom layer to other natural substrates. Can be used in both wet and dry environments (except saltwater). It is washable and long lasting. Great for humid environments. Can be cut to fit. Weed and pathogen free.

Anyone heard of it or used it?? If so would this be a good substrate for a Ball Python?

Brad C · 11-14-04, 02:38 PM

I dunno about that but to be safe why not just use newspaper?. If humidity is a concern then throw down some cypress and save yourself some money and possible problems that you could get from something such as biomats.

Tim_Cranwill · 11-14-04, 02:46 PM

I wouldn't use it. I like to be able to throw away as much of the enclosure contents as possible when cleaning. With a product like that, I would worry that bacteria would just thrive in the warm and damp conditions even if it's washed regularly.

lucky8926 · 11-14-04, 03:20 PM

Thanks for the info guys!! I am having low humidity problems so I'm wanting something that is going to hold a little bit of moisture. Would aspen bedding work good for holding a little bit of moisture?

Tim_Cranwill · 11-14-04, 03:27 PM

I would first look at how much ventilation you have. Aspen can get moldy pretty quickly (IMO). You want humidity, not just a wet cage, right?

I've heard bark mulch is good for humidity but I've never tied it myself. I use newspaper and it works for me.

lucky8926 · 11-14-04, 03:30 PM

I have plenty of ventilation, I have a screen top. I am using newspaper now it doesn't seem to hold moisture very well. By the way I don't actually have a BP yet i'm getting my temp/humidity correct first.

RepTylE · 11-14-04, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by lucky8926
I have plenty of ventilation, I have a screen top. I am using newspaper now it doesn't seem to hold moisture very well. By the way I don't actually have a BP yet i'm getting my temp/humidity correct first.

Looks like you will be well informed and prepared for when you do get a BP. I think that you will find that the time and effort you are putting in now will pay off in the long run after you get your snake.

To answer the question, I never heard of biomats but like Tim suggested, it might be a breeding ground for micro-organisms and I would be hesitant to use it .

Jeff_Favelle · 11-14-04, 04:04 PM

Quote:

I have plenty of ventilation, I have a screen top

That's the EXACT opposite of what you want! I would say you have a long way to go before you should get your BP.

lucky8926 · 11-14-04, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Jeff_Favelle
That's the EXACT opposite of what you want! I would say you have a long way to go before you should get your BP.

So what do you suggest I use for a top?

Brad C · 11-14-04, 04:52 PM

Like I said for a substrate you should use Cypress...

Tim_Cranwill · 11-14-04, 04:55 PM

Well, I don't know about "should" use cypress but it's an option for sure. I think people "should" use what is going to give them the conditions they need and will allow them to keep the enclosure clean. That's what people "should" use.

HeatherRose · 11-14-04, 05:03 PM

Quote:

So what do you suggest I use for a top?

While a lot of books and caresheets say they are, tanks are generally not the greatest thing for a Ball Python... have you looked into rubbermaids? They hold humidity well, and if you drill holes in the sides properly you will have great ventilation.

Brad C · 11-14-04, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Tim_Cranwill
Well, I don't know about "should" use cypress but it's an option for sure. I think people "should" use what is going to give them the conditions they need and will allow them to keep the enclosure clean. That's what people "should" use.

Ok and if he wants humidity and a substrate that will not mold like aspen then cypress is IMHO the best substrate. I have been using it for years and have had no problems at all. Its cheap, It looks natrual, and it holds humidity very well without molding.

Where can you go wrong?

Jeff_Favelle · 11-14-04, 05:43 PM

Brad is right. Aspen molds like a son of a b***h. Cypress works well.

Sreen tops suck, so anythign but screen should work better. Ball Pythons are BURROWING, subterranean, fossorial, nocturnal snakes. If you want animals to put in an all-clear aquarium with a screen top, I'd suggest something aquatic ("AQUA"-rium), like fish.

If its just one snake, build a 3x2x1 cage with sliding glass doors with a 2-inch litter dam for like $30. Best cage you can get for just a pet BP. You'll never regret it!

BoidKeeper · 11-14-04, 06:13 PM

You could always lay your tank on the side and then you have a front opening cage with a lot less air flow. All a cage with sliding glass doors is is a box with sliding glass doors. If you already have a glass tank then lay it on its side and you have a box made out of glass. You can cut down the light by taping black construction paper. If you want a sliding glass front you can still have it by glueing track into the top of the frame and putting in the two glass doors. I just use the screen cover.
No sense in building some thing when you can use what you already have.
Cheers,
Trevor