i use a water dish, is is more natural....but that ia huge topic of debate, i also use liners instead of bedding....before the liners i used a water bottle and got one of the holders and just cut a slit in the cage to slide the deal in. as far as ventilation, i drilled several holes about half way up all the way around the bin and i also leave the top off, just make sure there is nothing in there for the little one to climb up on and make their escape.