Breathing protection and protective gear is a good idea when working with these products, no matter how safe they claim to be. Safer epoxies can harden quickly, and it is possible to end up with skin damage as a result. Some people are more sensitive than others to fumes, and even the products which claim to have “no fumes” and be safe to use indoors in enclosed spaces can cause problems for sensitive people.
Always follow the safety suggestions on the product you are using.
This video is really long. The next one will be shorter, I promise.
If you don’t want to watch it, the short version is: Pond shield is a cycloaliphatic epoxy (proof in video). Everyone knows it works, but you might not know that cheaper solutions like Corotech V430 will work the exact same way, and you won’t even know the difference between the two.
Polyamide epoxies are better in every way for DIY tanks than cycloaliphatic epoxies, and a quick cure polyamide epoxy like aquepoxy 250 HD is a much better solution than Pond Shield, and a lot cheaper ($240 for three gallons from Edison) http://www.edisoncoatings.com/store/aquepoxy_250.html)
Phenalkamine epoxies like duraplate 325 work in cold weather, but otherwise I think they’re garbage. Ok, they’re actually really good, but they’re dangerous/fumey and I don’t think they’re worth the trouble unless you need to do use them in the cold.
Lexel will probably work to seal rubber sealed tanks, but I honestly don’t know so if you’ve tried it tell me. It is fish tank safe after it cures, but it takes a week or longer to cure depending on thickness.
I talk too much. Big surprise.
There’s a lot more, but I’m going to bed.
Post time: Nov-10-2018