treated wood

cloran · 07-27-2004, 03:59 PM

Has anybody used treated wood for a canopy? I'm going to be running a open-top 29 gallon. Right now trying to figure out the best wood for a canopy. Also whats the best way to seal it from water?

glass-gardens.com · 07-27-2004, 06:36 PM

There would be no need to use treated wood in a canopy. Treated wood is no more water resistant than untreated wood, specifically the treatment is for insect resistance.

If it's CCA treated lumber (which is still out there in large quantities despite the phase out) then the words CHROMIUM, COPPER and ARSENIC should be enough to tell you that this is not a good idea for anything hanging over your aquarium.

As for what wood to use, any decent hardwood or hardwood plywood (7 ply or better) that is well sealed with polyurethane would be OK, I've even used white pine with good results. The key is to make sure it's really sealed as any moisture that gets through will cause warping, make joints separate etc. I give hoods three coats inside, and I hit the corners and anyjoints with a heavy coat the first time. It will also help to use moisture proof glue.

07-27-2004, 03:59 PM	#1 (permalink)
cloran Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: NW Ohio Posts: 18	treated wood Has anybody used treated wood for a canopy? I'm going to be running a open-top 29 gallon. Right now trying to figure out the best wood for a canopy. Also whats the best way to seal it from water?

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07-27-2004, 06:36 PM	#2 (permalink)
glass-gardens.com Sponsor (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Des Moines, Iowa Posts: 979	There would be no need to use treated wood in a canopy. Treated wood is no more water resistant than untreated wood, specifically the treatment is for insect resistance. If it's CCA treated lumber (which is still out there in large quantities despite the phase out) then the words CHROMIUM, COPPER and ARSENIC should be enough to tell you that this is not a good idea for anything hanging over your aquarium. As for what wood to use, any decent hardwood or hardwood plywood (7 ply or better) that is well sealed with polyurethane would be OK, I've even used white pine with good results. The key is to make sure it's really sealed as any moisture that gets through will cause warping, make joints separate etc. I give hoods three coats inside, and I hit the corners and anyjoints with a heavy coat the first time. It will also help to use moisture proof glue.

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