I'm also giving up on glass. I think plastic tubs would be easier and better and cheaper to heat. (Now using a 40 gal. glass critter cage, with heat lights and uth on the sides.) But with a plastic tub, the snake can move to the exact spot it wants in the temp. grade from warm to cool to in between. The humidity would be easier to maintain. I plan to use a uth on the outside bottom with a thermostat probe taped between. I would keep and eye on it with digital thermometer and infrared heat gun. I would like to get the clear sterilite plastic tubs where I can see in clearly, but I don't want to put in hides. So I am wondering if I could paint the outside of the clear tub but leave small peek holes on the ends to see in what is going on without stressing my snake. I would want to use a medium colored paint. Is this you think a good idea? (Or would paper be a better idea.} If so what kind of paint would be best to use that would not be harmful ( remember this is outside of the tub ) and would have to stick to clear plastic.
After painting I would melt my holes. Wouldn't paint the bottom just front, back and sides. The tub or tote I am looking at has large plastic clips that clip onto the top. Any thoughts, suggestions, agreements or disagreements about any of this written? I need something that I would be ok while I was at work, so the wife who hates snakes wouldn't have to check on or that I could leave for 2 or 3 days and it would be fine. My nicki is now 660 grams.