Snake Cage/Habitat: Converted Aquarium or Custom Build? (Need Advice)

[Merovingian]

I am in the process of researching Cornsnakes, cages and all the pieces, parts and supplies I need before actually purchasing a snake.

I really want to have a suitable home ready and waiting for the snake I purchase before he arrives so I can check temperature ranges and such.

I really do not like the top loading rectangular things with the wire cages on the top.

So I have two options.

Option One:

I currently have a bow front aquarium that I used to use for freshwater fish ages ago, it is glass and it measures: 30"L x 15"W x 21"H
http://www.petsr4u.com/prodimages/aqueon/18204.jpg

I could convert this aquarium to a snake cage fairly easily I think, it would require finding a way to secure the top of the aquarium to prevent escaping. Dropping some Aspen substrate in, a water bowl and a heat pad on the bottom covering roughly 1/3rd of the bottom on one side... Put some Thermometers on the two ends and I would be golden (from what I have read so far)

Cost would be roughly $100 for everything but the snake.

Option Two:

This would require a home depot (I actually goto Lowes because HD's CS is terrible) trip and maybe some internet orders for a couple supplies like the 'track' for the front windows.

I would build something with an interior dimension of 42"L x 20"W x 16"H out of Melamine Board, or some sort of Wood, then heavily paint/coat the wood with stain and sealant if needed.

It would have front plexi sliding windows and I would need a way to lock the windows shut because I have kids.

I think I could build it including all the pieces and parts for under $200.

These are kinda what I had in mind:

http://www.calientedragons.com/ccdata/images/smallMain_6_21.jpg

Or something like this:

http://newreptilecages.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Walnut-Birch-Cage-Front-Right.png

Either way the front would need to lock somehow.

How would wood stand up as long as it was lacquered and sealed well?

Thoughts or Advice is welcome... Thanks!

[NennaMeerkat]

I always enjoy aquariums. Corns don't require anything really special where I live since it is generally their natural environment. Temps and such are usually well maintained without any special heat lamps, tape, or really UTH. Maybe some during the winter but that would be it. Also they don't need any special amounts of humidity other than what is generally normal around a home...so once again no special needs to hold humidity.

Thus my liking of an aquarium for something like a corn. How many gallons is your aquarium roughly? It looks fairly tall which is good since I know some corns enjoy going upwards as much as they like anything else.

[youngster]

Don't forgot the thermoSTAT. You can pick cheap ones up if you look around.