What type of wood to use

Hi All

I am busy drawing up a wooden cabinet with canopy for my 4ft tank, so I can just order the sizes as required and assemble it with no hassles.

I would just like to know which type of wood would be the best to use? I am scared the evaporation or when doing water changes to wood will start
to warp.

Many Thanks

 

Hey @Rey, There are a few types of wood that you can use actually. If you want a budget tank cabinet that you intend to paint then I'd say use Supawood. The stuff is great to work with and with a good sealer you should have no hassles with water damage or warping.

If you want to have the varnished look you can use Pine, Oak or any wood work wood that fits your pocket. If you are working on a budget and still want the varnished look you can use the Wood Vinyl over Supawood or Pressed wood. That's what i did with my hood.
My 5 foot tank from start to finish

That is actually the determining factor here. What are you prepared to pay and what do you have in mind look wise..

Cheers

 

Hi, I was thinking of doing something like they do to the kitchens cupboards, but I don't think that will last long.
that cabinet of yours looks cool man.

I was thinking of a red cherry grain look.

 

So you want the Vinyl look. You can buy pressed wood sheets with the Vinyl on it already fro R750 a sheet. All you do is stain it when you are done building it and apply varnish over it. I used Marine Varnish. So water doesn't stain or penetrate it very easily.

 

cool, all the panels will have edging around, will that help keeping water and moist out?

 

You can also pain the inside of the canopy with a polyurethane based paint to make it waterproof, I used Double Velvet when I kept marines and it lasted for years. Nice & easy to clean as well.