"Trough" Part 1

I expect my "stock tank" to arrive today at ACE Hardware. In the meantime I went to Home Depot to buy the bare necessities to construct my one "trough." The plan* calls for two 8x4 foot "troughs" but I am building one and will add one later if need be. The plan also called for 1/4" ACX treated plywood. Home Depot and other local stores did not carry the treated plywood therefore I bought untreated standard 1/4" plywood. I then had Home Depot make my cuts.

I then went to the paint aisle with the intent of treating the plywood myself.  My goal is to keep cost to a minimum and therefore decided to buy the recommended white semi-gloss latex exterior paint and apply two to three coats instead of treating the wood. We will see how long this lasts. The bottle of preservative costs about $15 to cover the one box but I decided against it. Here is what I bought at Home Depot, yesterday.

Check the cost/item tab list for prices.

• 1 sheet of 1/4" plywood (cut for free by them - 2 pieces at 96" x 12" and 2 pieces at 54" x 12") 
• 1 box of 1 1/4 drywall screws not galvanized (cheaper and will be covered with paint) 
• 1 gallon of Glidden white semi-gloss latex exterior paint 
• 3 2x4x8 treated 

* I am using the 64 sq ft Friendly Aquaponics model.