Hi,

I am in the beginning stages of planning/building a dual cage for my ball pythons. I am thinking of using 1/2" MDF board because it is cheap and light weight. I am trying to design the cage to be a single unit instead of 2 stacked on top of each other. I would like to use Flexwatt for belly heat and this is what I need help with. My design is basically a box with a shelf in it to divide top and bottom. The front will be a single piece with cut out rectangles for the doors (haven't decided on hinges or sliding yet). Wish I had some fancy graphic for you but I hope you can follow my slapdash descriptions. If i were to secure the heat tape to the bottom of each cage do you have suggestions on what to place over it? I initially thought of putting plexiglass on small risers above the tape but I'm sure there is a better material. Are there any plastic materials that are easy to cut and install? additional consideration must be put into the removal of this piece for flex watt maintenance (if necessary). Would it be reasonable to simply put the tape underneath the bottom of each cage? will heat be sufficiently conducted through 1/2" MDF board? I have considered using melamine for the bottom of each cage but it still doesn't get around this problem. ANY suggestions are much appreciated.

Thank!