Post by Ross T.I wonder If that would apply, for Urethane paint in an aquarium setting?
I imagine if one was to build a Large Plywood tank, Latex might be best,?
Or Epoxy?
Hi Ross,
I don't see the compelling reason to use plywood, although I can guess
that the final cost might be attractive (the nuisance of its questionable
durability would make me reach for some acrylic and a plastic welder, but
each of us is different, I suppose). As far as the better chemistry for
minimal interaction with aquatic life, I'll put my money on a marine grade
2-component epoxy paint. Even then, I would probably run it through a few
leaching cycles before attempting to put anything living in there (even
bacteria). By a leaching cycle, I mean to fill the tank with clean water to
its full capacity, run the temperature up to +5 to +10 degrees over the
intended service temperature, and then drain and replace the water after
several days at temperature. I'd do this three times, to start. It can go
a fair ways towards pulling out any unexpected nastiness in the paint.
Carbon filtration during cycling and during the early establishment of the
tank can/might help with any further leaching of industrial chemicals.
Some might argue that a water-based latex might be more benign to aquatic
life, but I would question its durability over the long term.
Post by Ross T.Does anyone here have experience, with building one of these tanks?
I have no experience with building such a tank specifically, but I do have
some experience with industrial paints, adhesives, etc. and the chemistry
behind them.
Regards,
DaveZ
Atom Weaver