Thanks! Materials for the rack itself cost about 90 dollars I think, plus flexwatt (which I had to have shipped across the country) and thermostat (which I am in the process of replacing with a Herpstat ND... It's in the mail!)
I had to laugh when I read the part about not cluttering up my living space... The snakes may be neat and orderly, but the fish tank, sudan plated tank, kingsnake tank, cockatiel cage, hermit crab tank, and betta bowls are spread out. ^.^
I worry a little bit about this as well, but I do have the rack hooked up to a thermostat (see above) AND a rheostat backup, so I think I've taken all the precautions I can. Smoke detector is on the ceiling literally right outside the door, so if (god forbid) something did start to smoke in there we'd know right away. If you have any suggestions for improving my fire safety I welcome them!!My only question/concern is: Will/could that flexwatt every become a fire hazard because its in a small in closed space? I ask, only because of where its located.
Thanks all for the nice feedback!