Food safe finishes aquarium safe?

[Guppy Guy]

I have an upcoming project that will require me to clear coat something for an aquarium. I have heard that plasti-dip clear is ok, but I don’t want it to peel off.

I have seen some wood finishes that are food safe, and they are “highly water resistant” according to home depot. The two that seem to be best are rust oleum shellac, and polyurethane sealant, though I don’t know if water or oil based is better.

Also, would some kind of resin work? I know to be careful with resin, as many of them leach chemicals into the water.

Thanks, and all help is appreciated.

[Zenzo]

On 2/14/2022 at 7:14 AM, Guppy Guy said:

I have an upcoming project that will require me to clear coat something for an aquarium. I have heard that plasti-dip clear is ok, but I don’t want it to peel off.

I have seen some wood finishes that are food safe, and they are “highly water resistant” according to home depot. The two that seem to be best are rust oleum shellac, and polyurethane sealant, though I don’t know if water or oil based is better.

Also, would some kind of resin work? I know to be careful with resin, as many of them leach chemicals into the water.

Thanks, and all help is appreciated.

I can say that Plasti-dip will not be a good option sealing something in an aquarium. It is fine for short term uses, but over time, it may/will degrade. Especially if something is rubbing or nibbling on it (like a pleco). I speak from experience on this.

I believe that the only real aquarium safe sealants would be an epoxy, polyurethane, or acrylic. I am not sure on the cure times of these, as they differ (gassing off, etc.).

[Guppy Guy]

On 2/14/2022 at 1:00 PM, Zenzo said:

I believe that the only real aquarium safe sealants would be an epoxy, polyurethane, or acrylic.

Would you happen to know a suitable epoxy? Like I said earlier, many aren’t safe. As far as polyurethane goes, should it be water based or oil based? Will water based break down and oil based leach like paints?

[Zenzo]

I can't say for certain, and wouldn't want to recommend something that I have not tested or used myself. However, I do recall that when I was looking into this, a fiberglass resin was also recommended, as they are often used to seal plywood aquariums. I think one brand was called MAX. 

[Zenzo]

@Guppy Guy I sent you a message with a link that may help you in your search. Good luck!

[Guppy Guy]

Thanks!

[Guppy Guy]

After visiting your link, I remembered that Joey from the king of DIY on youtube built a wood aquarium a few years back, and he used Pond Armor. Have you heard of this? It seems to be the go-to for him, and upon further research, many others.

[Zenzo]

On 2/14/2022 at 12:18 PM, Guppy Guy said:

After visiting your link, I remembered that Joey from the king of DIY on youtube built a wood aquarium a few years back, and he used Pond Armor. Have you heard of this? It seems to be the go-to for him, and upon further research, many others.

Yeah, I have heard of that. I believe that applies on as black though, not a clear finish.

[Guppy Guy]

On 2/14/2022 at 7:49 PM, Zenzo said:

Yeah, I have heard of that. I believe that applies on as black though, not a clear finish.

I thought so too, but apparently amazon has the clear pond armor as well.

[Zenzo]

On 2/14/2022 at 6:45 PM, Guppy Guy said:

I thought so too, but apparently amazon has the clear pond armor as well.

It it is inexpensive, it might be worth getting and testing.