Staining cabinet around aquarium

Fishinwall · Jan 11, 2013

I'm having a custom made cabinet built around my aquarium. Would it be a bad idea to start the reef tank up prior to the cabinet being stained and varnished? Would the fumes be harmful to the fish and corals? It's been over three months and I'm not sure i can wait any longer!

redfishbluefish · Jan 11, 2013

If you are varnishing the stand, you will want to use a spar or marine varnish. This is something you will want to do before filling the tank and stocking it with wildlife. JMTC

Clearwater · Jan 11, 2013

IMO you want to make sure your stand gets sealed with a couple healthy coats of marine spar varnish prior to filling. Any bare wood that gets wet will raise the grain. Sealing the wood prior to any water nearby would be best for long term longevity of the stand. Patience in this hobby is key. Step by step process. Good luck.

Fishinwall · Jan 12, 2013

Thanks

Patience in this hobby is key. Step by step process. Good luck.[/QUOTE]

Lol, if you only knew... This project started in March! ok I was afraid of that, but thought I'd throw it out there just to make sure. Thank you.

Clearwater · Jan 12, 2013

Lets see a build thread. Sounds like your doing it right. It's that itch when you have seen the tank sitting with no water in it and a ton of planning coming down to the end. So tempting! Put up some pics and welcome to reef2reef.

Fishinwall · Mar 25, 2013

Thank you. I just figured out how to post some pics so ill give it a try once I get all the photos organized.

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Fishinwall · Mar 31, 2013

Clearwater said:
Lets see a build thread. Sounds like your doing it right. It's that itch when you have seen the tank sitting with no water in it and a ton of planning coming down to the end. So tempting! Put up some pics and welcome to reef2reef.

My tank build thread is up now.

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Clearwater · Mar 31, 2013

Will check it out

Dana · Mar 31, 2013

I used waterbased polyurethane on mine. Worked fine and it's been 6 years. Looks good as new.
Marine varnish is fine if you plan on having the stand underwater, but is really not necessary IMO.