Sealing plywood for a tank

[Strider18]

Hello everyone,

I was wondering if anyone knows if this product would be safe for sealing a plywood tank? Zinsser 1-qt. Clear Shellac Traditional Finish and Sealer-00304H at The Home Depot


Someone posted that he uses it on childrens toys when he makes them so they can't swallow the paint. Should it be safe for frogs? I'm

[Heatheranne]

A safer product is pond sealant found in the garden section.

[Strider18]

Thanks Heather I didn't even think about that. The one problem though is the price 1.5 quarts costs 80 dollars. Anyone else know if this would be safe?

[deranged chipmunk]

Pond sealant would work. I would use marine epoxy. Pricey, but it's the absolute best stuff to use. Keep in mind that there is a huge difference between a sealer and sealant.


Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world ~ Nelson Mandela

[Strider18]

Sigh, I am gonna end up spending way more on this tank then I wanted to :/ Would I still have to seal the plywood if it was covered with great stuff? Because all of the water areas will be inside of the great stuff. Any other tips and suggestions would be great!

[LilyPad]

Yes, you would still have to seal it or you'll end up with rot just from the humidity. Can you just cruise around to rummage sales for a few weeks and see if you find a cheap tank? I know I find them regularly around here and it would be cheaper than the work of a plywood enclosure depending on how big you're going.

[Strider18]

I was planning on sealing it no matter what. It is just what I should use to seal the tank.