The options for heating and lighting are the same for both MDF and melamine. What works best or is sufficient depends on a lot of matters.



I prefer melamine over MDF. I prefer working with it and find it easier to join. I also like that it is already finished on the outside and even the interior is moisture resistant enough for a variety of species. If you'll be using contact paper or vinyl film for additional protection they both happen to stick better to melamine than MDF.



I also happen to really like the finish on the black melamine solder at my local lumber/woodworker supply store, although I have not used that specific product.



Melamine is typically more expensive, especially when pricing the 100 weight thermofused melamine, which is what I consider a minimum for a cage. Racks can get away with the cheaper melamine products like you find at Home Depot but cages, IMO, need the stuff with a thicker coating.



Honestly I think melamine has a worse reputation than it deserves, probably because of the widespread availability of the cheaper products mentioned above.
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Currently keeping a small collection of various Gonyosoma. Both G. janseni and G. oxycephala.

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