Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

I am wanting to make my grow beds out of plywood reinforced with steel and coated with a potable water grade epoxy. I have been researching around and have decided that I want a coating that I (not being a paint specialist) can apply with a brush. I read about Ames' Blue Max (http://www.amesresearch.com/bluemax.htm) and pond shield (http://www.pondarmor.com/). My question is if anyone has had any experience with these two products, or know of a third better option? I am mainly concerned with efficacy, ease of application, and longevity.

I haven't tried any but SaniTred Permaflex might be another option: http://www.sanitred.com/WaterFountain.htm

That looks like it would make a the best coating, however the cost is higher than pond guard and double blue max. For the size bed I was wanting to make (20'x4.5'x1') It would be over $500. Bluemax is affordable at less than $200, but I wonder what kind of results people have had with longevity.

If it's going to cost that much... then why not just use a pond liner... or Durascrim... like everyone else does...

'Cause I'm a noob. What is this durascrim you speak of? Do you have any Idea what kind of price your looking at for waterproofing approximately 150sqft? Ames' Blue max is looking like a pretty good (cheap) option, I am reading good things about it and will be less than $200 to line the bed. What is the lifespan of a growbed made with a traditional pond liner? Is it hard to keep from leaking around the overflow pipes?

Edit: Found some, looks like its called Crystoflex. It is cheapest. Does it have a reputation for being durable? Also it looks like its an Australian product and I'm not sure its available here in Texas.

http://www.valiant-industries.com/Dura_ ... 2x100.html
http://www.koiphen.com/forums/showthrea ... er-Options

cheers

Alyeece (TCL) in Florida... could probably help you out....

http://www.aquaponiclynx.com/products/a ... 20ww-liner

You can see some beds she made recently here... viewtopic.php?p=356128#p356128