I found vinyl covered pressed board at home depot for $6. Its just like pegboard without the holes, As one side is covered in vinyl that surface would be fairly slick for sliding tubs.


However as only one side is covered with vinyl i dont know how it would do between layers unless the othher side was painted.

When we build fishtanks with 2-4 sides being plywood we paint the plywood with swimming pool paint. It keeps the water in so done that way you shouldnt have any worries about wood pulling moisture. Its safe for the fish (after it has thoroughly dried).

I think the open closed depends upon your humidity. Low humidity (like here in Utah) you want fewer places for it to escape, high humidity you want a fairly open design.

Its pretty easy to make removable panels. You can set the back up like a door, just recess the hinges for a tight fit. Or you can make tabs that you flip down and over to keep the back panel in place. Either way when you have a problem just open the back and fix it.

Bdadawg