Is my tub cover fish-safe?

[Sakura]

I made this cover for my fish tub, and only after I made it I wondered if it might not be fish-safe. Could you guys tell me if this is okay?

I used black pet-resistant insect screening that says it's make from vinyl-coated polyester. The frame around it is plywood that has been coated with Behr high gloss exterior "black forever" paint. I just realized that when it rains, the rain will trickle over this frame and the black screening and go into the tub, which means any harmful chemicals on the materials I used will be washed right into the tub and could harm the fish.

What do you guys think; will this be a problem?

http://i658.photobucket.com/albums/uu305/miss_cherry_blossom/i006.jpg

http://i658.photobucket.com/albums/uu305/miss_cherry_blossom/i001.jpg

[judge]

Sorry I don't know if it will be safe for fish but I would love to learn how to make that screen.

Please don't forget to put air bubbler.

[Sakura]

Here's how I did it. (kicking myself for not taking photos along the way!)

1. Measure plywood to the same dimensions as the tub's footprint.
2. Cut to desired dimensions, measure 3 inches in from the edges, and cut out the window.
3. Paint black (I used Behr high gloss exterior "black forever").
4. Buy pet-resistant insect screening, and staple on to one side of the frame with stainless steel staples.

Very simple! I just hope it's fish-safe though. :/ I like this cover because I think it provides a good amount of shade (we'll see about that) while also providing shelter from predators. And I can easily remove it if I want to sit outside and watch the fish.

Oh, and I will be looking for a submersible pond filter for it. I know some people say you don't need a filter, just an air pump, but I'd rather have a filter. I'll make sure the filter creates lots of surface agitation.

[Sakura]

Darn. I looked here: http://www.behr.com/dsm-ext/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=faa9771eb42cb110VgnVCM1000006b 0910acRCRD&vgnextchannel=0b05f11390a59110VgnVCM1000006b0910ac RCRD&vgnextfmt=default#vgnextoid=faa9771eb42cb110VgnVCM 1000006b0910acRCRD;view=17;channel=PROJECT_CENTER
and it says the paint is 100% acrylic latex, but is mildew-resistant. I'm guessing whatever chemical they put in it to make it mildew-resistant is bad for the fish, huh? Anybody know?

[Nevermore44]

I don't know where you are in the country... but wouldn't you have to look at how hot it will get in the full sun during the peak of summer?

[Sakura]

I don't know where you are in the country... but wouldn't you have to look at how hot it will get in the full sun during the peak of summer?

I live in Minnesota, it doesn't get too hot here. But yes, that's why I made this cover. It provides some shade, and we also have a big tree above the balcony that keeps the entire balcony in full shade. I'll also be adding plants for additional shade and surface agitation to keep the water well oxygenated.

Do you have any idea about the cover being fish-safe though? Now I'm fairly certain it's not (because of the paint) but any ideas on that are welcome.

[Ranchufan16]

my guess....probably not safe. but the other guy was right, you are going to want more than a filter in there, you will want an air bubbler the filter will not put enough oxygen in the water for the fish.

[Cincy Ranchu]

If the paint is not touching the water and you change water occasionally Ithink it will work,:exact:

[HTH]

Found the MSDS for the paint here (http://www.actiocms.com/VIEW_MSDS/AuthorDisplay_V402/msdsdisplaycode_author_new_MASTER.cfm?edit_msds_id =4999&dbname=production&language=1&Hide_Section_Numbers=N&CFID=2784861&CFTOKEN=6166943273d8d8c5-850621BB-B43D-2CAB-CEF821068187AC04) but it is not much help with "Undisclosed/Proprietary 5 - 10 by weight"

What I would do is mask off the screen and give the frame a coat of known safe paint or clear coat. Then there is no question.

[Sakura]

Okay, I can add a bubbler as well as a filter then, no problem! :)

HTH, do you know of any paints I could get that are known to be safe?

I was thinking of just making a new frame out of pvc this time. Might be safer than trying to make sure the old frame is well sealed with safe paint?

[small_ranchu]

I have seen other people using Krylon Fusion.

http://www.krylon.com/products/fusion_for_plastic/

[HTH]

Jennie
You have few options.

Once the water has some nutrients I would get water hyacinths. They are a floating plant that will help keep the water quality up by absorbing nitrates (and ammonia) and provide shade and snacks for the fish.

The biggest problem with floating plants is the fish eating the roots. Once you have a decent amount of the plants the fish can not eat enough to make much difference. I played with the idea of a root protector to grow water cress (http://howardthehumble.com/aquatic/equipment/gadgets.htm). But maybe a plastic colander from the $ store would work in your tank.

I would like to see a small pot of aquatic grass or rush but it will not work with the cover. Perhaps if you build a new one you can make a cage about two feet high over the top of the tank.

You can also dangle Pothos roots into the water and run them along the balcony.

[Sakura]

Thanks so much for all the plant suggestions! I do appreciate that, but I actually asked about paint. :D lol

[HTH]

LOL my bad !

Do not know regarding the paint. Fusion sounds like a logical choice. Maybe the epoxy paint the people who build plywood tanks use.

[nygold]

I think it's just fine.
I had one on an outdoor kiddie pool but I used wire with 1/2 inch
openings so I didn't have to take it off to feed the fish.
Call me lazy.
I also had to weigh down the sides to keep the racoons out.
Shade is good but the biggest benefit in putting them outside is the sunlight.

[Sakura]

Thanks you guys, I'll see if I can find Fusion.

[Sakura]

Good news! I found the Krylon Fusion spray paint, so I'm going to go ahead and seal the cover with that. Thanks so much for the suggestion both of you. It would have been a shame if I couldn't use the awesome cover I made. When all this is finally put together, I'll be sure to post pics. :)