I am really, really torn here..

I just can't commit.. to an idea for caging. I want to go with a self-made rack; me and Mark want to build. My reasoning is, once we have hatchlings, I will want to keep one and well, these tanks are taking up huge spaces in our house. But I am so scared that if we build a rack, I won't like it, will regret it, etc; my biggest issue is the possibility of escape. How do you make sure the r-maids are escapeproof (can the snakes push them out? Are they very tightly fitted into the slots?) Then there's the issue of belly heat; I am just so confused about how to have nice secure fit while still keeping an opening in bottoms for the UTH.
Crap; this is so frustrating.

here you go:
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d1...eptiles003.jpg
see how the lip sits on the runnings? it holds the tub up. there's a small gap between there to allow for ventilation but you can't see it because of the angle i took the picture.

no, the snake can't push the tubs out. atleast not the way i have mine.

Jen,
My tubs fit snugly, but not so tight that I can't pull them in and out easily. The heat is a very important piece of the rack. You need to make sure that your tub slides on it's rails very close to the top, but at the same time, be very close to the heat tape. It is not hard to do, but takes patience. Measuements are important. Don't get in a hurry, and I'm sure it will come out great. By the way, I think that once you tackle that rack, it will be hard not to like it. Every time I look at any of my racks, even if I see something that is a little off, I feel a huge sense of pride and accomplishment in the fact that I built that thing with my own hands. If you need any help with your design or have any other questions, feel free to ask.
Sincerey,