Wood Hood

[johnnyjtaylor]

I need to make a new hood to stuff more lights in(T5 flouresants) than the silly bulky light fitting I have at the moment will allow!!
Well I say hood , its a juwel tank with plastic edges at the top that give you about 3" vertically to play with and so the hood would be more of a board in two halves hinged and lights bolted to the underside!
My choice of material would be ply(mainly because I have some kicking around) but the combination of salty dampness and plywood would surely not be a good one.
So.... Does anyone know of something suitable to paint/treat ply with that would salt water tank proof it and not kill the things of the tank with toxic drippings?? Or.... should I give up on the plywood idea and go for some other material(if so what? )

edit: I do know how to spell fluorescent properly honest guv

 

[sianeds]

I would say use marine grade paints or vanish. The types used for boats etc. A bit pricey but you'll only need a small tin. You'll have no issue with dampness or salt creep then. Give it a good two or three coats then few days away from the tank to dry properly and you should be ok.

 

[for_my_fish]

as above, but the trick is to apply several very thin coats. don't aim for two or three. do a full seven thin coats. It will last pretty much forever. The same applies to varnishing any wood exposed to water and heat.

 

[SkiFletch]

Agreed. I varnished my hood 4 times and then sealed it in marine epoxy... Not goin anywhere

 

[johnnyjtaylor]

Cheers for replies I'll be off to the boat supply place for some varnish then!!

thanks again
Johnny

 

[johnnyjtaylor]

Not sure what to get that would be safe after reading many VOC warnings on cans of varnish
Can anyone give me a brand name of something they have used?

cheers Johnny

 

[SkiFletch]

Its only volatile while its still wet. Once dry, varnish is safe. Be aware that the varnish will take at least 24 if not 48