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Someone else posted a similar idea that led me to do the same. I got a 1 foot section of 11 inch heat tape ($2.50), 9' cheapo extention cord ($1.15), 4 terra cotta ceramic tiles ($3.00), dimmer switch ($2.25), and liquid electric tape. Cut the female plug end off of extention cord split wires strip insulation off about 1/2", use an exacto knife to gently cut away the plastic on one side of the conductor on the heat tape on both sides, solder wires from extention cord to heat tape, cut 1 wire of extention cord about half way down, connect dimmer switch, liquid electric tape on all exposed connections (multiple coats) water proof connections. use sand paper and smooth ALL rough or sharp edges of tiles, place new heat mat inside cage and set tiles on top of it. The tiles absorb and relaese the heat that hte heating pad releases (less or no hot spots) and allows air to circulate over the surface of the heat tape.
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I heat my homemade incubator (an old freezer) with about a foot of 11" heat tape between two 16" ceramic tiles and sitting up off the bottom on some small pieces of hardwood. I had to put insulation under the bottom rack of eggs though as the radiant heating from the hot tiles is actually higher than the convective heating at the top which is being fanned back to the bottom.

I'll have to check out this liquid electrical tape to cut down on the shocking hazard. I was wondering if there was a good waterproof and temperature resistant adhesive I could use to seal the whole thing. Maybe even invest in a drimel like tool and recess the electrical cord leads into the tiles.

I personally would watch sealing it up, you might build up heat in there. You might be able to put the smooth sides of the tiles facing the heat tape and smear thermal compound all over them (thermal compound transferrs heat well so you have a sort of thermal bond between the ceramics and the heat tape)
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