Black back ground

mch1984 · Jan 12, 2018

I'm sure this has been asked 1000 times, but how many have used window tint on the back of the aquarium? I have painted tanks with success, but my new one has to be the nicest tank I've ever owned. For some reason I don't feel right painting it, I know that sound dumb. Just wondering if anybody has ever had luck with it? If done right any issue with it peeling back off like the aquarium backgrounds stores sale? Below is what I'm considering using and I also attached a picture of the new tank just to show it off lol.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Gila-36-in-x-78-in-Black-Privacy-Window-Film-PB78/100618512

hybridazn · Jan 12, 2018

I used black vinyl on mine. I went to a sign shop and bought enough to black out the glass and it goes on just like window tint. I suggest doing that

fishybizzness · Jan 12, 2018

What brand of tank is that? Its really nice. I'm thinking of going to a sca 120 from a 55 .

mch1984 · Jan 12, 2018

hybridazn said:
I used black vinyl on mine. I went to a sign shop and bought enough to black out the glass and it goes on just like window tint. I suggest doing that

Are you talking about the stuff with adhesive? If so, how hard is it to get back off if you needed to?

mch1984 · Jan 12, 2018

fishybizzness said:
What brand of tank is that? Its really nice. I'm thinking of going to a sca 120 from a 55 .

Thank you very much! I'm very proud of this one. It is a planet aquarium tank.

hybridazn · Jan 12, 2018

mch1984 said:
Are you talking about the stuff with adhesive? If so, how hard is it to get back off if you needed to?

No harder than window tint. Probably a bit easier

mch1984 · Jan 12, 2018

mmm, i never expected this to be such a hard choice.

fishybizzness · Jan 12, 2018

If you have a boat supply store close by you can get some Marine grade window film. It might cost a little more but will be able to handle the salt creep and drips better than something designed for a car or home.

mch1984 · Jan 12, 2018

fishybizzness said:
If you have a boat supply store close by you can get some Marine grade window film. It might cost a little more but will be able to handle the salt creep and drips better than something designed for a car or home.

Ha, I wish! I live in the middle of the desert.

fishybizzness · Jan 12, 2018

Online it is then!! Lol

gfox · Jan 12, 2018

fishybizzness said:
Online it is then!! Lol

I had someone from a truck shop put the window tint on a new tank.I like it.

Pntbll687 · Jan 12, 2018

I just used high gloss construction paper. My wife is in advertising and had a big roll, so i commandeered enough for the tank. Used good ole scotch tape to hold it on. You cant see it from the sides so everything worked out fine, and I can easily remove it if need be.

mch1984 · Jan 12, 2018

Well I’m going to do something this weekend. I’ll update when I decide

Scratch08 · Jan 12, 2018

I bought some blackout film from Amazon for my 75 gal, think it was around $25. Name on box is Buy Decorative Film, pretty sure that's how it was listed on Amazon too. Goes on just like window tint. Seems to stick good.

tom39 · Jan 12, 2018

I have used window tint on my last few aquariums and have never had any issues with it pealing or bubbling. I picked it up at one of the franchise Auto Parts big box stores. My oldest tank using the tint is 4yrs old and it looks as good as it did the day I put it on. Just make sure that if you don't want to see through it that you use blackout or 5% VLT.
One thing to note is that there is a big difference between the look of static cling film and actual window tint, so make sure that you use actual window tint.

HIH,
Tom