Waterproofing my canopy.

[jordan barnhart]

Okay. I have just got back from vacation, I want to know the best way about water proofing the inside of my canopy. I was looking at different Epoxy paints and just thought I'd ask here first before I do something I may regret later.

What do you guys suggest I do/use.

 

[Tolak]

From what I've read, any paint rated NSF 61/USDA/ANSI/AWWA and FDA certified and approved will work. Also heard of people using bathtub epoxy, it's supposed to be a bit cheaper. I painted mine with an oil base gloss enamel. It's worked fine for 10 months and is cheaper than any 2 part epoxy paint.

Tolak

 

[Discomafia]

So what happened after 10 months Tolak?

What about resining the insideto waterproof it? Off topic, I am planning to make a canopy for my 5 gallon, how would I make holes to allow for evaporation? I assume a drill will do the job?

One more thing, how do I make sure the bulb is not exposed? It's for a newt tank so I'm afraid that it might burn itself it gets too close to the bulb.

Thanks for any help!

 

[Tolak]

The tank has been running since last March, so no problems after 10 months. The whole inside facing the water got 2 coats of gloss white, the bulbs of the 2 foot flouro fixture have a plexiglass cover that is held on with brass screws.

Tolak

 

[Discomafia]

The tank has been running since last March, so no problems after 10 months. The whole inside facing the water got 2 coats of gloss white, the bulbs of the 2 foot flouro fixture have a plexiglass cover that is held on with brass screws.

Tolak

This gloss white, what is it exactly again? Oil base gloss enamel? And also, what brand of bathtub epoxy would you recommend? Anyone have any experience using bathroom epoxy?

 

[nonot8946]

I don't think most people need to waterproof their canopies. Water resistant should be enough - meaning maybe a latex white paint and some type of clear coat over it?

 

[Jen]

I used a varithane on mine, and spar varnish does a great job also. I put 3 thick coats on the inside it it making sure that every inch was covered. I'd like to see a water molacule get under that! If you wanted to be 100% sure of its waterproofness you could coat it with aquarium sealant, but that would get costly

 

[Discomafia]

But when I went to Home Depot the other day to get material to build my hood, I was told that using water based gloss would be toxic and there is nothing I can use to waterproof the inside which won't leech out into the aquarium eventually. Any help? What if I get some plexiglass, cut it up, and use it to cover the inside of the hood? That's what I did and I hope it will keep the water out and keep my hood mould and mildew free.

 

[Silly me]

I use the resin for fiberglass.. it mix easily and is thin, and gives a nice finish. I have some in a canopy thats four years old and its still good as new..

I have sealed the inside of sea water and fresh water tanks and it works very well.. I would highly recommend it..

 

[nonot8946]

I believe there are different types of fiberglass resins, some of which will be toxic.