racks are simple, a shelf with snug shelf tubs and a flex of appropriate size flex down the back.
the heat cord your reffering to (i think) is better used for incubators but more expensive then flex so if ur looking for simple go flex it lasts forever! and is like 2.50 a foot if that. theres all kindsa cheap ways but speaking from experience im gonna say this.. if your not ready for the show your just not ready.. DONT rush into it youll screw up and spend money u dont need to spend iv been there and done it, take your time do all the research and build it right. because if your looking to get babies your looking at mutiple racks anyways for as they get bigger. build one maintain it for a week then get the snakes there are always snakes online if all else fails like a 365 day expo