Lamps and substrates

[Emrys]

I've heard that using a UV lamp will make a snake more brilliant and vibrant looking. Any truth to that? I haven't had any trouble heating my tank, in fact quite the opposite, so I eschewed lamps altogether but if it'll make him look better, why not? Even nocturnal snakes can have a day at the tanning booth, I suppose

Also, does anyone here use Carefresh bedding in their tanks? It's shredded sorta stuff, extremely absorbent...my only hesitation about using it would be its drying properties, but I doubt it's dryer than newsprint, and Arkansas doesn't lack for humidity no matter what you do, lol. However, I want to make sure it's snake-approved before I put any in there...I just like it because it seems less likely to get jammed in an eye or nostril than shredded aspen.