Shelving Material?

DocRose · Jun 8, 2023

I'm getting ready to build a small stand to go inside of the cabinet of my Red Sea 250. I know that there's special materials that I need to use considering its going to be around water (and saltwater at that). I just can't find a resource that gives advice on what materials they are. Any input on this is appreciated.

By the way... What I'm building is a small 5"x9"x12" (LxWxH) cabinet for my GHL controllers to sit on top of. I'm going to drill a few holes on top of the cabinet for the tubes to run down through. Inside the cabinet (which will have a door) will be the reagents and bottles of things I need to dose.

RedoubtReef · Jun 8, 2023

I'd just use plywood. If you paint/seal it properly, it should last for years.

DocRose · Jun 8, 2023

RedoubtReef said:
I'd just use plywood. If you paint/seal it properly, it should last for years.

Got it. I'd kinda like it to match the same meterial/look of the Red Sea cabinet itself, and I know they don't achieve that look simply by painting it.

Wolf8895 · Jun 8, 2023

something that small you might be able to build it with pvc trim boards from the home center

DocRose · Jun 8, 2023

Wolf8895 said:
something that small you might be able to build it with pvc trim boards from the home center

Never heard about using that before. It definitely would give the semi-gloss finish look that the Red Sea cabinet has. I'll look into it!

theatrus · Jun 8, 2023

As it’s small I too was going to suggest a plastic sheet. HDPE (Starboard) is a stiffer option to thin pvc sheets

DocRose · Jun 8, 2023

theatrus said:
As it’s small I too was going to suggest a plastic sheet. HDPE (Starboard) is a stiffer option to thin pvc sheets

Starboard was my first choice and the first thing I looked into. What can I apply to it after assembly to make the exterior smooth like the Red Sea cabinets?

theatrus · Jun 8, 2023

DocRose said:
Starboard was my first choice and the first thing I looked into. What can I apply to it after assembly to make the exterior smooth like the Red Sea cabinets?

Starboard is textured and it would be a pain to untexture it. You can get generic HDPE sheet as well.

I always get small amounts from McMaster
https://www.mcmaster.com/product/9785T804 (pick you size and thickness etc)

For a non-textured https://www.mcmaster.com/product/8619K451