Hello. I have read many discussions about constructing tropical vivariums from wood. My questions are: can I use OSB wood over plywood? Do I have to use marine epoxy, or can I use lacquer (paint)? thanx
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We haven't tried either, but it is my understanding that marine epoxy is the way to go. I doubt the lacquer paint will hold up to constant humidity over and extended period of time.
could also go with a thick pond liner (which is what i used) or lining it with acrylic.
pond liner method is probably the quickest and easiest. just put it in in sections, nailing or stapling it to the wood at the tops, but being sure that the higher sections overlap the lower sections to prevent leakage, and being sure that no nails/staples will be below the water line.
acrylic is probably the most effective long term solution. since the tank is already OSB or Plywood, it will support the weight of everything so you can use thin sheets of acrylic and seal them with acrylic cement. however, the hard part is cutting the sheets so they exactly fit in the tank.
