GOAL: I want to make a stack of cages similar in design to this but out of wood and all in one unit. Each cage would be roughly the same size as 30g Breeders, But one inch shaved off height and 2 inches added in depth (so each would be 12"H x 20"D x 36"W). I'd like to make this 4 units tall with a base and make another in the future. AND REMEMBER COST NEEDS TO BE MINIMAL!!!

Things I need advice on:


  • What Kind of wood should I use to build this?
  • Should I use Wood Glue or will that be toxic?
  • As for heat I will use a 13.8" x 7.9" IntelliTemp Heat Mat on the inside of each cage, will this suffice?
  • What fairly low-cost thermostat should I use?
  • What kind of lighting do you suggest? will warm temp white LED strips suffice?
  • What should I use to keep the inside from molding?


If this idea doesn't work I will just build racks to stack 30g Breeder tanks on instead out of steel.



Any advice would be appreciated!