I am very interested in the wooden frame top idea you have. My stepdad is in woodworking and could make me one if he saw a picture (I am horrible at discribing things). I did end up purchasing a corn snake two days ago and I have a metal lid with lid hooks. The lid fits really snuggly no extrra space but the lid hooks that hold the top down are not as secure as I would like so I put two really heavy books on the ends to help. but i love your idea of the wooden frame with the locking top.