showcase cage set up

Hi all, I just got 3 sowcase cages and setting up UTH on them. I was just wondering how much space you think I need for air flow around my heat pad, I currently have the bottom cage on the floor and there is not any space there, was going to either build an elevated base for it to sit on or if need be buy a nice stand, Hope I can get away with some 2x4s, what do you think?

I would elevate the bottom off the floor, 4 inches sounds good and say 1/8 between cages. assuming they are designed with back vents for the animal.

I made a stand out of 2x4s for my showcase cages and they work out just fine. The bottom heat mat did go out, so I put lower watt heat pads in it and put my corns in the bottom cage. But the ones my boa and ball are in are fine and the UTHs are on the holders that came with the cages.

Thanks for the info, guess I'm off to Home depot again!

As I understand it, Showcase cages have a built in recess for heat pads, so once you mount it to the bottom of the tank, there shouild be enough clearance. Some type of stand, pedestal, or table should be used to keep them off the floor. The coldest air in the room will be right along the floor. I would look at something at least 8-12 inches tall.