I haven't used tanks for many years but I can tell you how use to have it set up. I had a UTH on one side hooked up to a thermostat and a 60 watt night light over the top. Most of the screen top was covered with tin foil to keep in heat and humidity. Sad to say, but back then I used the old dial type thermometers. I recommend the digital Acurite thermometer/hydrometer. Its the same price as two of the dial typethermometers but much easier to use and way more reliable. I had the "turf" style outdoor carpet for a substrate. Its easy to clean with a hose. I had two so I could switch them out when I cleaned the tank. Of course I had a hide, I used and still use the half log style. I just have to use the large size now. I used a rubbermaid container big enough for them to soak in prior to shedding. I had a branch that went all the way across the tank for them to climb on. They are ground snakes but I would see them climbing on it all the time. I would get faux vines to wrap around the branch and in other places to decorate the cage. Sorry I don't have any pics on this PC to load up but maybe you can get the idea.