Wooden wall behind tank. Ok?

[kevsqn]

planning to put a tank. But the back of it is wood. American wallnut to be specific.

Is this ok? Will the wood rot or something?
If not possible, can i coat the wood or something?

 

[Matthew Frost]

Spar varnish is the best. Its what they put on boats to protect it.

 

[Gareth elliott]

The wood has no finish on it to begin with?

The worry will from splashing.

Honestly i wouldnt add a finish maybe hang a piece of art work behind the tank.
This way splashes on there not the tank. If you are worried about it. Is the wall solid walnut or is it wainscoting? When was the house built? Its rare to see walnut used in that application, or any application.
They are very close to extinction thanks to the introduction of a beetle from asia.

 

[kevsqn]

The wood has no finish on it to begin with?

The worry will from splashing.

Honestly i wouldnt add a finish maybe hang a piece of art work behind the tank.
This way splashes on there not the tank. If you are worried about it. Is the wall solid walnut or is it wainscoting? When was the house built? Its rare to see walnut used in that application, or any application.
They are very close to extinction thanks to the introduction of a beetle from asia.

This is where im gonna be placing it. Not really sure whats wainscotting. But if its what im thinking, yes its american wallnut on the thin lining of the wall. Its not american wallnut the whole insides of the wall

 

[Gareth elliott]

This is where im gonna be placing it. Not really sure whats wainscotting. But if its what im thinking, yes its american wallnut on the thin lining of the wall. Its not american wallnut the whole insides of the wall

There’s definitely a finish already applied to that wood. I would not put a finish on top of it. Behind the tank i would hang something even if its just a black painted stretched canvas. Will provide a barrier that breathes. I would be more worried about the floor. I keep a stack of these near my tanks. My floors are bamboo. Best intentions its hard to not get water on the ground when doing maintenance.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07363SMW...t=&hvlocphy=1022240&hvtargid=pla-385157103103

So interestingly this style of wall covering was actually popular in the 1800’s as moisture barrier.

 

[kevsqn]

There’s definitely a finish already applied to that wood. I would not put a finish on top of it. Behind the tank i would hang something even if its just a black painted stretched canvas. Will provide a barrier that breathes. I would be more worried about the floor. I keep a stack of these near my tanks. My floors are bamboo. Best intentions its hard to not get water on the ground when doing maintenance.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07363SMW...t=&hvlocphy=1022240&hvtargid=pla-385157103103

So interestingly this style of wall covering was actually popular in the 1800’s as moisture barrier.

Thanks. Will look around for stretch canvass. Btw, the floor is marble, so i think its fine

 

[kevsqn]

@Gareth elliott
one question. am i suppose to be scared of the splashing or is it the saltwater wind/evaporation that could possibly destroy the wood.

because im thinking if i make sure nothing splashes onto the wood. then i wouldnt need a canvas right?

 

[jsker]

You are fine. I have brazilian cherry hardwood flooring under mine

 

[Paul B]

Salt water splashing on wood is actually better than fresh water. My tank is about an inch from a pine wall and has been there for 40 years. There is salt all over it (it is in a closet so you don't see it) The salt leaves salt residue that prevents bacteria from destroying the wood.

 

[Captmcfly]

The wall behind my tank in cedar tongue and groove

 

[Gareth elliott]

@Gareth elliott
one question. am i suppose to be scared of the splashing or is it the saltwater wind/evaporation that could possibly destroy the wood.

because im thinking if i make sure nothing splashes onto the wood. then i wouldnt need a canvas right?

Yeah i shouldnt type when trying to fall asleep lol.
Also my brain last night read walnut and processed it as chestnut lol. Walnut is not going extinct.