Thanks to BOTH of you for the awesome answers!!

However, neither of you has told me yet if you think it would be acceptable to use those cube panels (pic at top of page) as a frame...

I already have some good quality vinyl window screen (huge roll to enclose my porch) so I shall use that. It Would be easier to clean. And crickets chewing out isn't really an issue for me since he'll only get crickets now and then, and they'll be cup fed to him. My BF refuses to allow crickets in large amounts in the house...in his cage or in a breeding tank.

The vinyl mat/tray on the bottom is mainly to serve as a bottom. As for the water and waste removal, if it's alright to use those panels I plan on making a 'second floor' about 7" up from the base, with larger hole screen covering it, with a tub in the space underneath. Sort of like a bird cage tray. It would be MUCH harder with a wood frame to do that...

The bulb thing isn't hard or pricey for me since I have a box full of assorted SunGlo bulbs in varying wattages and no 'normal' household incand. bulbs (we use the 'green' compact bulbs).

I have been looking at FLChams and I'll check out Tiki Tiki. I've had snakes shipped before, but was nervous about such a sensitive animal being shipped here to cold Colorado. And I fully intend to get a male, no worries there.

Thanks again, guys...and let me know if you think those panels could be used for a frame.