I'm new at this and could use some helpful advice. I'm planning on building a stack of 4 snake cages from barrister's bookcases. My main question is on heating these. I like the idea of radiant heat panels, but they're too expensive for me. I'm thinking of heat mats on the cage floors, but would have to have something (glass, vinyl, melamine ?) above them to prevent direct contact. I am thinking of monitoring temps with min/max thermometers and controlling mats with a dimmer switch. Or is there some infrared heat in the shape of a bar or tube that I could run top to bottom outside the (screened) back of these cages? Advice on any of this?
I plan on removing half or more of the backing board on the cases and installing screening for ventilation and lighting. What size screening would be the best choice? I was thinking 1/8 mesh.
Occupants would be corns, bps, maybe pines.
I'm a new member here.
thanks for any help.