Fish tank canopy

Discussion in 'Beginner Discussions' started by gareth.len, Jun 29, 2016.

  1. gareth.len

    gareth.len

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    Hey guys any advice on what's the best and cheapest material to use to make a lid.

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  3. Charine

    Charine

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    I've heard pine works good and you can paint it any colour and treat the wood so that it won't rot. Some people also use sheets of plastic
     
  4. OP
    gareth.len

    gareth.len

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    Thanks charine.i heard pellet wood also?

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  5. Reedfish

    Reedfish Moderator

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    Whatever you use, make sure to seal it thoroughly.
    The moisture will get in otherwise and warp the wood.
     
  6. howard

    howard

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    Depending on the tank, glass sliders are easy to make and painted black so no light comes through.
     
  7. OP
    gareth.len

    gareth.len

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    Took a look at a tank at waazers with a slider looks easier to make

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  8. roydenchurch

    roydenchurch

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    I made mine from supawood and gave the inside a coating of gp resin. Seals all the joints well and no water or dampness can penetrate the wood.

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  9. KZNFishy

    KZNFishy

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    I'm in the joinery trade. Try to use solid wood (pine, meranti) rather than Supawood or chipboard. Particle boards like those are inclined to swell with moisture more easily than solid timber. Either way, you'll have to make very sure that all joints are properly sealed and that the whole thing is varnished or painted properly. Use an "Exterior" grade varnish if you're going that route (you can use one of the stain varnishes if you want it darker) or otherwise with enamel paint. You'll want at least 3 coats of varnish / paint on it to seal it properly, sanding well in between. Supawood is a bit better than chipboard if you want to go the particle board route, but there it's even more important that the wood gets sealed off very well, especially on the ends and joints. roydenchurch's gp resin idea is a pretty good one, probably more durable than varnish or paint. I use gp resin to seal wooden moulds for concrete sometimes, makes them last longer.
     
    Last edited: Jul 7, 2016

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