material do's and Don'ts

[budzoboy]

Hi everyone
although its a ways off, I want to start designing my new viv...planning on a free standing 60" x24" x 24". I am planning on using glued planking for the floor, possibly lexan sides, and drop down lexan fronts
what wood can I use and NOT use..
was considering covering the base and side with fiberglass sheets

 

[CooperDragon]

I would use untreated plywood for most of it because it's relatively light. The big tanks can get quite heavy in a hurry. Then you can coat it with polyurethane to protect it from moisture. That would save you from having to put down fiberglass. Clear lexan can work for windows but keep in mind that while it's cheaper it's more susceptible to scratching and might not look so great after a while.

 

[budzoboy]

Morning
thanks..the planking I was looking at are actually stock glued up tabletops you find at Lowes or Home depot. thought it would be a good starting base.
what about "Plasti-coat" as opposed to "poly-urethane"?
as for the sides..i found "Plexi-glass" scratches more than "Lexan" Lexan is the pricier of the two

Thank you for the reply!

 

[CooperDragon]

I'm not sure about plasticoat. I haven't heard of it. As long as it is non-toxic it should be OK to use.

 

[budzoboy]

plasti-coat is similar to spar varnish, used on boats.
dries twice as hard