Sand Substrate

[Naxx]

Hey I am aware that there is a "best substrate" thread but most are talking about paper/carpet. I currently have red desert sand in the bottom of my outback themed tank and awaiting the arrival of my children's python. Im just wondering what benifits/negatives this substrate has. Obviously there is a chance it can get stuck on the food and ingested, but i am considering moving the snake into a feeding box during feeding to avoid this. Oppinions?

[PhilK]

I have had my spotted on sand for aaaggges and have encountered no problems. You will get many people telling you how terrible sand is, but I think if you follow a few guidelines you're just fine.

For one, make sure that you do take your snake outside of the enclosure to feed. This will obviously avoid ingestion of the substrate.

Another thing is to give the snake the possiblity of getting away from the sand if it wants to. i.e a log or some flat rocks etc etc.

Also, it tends to drop the humidity a little so when you see a shed coming up, make sure you mist every now and again (my snake has only once left the tip of his tail on after moving to sand, but since then there's been no problems).

Finally, cleaning is a snap. Simply scoop out the soiled/wet sand. Too easy! Replace the sand once every two months or so!

[serenaphoenix]

Apparently it also gets stuck in the cloacol opening... and you have to replace large amounts to avoid bacteria remaining in the enclosure after defecation - so i was told to avoid it at all costs - and so i did. I'm pretty sure if you search you can find pros and cons specifically about red sand - i remember reading it.

[bitey]

fake grass v sand there were heaps to read
no more sand