Substrate ? for new corn

[BP_okay]

Yeah!! My new corn snake that I ordered is arriving on Thursday. I posted here recently regarding the tank size, and you guys helped me a ton on deciding to go w/ a 20L with lots of hides, but I actually would appreciate some advice about the substrate.

I am not sure how deep it should be??? I read in a forum that vita sand - a substrate for reptiles (some how fortified with calcium and vitamins), is a good substrate for many reasons; accidental ingestion, easy to clean, etc. I think some people might call it calcisand or reptisand. I only have one other snake (a sand boa) for which I use crushed walnut shells and that is four inches deep. I understand corns don't really burrow that much and just care more about having hides and climbs(taken care of that already). I am just curious how much substrate (depth) you all use.

Thanks in advance,
Traci

[Khel]

Well this is not necisarally a mix specifically for corns but i find it works great for jus about any snake. i mix 1 block of the fine ground plantation soil with a small bag of cyprus mulch...it retains and releases mostiure well..and u can let it dry all out through in a liter of water stir it up again and instantly alter the humidity lvl of the tank for a couple days. =) plus it looks pretty nice. I made this mix specifically for my rainbow boas though.

[Smilts]

IMO the best substrate for a new reptile or snake of any sort is white paper towel or newspaper print. I prefer the paper towel because its easier to see if there are any mites. Also a long time ago I used reptisand and noticed after awhile there was some belly scale irritation.

[BP_okay]

Those are both very good points, and I didn't even think about the paper towel as a good way to ensure he's in good health. The belly irritation is something that concerns me a bit, and I'll probably return it. Do you all think aspen bedding would be good choice for him? I plan on feeding in the tank, but to avoid impaction of any sort, I am going to try either feeding tongs, as well as a feeding plate. I think I will go with paper towel and then transition to another substrate....any suggestion??? And how long should I go with the paper towel route b4 transitioning. Thanks so much for you help

Traci

[BP_okay]

Btw, Coy, the humidity control is a great idea, but I rent, and I want the cleanest substrate possible.

[siz]

Don't use sand for any snakes, as Coy said paper towel is great for any new reptile. Most of my friends with corns use aspen, sometimes with a bit of expanded cocofibre mixed in.

[BP_okay]

Thanks for the confirmation. I think I will definitely go with aspen after the paper towels. How long do think I should go with the paper towels before switching over to the aspen and how thick would you layer them(paper towels)? Thanks for responding so quickly btw !! He's coming soooo soon!!!!

[Smilts]

I layer them a couple deep and at least a month, two wouldnt hurt. Aspen is a great substrate for display.

[BP_okay]

Thanks Coy, I have set up the tank and followed your paper towel advice. Thanks so much - he'll be in a matter of hours. I'll try to post pics when he arrives.

Traci