Monitor Enclosure Heating Questions

[Billman]

The time has come, I will be getting an Ackie monitor shortly. I did have a 55 gallon ready for it, But I have decided to just build the final enclosure now and put something else in the 55 gal.

I have been researching for months now. I go to bed thinking i have a good plan, then some opposition pops in my mind.. Back to square 1.

It is going to be 5ftx2ftx3ft. (LxWxH) with a foot of dirt. (Top soil/play sand mix). Went to home depot. Priced everything out. Going with FRP as an inside lining,(FRP over the plywood) and insulating the walls.

It will have 2 45w par38 floods for basking locations.

Winters here are brutal, Inside temps can drop to around 60f. We installed a new wood furnace recently so they may not be that low, Not sure yet. Still gets cold.
Bottom line is that temps fluctuate unfortunately.

I'm still trying to figure out how to remotely/electronically regulate the cool side, warm side, and ambient at night. Also, not sure whether to use a ceramic heat emitter, or RHP.. Im thinking about this way to hard

I found a VE-200 Thermostat for a really good price, Should I use it with a ceramic heat emitter or..? Where should probes be?

With this cage setup, I am also wondering if the dirt will stay warm. Again, Probably thinking way to hard.

How do you guys have your heating/thermostat equipment arranged, and how does it react?
Also, What about vents and such? Where/how many should I expect to install, if any at all?

Will It be easier than I am making it out to be with it being insulated etc.?

Just trying to get this perfect.
Thanks guys n' Gals