i used the exo terra swinging doors for my GTP for over a year. i replaced the screen with acrylic. the screen was rusting under the plastic so i decided to replace it all together. i never covered any of the cage, however, mine came with the rock-look backing. i used a pro products heat pannel and it worked great!

what size are you looking to get and do you heat your room?

i ask this because i tried using a heat pad and couldn't get the heat up which is why i went with the pannel.

as for the thermostat, yes you just plug the heating element into the thrmostat and put the probe where you want it. most prefer to put it right on the heating element itself.