Mdf?

[mattb22]

Hey,

Would it be ok to build a hood for my 2ft tank from MDF then paint it black and varnish it?

Thx Mattb22

 

[SkiFletch]

Dunno that construction jargon, what is MDF?

 

[sub.42]

Medium Density Fibre Board.

Its pants for anything that might have moisture involved. Buy marine ply instead. It will save you all the grief and hassle. MDF is like a sponge for water. Use hardwood, and marine ply. Or plastic, its the only way....

sub.

 

[SkiFletch]

Medium Density Fibre Board.

Its pants for anything that might have moisture involved. Buy marine ply instead. It will save you all the grief and hassle. MDF is like a sponge for water. Use hardwood, and marine ply. Or plastic, its the only way....

sub.

Amen to that. Fiber board is great for dry shelves, but piss poor for fishtanks

 

[mattb22]

How thick would the ply need to be and how much of it would i need approximately to make a hood for a 24"x12"x12" tank

 

[sub.42]

B&Q it!.

1/2" or 1/4" should be fine. you will probrably only need a half sheet, ie 3'x2'. If you use glue, make sure its for use in a damp/wet environment. Nails or screws should be stainless steel. Use a good quality varnish, and make sure the lid is covered 100% with varnish. Even the smallest bit of moisture getting into the plys, will open them up and break the varnish, making the problem even worse. It's loads of fun making lids. Mine should be finished next week sometime. Good luck!

sub.

 

[SkiFletch]

Yeah, I'd use a 1/2" piece. Dunno how they sell them in the UK but here in the US that'd be a 4x4 sheet. You might also want to consider epoxy sealing the inside of the hood once its finished. I know at my local hardware stores, in the stainer and sealer areas they sell an epoxy sealer designed for table tops and floors. Its supposed to be 100% waterproof and might be your best bet to combat water errosion.