Habitat - Indoor :: wood sealer for above tank basking area?

[butters]

i been looking at above tank basking area's and im working on doing it.....

im making the outside walls and bottom out of 3/4in birch plywood with a plexi ramp.



but what do i use to seal the wood? i dont see anything at home depot and stuff. i got polyurethane, but im pretty shure its toxic.

[DavidY]

I'm not positive, but I think polyurethane is ok as long as it is allowed to fully cure and does not sit in the water. Problem is the turtles may be able to scratch it.

You could try a high gloss marine/exterior grade acrylic paint. Use at least two coats and make sure it is fully dry (at least 24 hours after last coat) before putting it in place. That's what I used to protect the wood frames and canopy interiors for my saltwater reef tanks. It's easy to clean too.

[grey goose]

You could use poly, but be prepared to use at least 3 coats (I'd go with 5) and lightly sand in between coats with 300-400 grit sandpaper. Whether using poly, or marine paint (careful with that, if not prepped correctly, it could chip), let it set up at least two days before putting in the water.

[butters]

ok thanks guys