Wow, thank you for your advice! As for the heating mat/pad i need to get one, unfortunately for me where i live right now the roads are icy so i might not be able to get one today, but as soon as i am able to get one i defiantly will, as well as a thermostat for it and I'll see if the pet store has a temperature gun! This is all a new experience for me, so again thanks for the tips! As for covering the sides, I have done that with white copy paper, was that a mistake? Should i use foil instead?