moving day!!!!

[ConcinusMan]

The substrate and environment he has created there might not be so bad for the snake on the cover. Spends most of it's time off the substrate and needs high humidity.

Anyway, I haven't read the book myself and so I can't judge the validity of the content but anyone can write rubbish and publish it. Something to keep in mind. The multi-layered vivarium substrate that Haz described to me in a PM sounds great for live tropical plants and maybe a few frogs but not for messy garters and certainly not for snakes or other reptiles that spend their time on the bottom. Also, there's better materials these days to use in that type of vivarium. The art of creating a living vivarium with just the right conditions for the plants and a few tropical amphibians, no need for changing substrate, and perhaps a waterfall is a beautiful thing. It's just not good for terrestrial reptiles and certainly not good for checkered garters. If you want to create something like that go for it. It's very rewarding when it works out. Just choose different inhabitants. Not snakes.

I've made a lot of mistakes keeping reptiles over the years. I've killed or made ill my fair share of animals. I live, I learn, and I don't repeat the mistakes. I only hope that I can keep others from making the same mistakes.

With all that said, PLEASE read the care sheet. Very accurate info in there. Can't go wrong if you follow it.

Garter Snake Care Sheet - Caresheets

[HazAnga]

I have read the care sheets. I understand them, and as long as this "multi-layered" substrate goes to my plan, which it will. The snakes will be perfectly fine.
the two plants I have in there do not need alot of water, a little water poured into the tube that leads to the bottom of the cage, will not moisten the top layer of the substrate. allowing the top substrate to stay dryer for the snakes.

[ConcinusMan]

OK, don't listen. I've done all I can.

[HazAnga]

I don't see the problem if it's dry?

[HazAnga]

just because it's not setup just the way yours is doesn't mean it's wrong. I don't see the problem if i have live plants and the substrate doesn't git soaked, a little moisture won't kill them, I've sprayed their tank down in the past and had no health problems. I don't understand why your making such a big fuss over this just because i have freelancing plants in the tank. the soil/peat moss is fine now that it's dryer, you can't expect things to be perfect when you first set up a tank.
If you haven't read the book then you can't say anything against what I've done. I'm not the type of person to give a basic setup for a tank. I'm not gunna put any type of rug down, or aspen bedding, I'm sorry but it's too plain and gets really messy when when, in my experience. I'm trying something new to see how it goes. I'm not worried about any health problems like ConcinnusMan has mentioned like blistering or respiratory infections.

[guidofatherof5]

Nick,
Just keep in mind what too much moisture can do. You might also try potting those plants. That will allow you to keep them but lessen the moisture in the overall enclosure.
Just an idea.

[HazAnga]

well there isn't much moisture in the tank, the hygrometer in the tank is in the yellow around the 36% mark which is the average of what I've been keeping them at, and the plants honestly don't need much water or moisture or humidity... I've even read that pathos can grow as an "air plant" so only with sunlight and a light mist every now and then. and the other plant i have is a low moisture plant as well (hence why i chose them...)

[guidofatherof5]

I'm sure you will keep your snakes welfare in mind with all your decisions.

[ConcinusMan]

It's still dirt. Still bad. Dry or not.

[HazAnga]

yes, thankyou lol it's so fustrating when people don't trust in your decisions, my dad used to do it to me all the time... and now i don't have to deal with it no more... just a cranky pregnant women... lol