Get a Sterilite tub from WalMart and drill some holes in it, put a regular heating pad under it, put newspaper inside it, use a dog bowl for water, make hids out of margarine tubs with holes cut in 'em - all you gotta spring for is therm/hydrometers, a lamp, and a bulb. I converted to a tub with our jungle carpet and it ain't no going back when you need it simple! Oh, and use heavy duty large binder clips around the top to prevent escapes.

And CONGRATS on getting a snake. Cool to know you are going to do it before you even get there!!!