Well, if you are getting the tubs, does he keep them in a rack you can get, or are they all just individual tubs with lids? Your best bet for heat is to use heat tape. Either Flexwatt or there is a new brand out but I can't remember the name right now. With heat tape, since it's flexible and fairly easy to set up and use, you'll spend less money than buying individual heat mats. Properly wired, you can use a single thermostat for quite a large amount of heat tape, so you shouldn't need another one.
As far as wiring the heat tape, there are a number of very clear threads stickied here in the DIY section and they are all you need to get things going. If you can use a pair of pliers, a razor blade, and a soldering iron, your in business.
As far as a rack goes, if he does not have one you can get, as a temporary measure you can make one out of some basic storage shelves from Wal-Mart for a while. Especially if the tubs have lids.
Be sure to ask what prey they eat when they are feeding, and how often he feeds when they are on food. I would give them a minimum of a week before you try feeding, and two weeks might not be a bad idea since with no heat they will need the warmth to jump start their metabolism again.
If you like, you can add me as a friend here and keep in contact with me. I'd be happy to help you with any problems that crop up in addition to the other people here. I'm no expert, but having been in a similar situation and survived it quite well, I might be able to give you some insight on a problem or just a concern that might be bugging you.
Gale
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