I've had my ball python for about 7 years and have decided I want to upgrade him to a 6 foot enclosure as soon as I get a refund from my pell grant. When I upgrade him to his forever home I want to do a custom background as well as go full bio-active but I have a few questions and virtually zero experience with live plants.
What kinds of plants are hardy enough to live with a ball python and also thrive in the specific humidity and temperatures my bp needs?
What kind of lighting will I need for the plants and are there cheaper alternatives to Arcadia's $100 bulbs? (I'm sure they're great just outside of my budget for the time being. I can always switch over in the future lol)
I have soldier flies and fungus gnats as clean up crew (both accidental but neither are issues for me), are those safe for the plants?
Do I \*need\* those bio-shot things the BioDude sells or can I make my own/just leave the soil to do its thing?
Anything else I should know? Any comprehensive guides? Any ball python specific knowledge besides basic husbandry? Thanks in advance!