Building new Wooden Cages lots of questions.

[Dark Lady Kat]

im gonna try and answer your question in the order you asked. let me start by saying that i am very familiar with all the equiptment you asked about because i just finished building almost the exact cages that you are describing. i built 5) ball python cages at 2x2x4 and 2 boa cages at 2x2x7. ok RHP 80watt for 4x2x18 is the perfect size( a bit over kill but no problem on a thermostat.120 for 6x2x18 is also a good size. i use 88w in 4x2x2 , and 135w in 7x2x2. my temps on the hot side are 86deg. ambiant ,92 deg baskingand 79deg. cool side. Mount the heat panel off to one side, about 6" from the edge this will create a good gradiant. Either proportional or on/off thermostats will work but proportional will give you a much more even and accurate temp. Doors.... definately glass sliding doors. Swing doors tend to want to warp leaving an easy escape, also its nice not to have to keep moving out of the way of swinging doors! Thermostats....the temps would be set the same in either proportional or on/off mode but when you use on/off mode its the "swing" setting that is important.On herpstats you can set how much of a temp swing you want. I personally have my probe set on the cool side at 79deg. this way i am able to give my animals optimal heat gradiants.They will self regulate if you give them the right temps. Treating the wood.... use several coats of polyurathane! it is by far the best thing to seal out moisture.Caulk all seals after poly dries. allow enough time for caulk to cure and all fumes to ventalate

Sounds good a bit over kill is ok with me as it will be on a thermostat and my home temps can get pretty low especially in the few months of winter we get here and evening desert drops. I am considering the herpstat intro since I want each cage to have its own thermostat or possible the herpstat 2 since it will allow humidity control as well http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2753198&f=PAD%2FpsNotAvailInUS%2FNo is what I am looking to use for humidity since I am in west texas and our summers are extremely dry. Opinions? is Polyurathane a paint on? and how much would it take to cover 8 cages 4 4x2x18 and 4 6x2x18