Thanks! I've planned this build for a little over a year now, so I'm glad it shows. Depending on how drylock works out, I may try pond shield in the future. I plan on adding a bead of silicone around the inside seams as well. I do want to stain the outside, just need to find one that I like first.
I am glad that my dad was willing to help me. He doesn't entirely understand the whole snake-keeping thing, but he tries.