i have a pueblan milksnake, and really dislike aspen bedding it is very hard to get the temperature gradient right. i am thinking of using smooth aquarium gravel as a substrate. it will distribute the heat from my under tank heater more evenly and consistently, won’t generate aspen dust, and is relatively easy to spot clean. plus when it gets dirty i can just wash it sanitize it and reuse it. I have plenty of hides and can create more using the gravel as it holds its shape better than aspen. any thoughts?
ok toe cutter you seem experienced. if you’ve never used it, how can you say its a bad choice?
1. moisture lays under it, yes it is true moisture drains through the gravel away from contact with the snake.
2. mold etc.. in a heated tank moisture will quickly evaporate whereas aspen holds on to water for a much longer period of time
3 It also can create hot spots over an undertank heater as it localizes the heat quickly,
true, that is why i have a digital temp probe, and a temperature controller on my under tank heater. i also have an IR thermometer to get exact measurements of temps so i can alter the under tank heater temps to get exactly the right temp at the right location. aspen gets shifted by the snake very easily and THAT creates hot spots.
4. spot cleaning is easier because waste is easier to see, and does not get buried under aspen when the snake shifts it around. please comment, i do respect your opinion. i think there are pros to using aquarium gravel if done properly.