Canopy Mold/Mildew Advice

[SmokeBellew]

Any help/advice is appreciated.

I purchased a used aquarium/system earlier this week. The canopy is bare wood on the inside and has two areas of mold/mildew that need to be addressed before priming/painting. I am concerned that the mold/mildew will return...what steps can I take to reduce this likelihood? Thanks

 

[Fin]

I can only say what I think I would do. I think I would brush the inside of the canopy with a bleach / water solution, paying particular attention to the areas already showing mold. Repeat if necessary, until the mold is gone. Then I would set the canopy in the garage or covered area outside for a few days and let the canopy dry and allow the clorine to evaporate. Then I would prime with Kilz and apply paint when ready.

 

[SmokeBellew]

Thanks Fin,

I have really wanted to apply a bleach solution. However, I was unsure what the prevailing opinion would be about potential contamination later. I will probably be able to let the canopy air dry for several days since this is a "new" tank...at least to me.

I think I may also sand the entire interior, paying special attention to the trouble areas, prior to applying the bleach solution.

Thanks

 

[YodaHart]

Be sure to wear a mask if you sand before bleach. Don't want to breathe any of that in.

 

[SmokeBellew]

Be sure to wear a mask if you sand before bleach. Don't want to breathe any of that in.

Had not thought about that...but I definitely will.

Thanks.

 

[143MPCo]

Don't now if you already bleached and sanded, but bleach alone will not guarantee the mold is gone...
I have used this in the past and IMO is the best approach.

Read this on mold: http://www.normi.org/articles/bleach-mold.php

 

[SmokeBellew]

avasquez01,

Thanks...will check that out.

 

[SmokeBellew]

Don't now if you already bleached and sanded, but bleach along will not guarantee the mold is gone...
I have used this in the past and IMO is the best approach.

Interesting read...now I have a new summer project...my roof.

Any advice on how long I need to let the sprayed areas air out once I spray the anti-microbial?

Thanks!

 

[143MPCo]

Interesting read...now I have a new summer project...my roof.

Any advice on how long I need to let the sprayed areas air out once I spray the anti-microbial?

Thanks!

Once the cold mist is dry, you're done...

 

[SmokeBellew]

Pics of before/after of canopy. Still have work remaining so it is not a final pic. (The bracing in the canopy was too deteriorated to save and has been removed...will be replaced this week)

 

[SmokeBellew]

Before / after pics of stand (28 hours of hand sanding)
60 Grit for stripping to bare wood, 120 grit, 150 grit, and 220 grit. Outside will be stained & polyurethane coat. Still deciding on what to do with inside of stand and canopy.

 

[143MPCo]

Dude, you did all that sanding by hand? lol... looks good!

 

[Fin]

Always nice to see a neglected tank find a good home. It looks much better now.

 

[SantaMonicaHelp]

Looking good! Yeah I'd try to get rid of the mildew the natural way if possible... chemicals should be a last resort.

 

[SmokeBellew]

Dude, you did all that sanding by hand? lol... looks good!

LOL...143MPCo, yep all by hand. And Thanks! (with help from ibuprofen...Ha!)

 

[SmokeBellew]

Always nice to see a neglected tank find a good home. It looks much better now.

Fin, Thanks.

In the previous owner's defense, the canopy was the only area showing signs of mildew and I don't think he had the tank very long...so the mildew came with the tank to him I believe. (I am the 3rd owner)

When I sanded it...there was a layer of black paint and also a previous stain...however the inside had never been protected. The guy I purchased this from has been extremely helpful and continues to be as well.

 

[143MPCo]

LOL...143MPCo, yep all by hand. And Thanks! (with help from ibuprofen...Ha!)

Impressive man... impressive!:thumb:

 

[SmokeBellew]

Looking good! Yeah I'd try to get rid of the mildew the natural way if possible... chemicals should be a last resort.

SantaMonicaHelp,

Yeah I agree. I also figured that with the bracing being rotted that the other canopy wood most likely will have issues as well and I may be replacing it in the next couple of years anyway. But I can make it look good for the time being maybe.