150 gallon reef tank under way

[Dyl'sDAD]

Before building my 150 gallon reef tank I decided to build my own canopy and I was wondering what is the best type of wood to use to avoid wood being damaged by moisture. And I was also wondering what type of lighting I should go with for growing corals. Never done a tankthis big so I could use some advice.

[Loverotties]

What type of Corals do you want to keep?

[Dyl'sDAD]

mostly soft stuff like mushrooms and zoos stuff like that. I try to keep from getting into the heavy maintnance stuff but I have thought about it.

[bleedingthought]

For softies, you'll be fine with just PCs or VHOs. As far as the wood goes, you can use any wood you just have to make it "moisture proof." A couple of ways to accomplish that is either using polyurethane or high gloss white paint. It's obviously more important on the inside of the canopy/stand than the outside. Good luck and post pictures when you can!

[adamthe55galreefer]

use pine i have found it durable and absorbs stain and gloss well

[Fat Tony]

I use plywood (birch, oak, mahogany...) stain and a few coats of poly on the outside and a high quality primer and a Gloss oil based white on the inside.

[adamthe55galreefer]

make the hood a darker colour or the same colour as the stand but a darker colour helps the tank stand out

[Hop]

It's been three years. I'm betting he built the canopy already and stained it

But then again, it may be like me and the doors to my inwall... I'll get them done someday!

[Fat Tony]

LOL.. i didn't even notice..LOL Good catch Hop!

[adamthe55galreefer]

3 years later

[adamthe55galreefer]

mabe he is a link back in time

[Loverotties]

Lol!I didn't look when it was posted?Yikes!