I am planning on building a terrarium for my ball python (approx. 3 feet) with 5 sides wood and a Plexiglas front door. My friend 'google' doesn't seem to be helping me very much though. Some of the things I was hoping to find out are:



-What kind of wood is best to make one (I know no pine or cedar, but how thick of wood? What kind? Finished or unfinished? etc)?



-What kind of finish/stain/sealer is safe to use?



-If I paint the wood on the outside with non-toxic pain, would it be safe for the snake?



-What is the best flooring on the bottom of the tank?



-If I want a lighting system inside the tank (versus sitting on the top of the lid) how can I be assured that my snake wont burn himself on the light?



-From your experience, what is the best way to make a door on the front of the tank? (sliding? hinges? open upwards, to the side, downward?)



I cannot think of the other questions I had, but if you have any advice I'd love to hear it!



I tried going to my local herp store, but the guy I was talking to seemed to be oblivious. I was asking him what kind of wood was best and he said, "any." I then went to ask if pine or cedar was okay and he says, "It doesn't matter what kind of wood just long as you have nails."



I've decided on a 36"L x 18"W x 12"H



I'm thinking it may just be cheaper/more efficient if I just buy one ($109) though I do like the idea of a custom tank.



Thank you ahead of time for any advice! And sorry the post was so lengthy.

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