How would you heat this type of enclosure?

[stkkts]

I have a all wood dresser i was thinking of converting into a tank for my ball python. It shouldnt be that hard. the one question i had though, was how would you heat it? I could put holes in the outside, and screen over the hole, so the heat could get in, but thats kind of a fire hazard. I have seen some people put the lights inside the tank, but i dont understand how they do that, and not have the animal burn itself. Please help me figure out a way to heat this design. thanks in advance.

[nellie]

I have an antique clothing trunk that I turned into a home for my Ball Python. I have a light right inside the cage with a wire cage around the light so that he can't get burned. I made it out of 1/4 inch hardware cloth.
Is this a tall dresser or a short, long dresser? I think a tall dresser would be harder to heat. You may need to mount your light half way down from the top

[nellie]

PS.... I just added a picture of my ball python's cage to my photo gallery. Click on the carmera next to my name and you should be able to see it.

[Yve]

wow, talk about creativity! looks really good Nellie!

[Wrath]

SO then you just rely on the heat from the light source? No need for the UTH??

[lordkovacs]

that's a cool cage... congrats!

[reptiledude21]

Nellie, thats a cool looking cage but isnt it kind of small?

[lordkovacs]

oh, a dresser seems like it would be a little tall for a ball. would maybe fit a carpet a little better. anyway, a lightbuld inside with the hardware cloth will work. or, look into radiant heat panels. they are pretty good too. good luck,
MIKE