Finally started on the lid

by **kizno1** on Sat Oct 30, 2010 8:12 pm

Ive started making the lid for my 150G today. Its just the frame so far until i can get 10mm thick ply for the hood. Its not quite how i planned on making it but i go this wood for free so thought i may aswell use it and saves more money for the stocking.
This is it so far (the glue will dry clear so wont look as bad once dry)
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The corners will rest on top of the tank and then the hood ontop of them. the lid will be hinged in the middle and have the light in a raised box on the back half. The outside of the wood will be varnished and the inside coated in clear pond paint to protect it from water damage.

by **2tall** on Sat Oct 30, 2010 9:52 pm

Its good you finally got started. Glad to see the gussets! You might want to
use polyurethane instead of varnish. I think its less hazardous if I'm correct.
Just a thought to give you more to ponder. Check into it if you haven't purchased the varnish already as I think they would be priced evenly.

by **kizno1** on Sat Oct 30, 2010 9:57 pm

Cheers. I havent brought any yet so ill have a look into it. Still got time yet because i still need the get a 5x2x2 sheet of plywood home some how.

by **Irish_Lass** on Sat Oct 30, 2010 10:00 pm

As far as I know, there can be side effects to using polyurethane. I know that it can cause coughing, sneezing etc. especially to those that may suffer from asthma. I'm no doctor but I would just be concerned about that and the side effects it may have on the fish or other humans/animals in the house. The fumes are apparently pretty strong/rough.

by **kizno1** on Sat Oct 30, 2010 10:02 pm

Ill have a look into it and see which will be best. Ill leave it to cure for a while before i start using it so no worry bout fumes harming the fish.

by **2tall** on Sat Oct 30, 2010 10:06 pm

I just called a friend of mine as he would know what and why. He'll call me
when he gets my message and I'll pass it on. I don't want to give bad advice!

by **2tall** on Sun Oct 31, 2010 11:05 pm

My friend finally called and he nixed both the varnish and polyurethane. The
varnish would probably separate after time and leach into the water. The
polyurethane would hold up longer but would break down after years.

He highly recommended that you use polyester resin. Basically its fiberglass
without the cloth. You do have to use a hardner with it when applied. Its
rated food grade safe after it completed cured. He said you could seal a cooler
made of plywood with it and store food with ice in it.

If you can't find it at your local hardware store you can surely find it from a
marine supply outlet.

by **2tall** on Mon Nov 01, 2010 12:14 pm

Oh and he said he'd also use the polyester resin on the inside too. I would
certainly look into to this as I trust his opinion.

by **kizno1** on Mon Nov 01, 2010 3:04 pm

Thanks ill have a look into both options. Although it does sound like it would be cheaper and easier just to use pond paint which is designed for waterproofing and being aquarium safe.

Finally started on the lid

Finally started on the lid

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