As far as reinforcing is concerned it can't hurt but probably isn't necessary I can literally stand on the tanks I built and Im over 200 pounds. i did not frame them out but built them out of 3/4" plywood and they are very sturdy, I have them stacked 3 high with over 50 pounds of sand in each one.



I might have framed out the door panel so it doesn't get out of whack with the weight but I haven't had any trouble with this yet. If I build more cages I may frame for the opening, just to be sure. If you want to be safe then frame it, you'll lose some space but it will probably last forever.



As far as heating is concerned, I am a huge fan of overhead heating in cages. I may be a bit biased but I've found it to be cheap, reliable, and easy to work with.



I use 45 watt outdoor halogen flood lamps and get a basking spot of over 120 degrees f, often times much higher. This is more then you will ever need. I actually have them hooked up to a dimmer to limit the heat. You can get them at home depot or the like. If your concerned with belly heat just put a rock, brick, paver, whatever, underneath to hold heat and it will heat up hot and fast. If you need a bigger basking area use 2 45 watt bulbs. You may want 2 for the boa cage. Heck you can always turn one off. 1 will be be plenty for the corns.

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