>>As it is, the cage's dimensions are 24"Lx14"Hx12"D; is this going to be large enough for an adult corn snake? Right now mine is only 16" long, but I want him to be able to grow into it.



>>I would like the front and sides to be clear, so Plexiglass or regular glass... what are your suggestions? I was thinking Plexiglass because it will be lighter (and cheaper? I don't know) but I've had issues with plexiglass clouding up from evaporated water deposits -- would this be a problem with a snake cage?



You could certainly put glass panels into the side. In that case you might consider making frames from wood stock instead of plywood. Please see recent thread on a cage built for a Green Tree Python. It should be fairly recent. I believe one of the replies was "functional piece of furniture" or something like that.



Don't use plexiglass.



If you decide against the clear sides then oak or birch laminated plywood would make construction much easier.



>>I was also thinking about painting the back panel with artist's acrylic paints mural-like (I'm an art student)-- Would these be toxic, even if I sealed it? What sort of sealant would I need to use?



My biggest concern about clear coating these paints is that the solvents in the clear coat might partially disolve the mural. Best to ask at your local paint store.



Worst case scenario is that you either laminate a piece of glass over the mural or pour a layer of Envirotex epoxy over it.



Or just have the back panel made of glass as well and then have your mural stuck to the back.



>>Is it feasible to grow plants in a cage this size, and what sorts of plants? Which are not toxic, etc.



Not sure. Plants generally do best in large, well ventilated cages.



>>Which do you reccomend for cleaning/access purposes; a top-opening cage or a front-opening cage?



Front opening, no doubt. I do not recommend a framed, hinged door for a cage this small. It takes away too much visibility. Keep the front as open as possible.



>>How would I heat a cage like this?



Hard to say without knowing more about your room, etc. Safe choice is a radiant heat panel.



>>Questions not directly related to the cage, but heating/lighting in general:

>>Since corn snakes are nocturnal, should I be providing a "moon" lamp like I have seen in some other nocturnal herp set-ups? Or possibly just a ceramic heat emitter to keep it warm? Or am doing fine by my snake right now, by only leaving on the Cobra mat at night?



Snakes actually do require a small amount of visible light at night. But there will be plenty in your home so no worries there. Only provide a red or blue light if you want to see you snake at night.
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Current snakes:



1.1 Gonyosoma oxycephala - (Silver/Yellow)



3.4 Gonyosoma oxycephala - (Green)



2.1 Gonyosoma janseni - (Black)

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