Thanks Superbee for describing the cage. Here are some things I have done to cover a screen top:



I got a plastic sign from the store (like a For Sale sign), used a straight-edge and a utlity knife to cut out a piece or pieces that fit on top of the screen and frame. This was for a screen that fits over the tank rim, not for a sliding screen. If you have a sliding screen top, then cut the plastic to fit accordingly where it does not interfere with the screen sliding and closing properly. You may need two pieces to make the length of a 20 gal long. Then I used mounting tape (I have also used "velcro" to adhere the plastic cover to the screen top frame. I left some areas not taped or "velcro-ed", and that provided a small gap for air. That is plenty of air, especially because you will open the tank from time to time anyway.



For a sliding screen top, you cannot use tape. You may have to use a few dabs of silicon instead. Just a few will hold it fine, and it can be removed later if needed.



You may find that a heat panel is no longer needed once you cover the cage top. You can still make a cover with a cutout for the heat panel. Also make a cover for that cutout in case you do not need the heat panel. For example, no heat panel will be needed in Summer. You may have to experiment a bit. In my experience, heat panels are really great heaters for larger areas and for snakes with more body mass than a kingsnake. You can still use it, perhaps use it without a heat pad. Up to you. Heat panels work better when the cage top is not all screen. Screen tops suck for most snakes, certainly for kingsnakes, milksnakes, cornsnakes.



In Summer, or when there is ample humidity in the room, a screen top is fine. But a covered screen is still fine. I remove water bowls when the ambient humidity gets up there and leave the cage top covered.



I hope this helps. I wish the big pet stores would quit pushing all screen top cages for snakes. They could easily manufacture tops that are not.

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