Display enclosure from IKEA cabinet

[LizardPants]

I'm thinking of creating an enclosure for one or two female leopard geckos from this IKEA cabinet. My idea is to replace the frosted glass, with transparent glass.

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S89870415

The 30" is a little bit larger than a 20 gallon long aquarium, and there is also a 39" model.

Any thoughts, or recommendations?
What would you do to convert it: where should vents be placed, heating, etc..?

A bit of background:
I know there are tons of highly functional enclosures and racks on the market, however I haven't found any to suit my tastes for a display enclosure. This however, matches my tastes quite nicely.

 

[LizardPants]

Anyone... anyone... Bueller?

 

[malves85]

Before you look into anything else I would say make sure the Acrylic Paint is ok. I dont know much about how hot it can get and if it gives off fumes.

Product description
Glass door:
Frame: Aluminum
Door panel: Tempered/safety glass

Wall cabinet frame-horizontal:
Frame: Particleboard, Melamine foil, Polypropylene
Back: Acrylic paint
Shelf: Tempered/safety glass

I would place a vent on each side of the cabinet and possibly cut out the top and install a screen to get some good cross ventilation going.
Not really sure on heat source. I know its not ideal but maybe a small bulb fixed to the ceiling.

 

[clemsonguy1125]

As long as you do what the previous poster suggested it should work but a 20 long would be much cheaper or for beardies a 40 breeder would be cheaper especially at petcos dollar a gallon sale

 

[LizardPants]

Thanks for the tips guys!

I have them in a 20 gallon long, already. I'm looking for something that looks nicer and opens from the front.

I currently use an ultratherm UTH on the hot end. Is there a practical way to use that or flexwatt?

Usually IKEA furniture is melamine or veneer. Melamine is popular with other reptiles, but I know some wood finishes may not be safe.
So I'm thinking of lining it with glass or acrylic, maybe with a ceramic tile floor. With ventilation, I think a UTH or some flexwatt would work.
Any other ideas?