View Full Version : Mold on canopy
GatorDrew
06-24-2007, 12:33 PM
So, I've been on vacation for the past two weeks. My roomie has been feeding the fish, etc. When I came back, the fish were happy... all the parameters were good. I was so relieved.
Then... as I was pulling down the top of the canopy I noticed white/green "puffy" or fuzzy mold. I won't blame anything on my roomie, as I don't think he did anything wrong.
But, I really don't know how to treat it or what I should do next. I've been keeping an eye on it, and it's definitely spreading.
To also clarify, I did remove the glass top. But, I don't feel any over spray... and the area that it's in doesn't have much surface agitation.
What are my options here? Any help would be so much appreciated!
Thank you!
Hmmm, options are to ditch the canopy altogether. :D
Or maybe take it off and clean it with vinegar (NO cleaning products), wait for it to dry and put it back on again. That seems like it would only be a temporary "fix" though.
You can install fans in your canopy so it doesn't remain damp. Or you can buy a dehumifier for the room and maybe that'll help. Hopefully someone else will come along with better ideas.
dorkfish
06-24-2007, 3:56 PM
Wait is your canopy coated with on the inside?
GatorDrew
06-24-2007, 4:29 PM
Wait is your canopy coated with on the inside?
It's just stained wood...
I've thought about removing the canopy all together, but then I'll have the fun task of beating off the cat... LOL.
Fans have actually been a to-do item... maybe I'll boost them up the priority list!
GatorDrew
07-30-2007, 11:23 PM
I just made a move to Atlanta... right now the canopy is off the tank. I'm not too sure if I like it without the canopy. Maybe it will just take a bit to grow on me...
Does anyone else have any suggestions to get rid of the mold?
Thank you all for your help!
Grins
07-30-2007, 11:35 PM
I'd remove it, remove any electrical things like lights. Clean it with a good bleach solution. Paint it with Kilz and then seal that. Put electrical gadgets back in, add fans and voila. By the way, I'd also leave the top and back open on it.
Mgamer20o0
07-31-2007, 3:35 AM
good idea grins. mold is bad for your health.
GatorDrew
07-31-2007, 8:55 PM
I'd remove it, remove any electrical things like lights. Clean it with a good bleach solution. Paint it with Kilz and then seal that. Put electrical gadgets back in, add fans and voila. By the way, I'd also leave the top and back open on it.
awesome! thank you for the guide...
Just curious... when you say "good bleach solution" what is that? Would that just be one cup of bleach to a gallon of water?
As for Kilz, http://www.kilz.com/pages/default.aspx?NavID=26
And lastly... sorry for the questions... but what do you mean by seal it? This is probably a stupid question, but I never painted anything. My dad used to do all that, but he's no longer around...
Thank you for all your help! It's very much appreciated!!
GatorDrew
07-31-2007, 8:58 PM
Also... how long should I wait until it's safe to put back on the tank? I see that Kilz dries in 30 minutes or so, but should I wait about 24 hours before putting it back? Thanks again...!
OldManOfTheSea
07-31-2007, 9:27 PM
Are you having an opening at your tank cover for this is due to too much moistness/dampness sitting around in one spot for this needs that the room as well around the tank has great air circulation for if moistness sets in one area and stays, you would see mold on your window frames.
Yes, a bleach/water mix will do fine. The Kilz site is for the brand I mentioned, they have many products. Just go to your local Lowes or Home Depot and ask them for one that will work in your situation. Then I'd seal it with either another Kilz product or a basic polyurethane. This won't prevent mold but it will seal the wood and allow you to wipe it down if it were to become a problem again. However..if you use the fans and an open top.back with the canopy you should be able to avoid future mold.
GatorDrew
08-01-2007, 8:03 AM
Thanks Grins... I appreciate it.
The back of the canopy is already open... so I think I just need to get a couple of fans and hook them up. I'll also drill a couple of holes on the top of the canopy so air can get out there.
This is definitely my weekend project. Thank you very much!