My X-Mas List for Myself

I won't be getting the rack for a good while, so the snake will be housed in a 20g long tank with screen top that is secured with lid clamps.

I have the exact temp gun that you described. It works best if you place it DIRECTLY over what you're measuring. The infrared beam is in a conical shape and will take an average of the area that it "sees" if you hold it farther back.

Well its on the list. I have basic stuff right now for my snake, but as the paychecks come in I'll be ordering all those things.