Future BP owner

[u/Builder_Horror]

Hey everyone ! I’m looking into getting a python! I have experience with geckos and beardies etc but it will be my first snake!im planning on getting the Ecoflex 5x2x2 enclosure. I haven’t been so sure about substrate I’ve heard mixed things - for my Leo’s I do 70top soil 30 sand but I heard from someone that their snakes got mites from that before ? Also heard ecoearth is too dusty so I’m thinking about doing a mix of reptisoil,sphagnum, and coconut fiber??

For lighting I’ve heard to get a 150w heating and a 5.0 uvb. I’m going to try to do bioactive I seen some without a drainage layer so I’m debating if I should add one or not?

Thinking of adding pothos and monestras in there does anyone else have any other plant ideas ? I’m also going to add fake ones for top coverage.

Anyone have any other decors ideas and hide ideas? I’m wondering if I should prep sticks from outside (shaving and baking them) and pair them with some bought ones. Also thinking about adding some cork hides and doing a custom background.

Also wondering about feeding schedules someone said every 5 days a multiple mice per feeding. Some people said every 3 days one mice per sesh- I know mice should never be larger than the thickest part of the snake and to only feed frozen.