I didn't build my enclosure but I have a melamine enclosure with sliding glass door, the vents are on the sides of the cage placed a little bit from the top. If you decide to go with melamine, there are lots of videos on youtube on how to make one. The heat panels would need to be screwed into the top of the enclosure, one on each side or if you only purchased one, put it on the side you plan to make into the hot side.