The friendliest place on the web for anyone with an interest in aquariums or fish keeping!
If you have answers, please help by responding to the unanswered posts.
Wood from hardware stores is generally treated with chemicals to stop rot and the elements bugs an such even if it hasnt its probably in someway come into contact with it so you should probably think about an alternative
Plenty of better sources than Home Depot or Lowes? I have a local mill by me, "non treated" pine, ash and oak. I know people get it to create furniture.