Line X to seal plywood aquarium

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
Gator,
Thank you for your input. I chose Line x because for the past decade I have used them to seal a variety of things for corrosion resistence and added strength. I have never used the XS 350 product. I have seen aquarium stores use line x on stands and flooring with great success. I know it has also been used on koi ponds, but have been unable to contact them for long term effectiveness. It is purchased in 55 gal drums for just under $1k, but my local supplier informed me that he would offer me smaller quantities.
The reason for starting this post was to find a proven waterproofer, that is not to complicated to apply and lasts a long time. Money is obviously also and issue. Sweetwater epoxy was one that I was considering, but it looks like multiple coats are needed when large live rock and crabs are present in the aquarium. I will check out your 600 gal build to see what you did.
 
I used to spray line-x into truck beds and if the "fish safe" stuff is just as good you are looking at a bulletproof coating.
And major$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$!!!!!
You will have to transport the tank to the dealer to get it sprayed.
And once it is sprayed it will be SIGNIFICANTLY heavier.
Still....it can be sprayed on up to 1/4" thick and it cures in approx. 10sec.
HMMMM!!! Interesting.
 
boldtogether,
The bulletproof coating is what I am looking for. My crabs pick at the silicone on my current tank all day long and have actually gotten small pieces off. After speaking with a local line x franchise owner the cost would not be much more then using a resin to seal the tank myself, but I would have to transport it. I can just rent a trailer for the day to do that. I know that I would also need myself and at least 3 other able body men to assist me. I invite them all over for a cook out and then hit them up for help. HEHE
 
Gator,
I just read your post for your 600 gallon tank. Nice work BTW. It looks like all you used to waterproof your tank is sweetwater epoxy paint. Is that tough enough to resist damage from aquarium decorations and small structural flexing. I love the fact that you do not need to prep each layer before adding additional coats.
Now that you tank has been up and running for a while have you had any problems with the epoxy paint.
 
If I lived in Florida I would help you out bro!!
I am serious about the added weight too.
If you do decide to go with the Line-X, it would probably be wise to consider placing the glass FIRST and then encaseing it with the Line-X.
The reason I say this is because simply masking off hard lines isnt as easy as you think. A masking tape with a steel wire imbedded in it is required to "cut" the line-x away forming the cut in. As this material cures in as little as 10sec., (I used to spray half the bed of a truck, count to 5 and then step on the freshly sprayed liner and spray the second half without any marring or scuffing what so ever),there is little room for error. The point is, meet with the technician spraying the liner and work out what you will do for the glass before you just have the tank sprayed. Once it is layed down, I think you would have a hard time sealing the glass to the Line-X'd surface, and if you have to remove Line-X to fit the glass, you would literally have to grind it out.
Anyway, I think you may be on to something with this idea! Keep us posted!
Best of Luck!
 
I did a 500 gal plywood tank and used ames bluemax it will not crack like epoxy will its 800% fexiable non-toxic drinking water safe. dries a light blue.
 
billy m24,

Bluemax is one of the 3 sealers I am considerring. The issue I suspect I may have is the that I wil be putting some very large pieces of live rock in my tank and I do not want to puncture the sealant. This si why I was considering line x. It is indestructable. Pond shield is the other sealant I am considering. I need to find someone local who has used bluemax or pond guard to see how durable these sealants are. Otherwise I will just have to buy a small amount of each and see for myself.
 
DGoldstein,

I can speak for a few of the mentioned sealers as we have used them for years. Sweet water and Pond Armor are among my favs for DIY. Sounds like a great project. I have more info on Pond Armor/Pond Shield in our vendor section and can post some tips if you like. I would say that whichever waterproof membrane you choose make sure to mechanically fasten all your penetration points. =)
 
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