Aquarium Cabinet Issues

[N1z]

I made my cabinet out of normal beech laminated chipboard. But ive got a issues as ive got a sump running in there. There is obviously evaporation but its already causing the laminate to go lumpy. And im worried about rot.

What should i do?


Build a new cabinet out of marine ply or what i dunno??

cheers

 

[Truck]

eek! chipboard?!!!!.

when chip board becomes wet it disintegrates!!!!

 

[SkiFletch]

Ouch, sorry N1z, chipboard is a bad idea for marine setups. Your best option is plywood with a lot of coats of oil-based stain. Chipboard and MDF will both disintegrate under these conditions

 

[jeasko]

couldnt agree more here, while you do see some cabinets made from fiberboard or laminated chipboard you can be sure its treated before use (hence the silly price lables for them!) i'd definately be building/buying a new one as it sounds like the one your using is already suffering!

 

[N1z]

Sh*t such a silly thing todo, any ideas whats the best wood taking into account my furniture is beech.

 

[rabbut]

Standord pine and wood stain it. Do several light coats to avoid making the finish too dark and then when the colour is right, 12-14 coats of Polyeranate (sp?, it's a type of Yacht varnish) varnish on top will then waterproof it. Just what I do at least.

For the time being, you could get some 2X2 under there to support it while you sort out a replacement; just prevents a total collapse

All the best
Rabbut

 

[JP-79er]

Wow-zers, sound like on hell of a game of Jenga.

Once chipboard starts to go it will be hard to recover as you will need to totaly dry the board prior to coating other wise moisture will be trapped and mould will set in causing further problems. I wouldn't even trust Green chipboard in this senario.

I would replace the chipboard with a Marine, WBP or external grade board like Wetherdeck.

Good luck...!!!!!!

 

[SkiFletch]

Not sure about your beech wood there N1z but you can go have a look for what woods might match it. Usually you can get ply in pine, oak, or sometimes poplar finish. Look for whatever has a similar grain to your beech and then stain it to match color wise. I'd choose one color lighter and err on an extra coat of stain or two. Made this mistake when staining my stand. Matched color but after 3 coats it was significantly darker.

 

[N1z]

Well i went to a local cabinet maker, and he said for 250 he can build a beech on the outside but marine ply on inside box cabinet with supports etc. Sounds sweet cos then it be fully water proof on inside! Gunna order it tomo hopefully.

 

[Truck]

good get it done ASAP

 

[SkiFletch]

Not a bad deal for a decent sized custom stand