Questions about sealing wood

[whatsherface]

I've been doing a bunch of research and idea scouting for building a custom enclosure for my collection. I'm currently keeping everything in tanks with the exception of two balls, and with further research I've decided I'd like to get them out of there. I'd like to get some display encosures, butI don't quite have the cash to purchase from any of the recommended builders I've seen on the forum. I thought making one myself might help me fit my own aesthetic and maybe save a bit of money. I was planning on using a bookshelf from Ikea, sealing the edges of the shelves with aquarium silicone, adding some substrate dams, ventilated plexiglass doors, and heating elements. I pretty much have the plans roughed out, but I have one last question.

Do I need to seal the wood if it already has a finish on it? I see a lot of people finishing wood with polyvinyl after staining it, but since I won't be starting with plywood or similar, I wasn't sure if I needed that step. I probably will, just to protect against any issues with humidity and moisture affecting the material but I thought I would lob the idea out there and see what people thought.

[Danomano]

I will be using melamine to build my enclosures with. It's cost is relatively cheap. $23 for a 4' x 8' sheet of it. It already has a plastic like shell on the wood and is very easy to clean. Google acrylic and you should get a list of local plastic shops that could cut you the pieces you would need for the front of the enclosure.

[whatsherface]

I will be using melamine to build my enclosures with. It's cost is relatively cheap. $23 for a 4' x 8' sheet of it. It already has a plastic like shell on the wood and is very easy to clean. Google acrylic and you should get a list of local plastic shops that could cut you the pieces you would need for the front of the enclosure.

I don't really have the tools or knowledge necessary to build something from scratch. I'd be afraid anything I made from bare bones would fall apart! I also want it to read as furniture and not just as a box. Which is exactly what it would look like if I made it myself. I know that Lowes will cut plexi for free with the purchase, so that's covered.

[dillan2020]

I'd get the plexi from a glass shop. it will be cheaper and I've seen a lot of stuff pre cut by lowes and home depot that are off by 1/2 inch or more from what it's supposed to be.

[whatsherface]

I'd get the plexi from a glass shop. it will be cheaper and I've seen a lot of stuff pre cut by lowes and home depot that are off by 1/2 inch or more from what it's supposed to be.

Thanks for the tip! Do you think the existing finish on Ikea bookshelves is enough? Or should I use a polyvinyl finish on it?

[dillan2020]

It wouldn't hurt to put some polly on it just to be sure it's sealed.

[whatsherface]

It wouldn't hurt to put some polly on it just to be sure it's sealed.

Alright, thanks for the advice!