I have a 40 gal tank already and a large heating pad as well as a UVB light. I've been researching for the past couple months and I've been buying items here and there my plan is to get all the essentials and tank set up and running for a few days to make sure heat and humidity stay consistent before either buying from our local mom and pop store (they take in rescued/traded exotics/crabs) or finding some that need re-homing locally, haven't had luck on that as of yet but the store does keep theirs next to perfect. Aside from the tank, heater, and UVB, I have 2 plastic coconut shaped hides, 2 medium shallow dishes for water and 2 smaller shallow dishes for food, a small reptile bowl (about the size of a tea saucer) I was planning to use for moss, both treatments for water, 3 blocks of coco fiber and a bag of play sand. All that's left to get are the air pump, lines, air stone, moss, food, greenery and shells and climbing toys. I have a cart filled with that stuff on etsy and petco and a thermostat on amazon.
I do have some questions,
1)We have a screen top for the tank and a piece of plexi-glass cut so it fits perfectly on top I was thinking of covering the screen in plastic using it as the lid since we also have the clips and cutting the plexi-glass to make a 2nd level and a water side (make divider) to use with the bubbler but I was wondering if I should put salt or fresh water in the water side or if i will need to have both or is that deep of water needed? Should i just use small plastic containers for water and keep the plexi glass for more levels? the inside height is about 15in and length 36in I was thinking of keeping the dig area about 6 or 7in deep(depending on their sizes).
2)Where exactly should the heat mat be mounted on the side? in the middle? on one side? (I know it goes above the substrate or so I've read.)
3)I plan on having some roly polys but if i do a water side is there a clean up crew I could add there that would be safe?
4)If i was to make some bridges/ramps out of Popsicle sticks what would be safe to use as a glue or would twine or fishing line be okay?
5)Does the shell shop have to be in water dishes and if so which type of water salt or fresh?
6)Will dogs barking occasionally and loudness be an issue for them as far as stress? I plan on keeping them in the main living area where the pythons are but if they need quiet I can keep them in my bedroom. One of the snakes was a rescue (long story) but when we first got him he stressed out when our big dog would bark but eventually got used to it I think the vibrations got to him.
7)Is it always needed to have the back and sides of a tank insulated with the foil stuff or is that only if keeping heat in is a issue?
8 )How often is it usually needed to break down and clean if at all? What cleaning regime do ya'll use given there isn't any emergencies?
9)How long is the shelf life of organic hermit foods? can you freeze them? (like found on etsy)
10)Should I just stop where I'm at and not join the crab insanity?
Thanks for reading! Any and all info/advice is greatly appreciated!
On a happier note I do live in the south and it stays humid, mostly hot just checked the meters in the empty tank and the humidity in the house right now is 60% and my temp is 70f we are getting a small tropical storm today! haha Plan on doing some construction today on the tank so everything can dry and chemicals can dissipate. I will post pics when I'm ready for tank quality check/approval from all you pros 
I think I'm just nervous and excited at the same time!
