I lost a snake...

Originally Posted by tsolomon

My preferred caging method was sweater boxes mounted in a rack system where the top of the shelf was tight enough to make sure they couldn't escape. I would use heat mats on the back 1/3 of the shelf for heat. They need a cooler spot to move to, so flourescents lights are better than heat lamps which can overheat the whole cage.

That works for a breeding population, but if you're looking to display an animal, it won't help all that much, honestly, which is what it sounds like he wants to do.

Snakes get their calcium from the prey items they ingest (rodents, etc), unlike most lizards (the insect and veggie eaters), so the lighting isn't critical. Fluorescents can be great for being able to bring out some colors, especially with something like a brazilian rainbow boa (my dream snake). If the cage is large enough, a heat lamp/spot bulb is fine, and gives a more natural feel to the heating spot. Though I will say that I use undertank heaters for my corns and Dumeril's. They need those heated places to aid in digestion.

Originally Posted by Blueface

I am not up on snakes so was interested in seeing what a "corn" snake is.
Good looking creature.

...and they're native to Florida. The premier corn snake breeder is still there, if I'm not mistaken. Bill and Kathy Love wrote the book on corns.