Quote Originally Posted by GreenTea View Post
I have a 20 gallon long tank that has a locking top and locking feeding door within that top. The humidity stays where it needs to be so far, and the ambient temp is correct because it's been hot and humid. In the winter the ambient temp will be ok because we keep the house hot and have ceramic heat emitters if needed. There are several ways to raise the humidity in a screen tank top like a bigger water bowl, covering some of the screen, adding a second bowl, plus misters and things...
I really like the reptile tanks in 20 and 40L with that slide out screen, and smaller feeding door. (I may get a third as a permanent home for the new ratsnake when he arrives.) Very quick and easy access. I also prefer to lean over the top of a tank thank to access a snake rather than crouching in front of a swing out door. My Exo-Terras make for prettier displays, but they need to be raised on a high platform so as not to be awkward for my back. That is another issue I would have with stacked AP's or a wall of Boaphiles (spell?) - the lower enclosures would be uncomfortable to access.

Some keepers say that top access with a tank stresses out a snake because predators come from the top. I let the snake know it is me (hook training), so it isn't startled. I find handling much easier from above, so I'm calmer, and the animal is calmer.

Just my experience, so far.