I recently purchased an armoire off Craiglist because I'd heard it's an inexpensive and attractive setting for a vivarium. I plan to construct sliding glass/plastic doors (more on that later) and do a bunch of other stuff to make a comfortable environment for her.

I am worried, however, about the heating situation. The UVB bulb won't burn her, I don't think, but she could definitely burn from the heat bulb. But being as this is a hardwood armoire with closing doors, I have to put a heat source somewhere inside of it.

I have read advice given to other people not to use bulbs at all, whether or not they're outside the container, but I've also heard that other heat forms can go awry. The dealer I got my python from said that heating mats or rocks (one or the other) can malfunction and the snake can simply burn itself alive. So I'm at somewhat of an impasse.

For what it's worth, the usable interior space of the armoire is roughly 48" by 38" by 20", that being height, width, and depth respectively.

Anyone have advice? I can sell the armoire if I absolutely have to, but I'd rather not if it's possible to do something.

Also, is lexan fine as a sliding door material? I'd heard someone say that it can leach a very slight amount of toxic substances into the vivarium.