Thanks to everyone that replied. That was very helpful. Since I am only going to get one snake I have decided to go with a 40 gal. aquarium over a plastic container. I was thinking I would insulate the top as best I could and then the back and two sides just leaving the front open. Does anyone know of good heating sources I should use that would effectively heat this tank? I was thinking an under aquarium heat mat and some sort of light or ceramic heat emitter but I do not know what sizes or watt level I need. Also does anyone know where I could get a sliding screen top for the tank because I want it to be very secure? Lastly, I would want some sort of temperature regulator that would regulate the heat levels on its own with digital thermometers but I do not know of good brands or what to get. Any advice so that I don't have to experiment with equipment forever?