Sealing New Viv

[Jay01]

So I'm upgrading my Indian stars viv and as im buying a brand new one id obviously like it to last as long as possible. In the current viv i have a plastic sheet protecting the bottom but i find that this has actually caused some damp under it and also its always coming away or getting bits stuck behind and generally a pain even though i thought id secured it back pretty well.

New viv i have brought some aquatic grade silicone to seal internal joints but im wondering has anyone just left it as that? If so has it all been ok?

Itrs the standard chip board with the melamine covering, and substrate is orchard fine bark, any advice be appreciated.

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

So I'm upgrading my Indian stars viv and as im buying a brand new one id obviously like it to last as long as possible. In the current viv i have a plastic sheet protecting the bottom but i find that this has actually caused some damp under it and also its always coming away or getting bits stuck behind and generally a pain even though i thought id secured it back pretty well.

New viv i have brought some aquatic grade silicone to seal internal joints but im wondering has anyone just left it as that? If so has it all been ok?

Itrs the standard chip board with the melamine covering, and substrate is orchard fine bark, any advice be appreciated.

Personally, I’d still line it, it’s definitely a pain when moisture is still getting underneath, but best you can do is regularly move the substrate so you can wipe under the liner.

The silicone seal can eventually come away in places, if you’re putting substrate straight in, you’re risking moisture getting into the seams of the wood. It can definitely be a pain either way tbh, the moisture will always eventually find its way with the melamine vivs. They last well if sealed and protected, but not a lifetime kind of thing. I say this as someone with a well sealed custom melamine viv ourselves, eventually in years to come, we’ll have to upgrade to pvc

 

[Tom]

So I'm upgrading my Indian stars viv and as im buying a brand new one id obviously like it to last as long as possible. In the current viv i have a plastic sheet protecting the bottom but i find that this has actually caused some damp under it and also its always coming away or getting bits stuck behind and generally a pain even though i thought id secured it back pretty well.

New viv i have brought some aquatic grade silicone to seal internal joints but im wondering has anyone just left it as that? If so has it all been ok?

Itrs the standard chip board with the melamine covering, and substrate is orchard fine bark, any advice be appreciated.

My advice is to buy a viv that is made from materials impervious to moisture. All of mine are made of expanded PVC material.

 

[Jay01]

Yeh I think I'll seal it all and then spend some time putting in maybe a pond liner or something.

I've looked at pvc vivs im just not personally a fan of them looks wise but they do do a great job with moisture and water. Ill just have to accept it may not last as long but always a great excuse to get new one and go bigger lol.