Sanding and staining wood floors

[artieg1]

200 gallon DT is in the middle of our living room, with wood floors. It is fully plumbed to 180 gallon sump in basement with very large Reef Octopus skimmer. Return pump is a PanWorld 150, it moves water like mad, so lots of circulation. MP40 and Large gyre moving water in the DT.

We are going to sand and re-stain wood floors in the living room. Cannot move DT, so they will work around that as best they can. Can I tightly cover the top of the DT with non-toxic plastic (tarp, wrapping, etc.) to cut off all air exchange and eliminate all possibility of contamination of the DT, for the several days of sanding? Will the oxygen exchange from the circulated water from the sump be enough? Or do I need to come up with a solution that permits air exchange in the DT but blocks particles like wood dust? Same question for wood stain and sealant: is that toxic in the air and should I use plastic to eliminate any chemicals from getting in the DT?

Any thoughts appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Saltyreef]

I would think the gas exchange from the amount of fall to the sump is adequate.
Now your only task would be to seal the DT 100% without blocking too much light.
Also, eliminate any air exchange from the work area down to the basement as well.

 

[ScottB]

200 gallon DT is in the middle of our living room, with wood floors. It is fully plumbed to 180 gallon sump in basement with very large Reef Octopus skimmer. Return pump is a PanWorld 150, it moves water like mad, so lots of circulation. MP40 and Large gyre moving water in the DT.

We are going to sand and re-stain wood floors in the living room. Cannot move DT, so they will work around that as best they can. Can I tightly cover the top of the DT with non-toxic plastic (tarp, wrapping, etc.) to cut off all air exchange and eliminate all possibility of contamination of the DT, for the several days of sanding? Will the oxygen exchange from the circulated water from the sump be enough? Or do I need to come up with a solution that permits air exchange in the DT but blocks particles like wood dust? Same question for wood stain and sealant: is that toxic in the air and should I use plastic to eliminate any chemicals from getting in the DT?

Any thoughts appreciated. Thanks!

How did this go for you? Wife wants to change the stain color for 4500 sq ft of hardwood. Ugh.

 

[maxtek]

How did this go for you? Wife wants to change the stain color for 4500 sq ft of hardwood. Ugh.

I’m also interested to hear...

 

[artieg1]

Hehe, it hasn't happened yet. We are leaving for spring break in April, and that is when the people will re-finish the floors. So yeah, I won't even be here to see how it is going.

Because of condensation, I am planning to saran wrap the top entirely, from side to side, then tape around it. Will put something over the AI hydra lights to keep grit out of those, too. Will report back.