for those of you that made your own canopy???

**tetra** · 12-10-2009, 01:06 AM

Did you guys coat the wood with anything on the inside so mositure wouldnt rot it? I start painting the out side with regular house hold latex paint and was wondering if i could do the same with the inside. MY biggest fair would be mositure building up on the wood and dripping back in the tank.

Also one last question. Do you guys have something between your bulbs and water?

**Northernguy** · 12-10-2009, 01:48 AM

3 coats of varathane is reccomended!
You won't have a problem.Mine have been up for near two yrs and there is no change from day one.
A glass lid will stop any splashing from hitting your light.
I have two tanks with a wood canopy and no glass,they are fine too!lol

**tetra** · 12-10-2009, 01:53 AM

Any reason why i cant use the latex paint? I think i might put some thing shiny to help reflect more light in the tank as well.

**Northernguy** · 12-10-2009, 01:57 AM

Latex paint is water base and will leach into the tank.It will also go moldy.
Use an oil base paint and allow it to dry for several days until the smell is gone.
That will be washable and a lot more water proof.
You still have to seal the wood properly first or the water will warp and split it.