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[cracksinthepitch]

Hey Trav, just a suggestion instead of cutting cord what about cutting with a hole saw 25mm, remove 25mm cut out and drill a 8mm hole in the centre.Then put wood in a vice and gently saw a cut from outside to the internal hole, with a wood file make the groove wide enough to slide the cable down into 8mm hole then wood glue the 25mm hole back in place. I dont know of your electrical knowledge so hopefully this helps.
With the lights why dont you get a dedicated reptile heat globe like a 60watt night( purple)or similar, Check out Animal attraction link i get mine from there. Regards