So I decided to build a PVC enclosure for my BP. I want to give him more space than his current Exoterra Large/Low offers. It's mostly together (pics below), but I'm in no rush, just a free-time project. The vertical beams aren't fastened down, btw, they're just there for measurement purposes.

So among the many things left to do and the most important regarding planning before I move forward from here is what I'm going to do regarding heating and ventilation. Right now in the Exoterra, I have a heat mat and ambients are good just based on the room's temp. That will change by October and I will need another heat source to maintain good minimums. The heat mat won't work on the PVC, so I want to decide what I'll do with this new enclosure.

I'm either going to go with a radiant heat panel or two ceramic heat emitters and have questions regarding each.

With a radiant heat panel,I see that they're placed inside rhe enclosure. How do they keep the snake from burning itself by touching it? How do you maintain a proper gradient with one? Where should one be placed, the wall or the ceiling? And what kind of thermostat should be used with one?

Regarding the CHEs, if I went that route, I would cut out two circular holes in the roof, install a metal mesh, and place them on top. One hotter and one less powerful to maintain a gradient. My questions. Why do people suggest not using a dome lamp like with a light and instead suggest a wire lamp? What kind of thermostat should I use with them? If I have them over a metal mesh screen, would the snake possibly burn itself on the mesh?

Also, in terms of safety, I hear they may create fire risks. Should their thermostats not be plugged into a surge protector or should they?

In terms of ventilation, I plan to cut some slits across the top and sides that could be partially closed with thin plastic sheets to regulate ventilation/humidity. If I used CHEs would these be redundant since I'll already have lots of ventilation/humidity loss out the cutouts that allow the CHE to radiate down from?

Thanks for any input!