Blacking out the back of your tank

[CubanPete]

So I'm a newbie. About 7 months into it. I put my 72 gal pretty close to the wall. A few month ago I saw that 'oh wow', I can paint the back of my tank and make things POP. Duh. Now I'm trying to figure out how to do it. I am planning on usin limo tint. Just don't know any ingenious ways to get behind the tank. I have a little bit of room, but only maybe for the wife's arms to get behind. Would it be advisable to try and move the tank and stand like 6 inches? Seems dangerous. Any thoughts? Prudence says wait till the next tank, but I've never been prudent

 

[Squishie89]

Why don't you just get a black background? You could then easily attach to the back with the help of your wife and have roughly the same effect.

 

[CubanPete]

Will it look as clean? Don't think I've seen them anywhere. Do they just stick on like a sticker?

 

[Joe Knows Reefs]

I definitely wouldn't advise moving the tank. The black background from an LFS should be relatively easy to apply as is. The window tint would have worked nicely though...I've used it before. Black generally gives the tank more "depth" while blue gives more "pop" and is more natural looking IMO. Good luck!

 

[CubanPete]

Blue is better for colors? Huh. Woulda thought black. Dang it. Now I have to look at pics of pretty tanks. Lol. Anyone have theirs 'did'???

 

[MitchReef]

Dr. James Fatheree who wrote the Tridacnid Clam book did a research study on lighting and found that painting or sticking anything to the glass actually causes notable light loss...reason is that the glass reflects light back into the tank, not just from the inside surface of the glass, but also from the outside surface of the glass...I recommend taking a black (or blue) piece of plexiglass, or even the cheap lexan they sell at the Depot, painted the color of choice and put it behind the tank, not in contact with the glass....

I know this is a strange concept but having contact with the glass (especially painting it) can rob up to 20% of the total light reflected by the glass....Realize that the reflection of the glass is why we have that intense light in the tank, but not in the Living Room....

 

[MrSquid]

What about some black foam core? Velcro it to the rim of your tank. Within a year (or less) the back will be covered with coralline and you probably won't be able to tell it isn't painted on.

And after I wrote that I read the post above mine. Interesting stuff! Black plexi would be a great way to go. Can be tough to find locally, but easy to find online.

 

[FragStar101]

Painters touch at home depot is perfect to apply on glass

 

[ruppertb]

If you check out my build I used a product from fosters and smith I like alot

Sent from my LGL75C using Reef2Reef Aquarium Forum mobile app

 

[CubanPete]

Interesting read on the loss of light. It's kinda funny though, because someone, somewhere else published a story about how light levels increase with a painted back. I wonder if these studies take into account that the tank is often against a wall anyway, which almost sorta kinda is like it painted? I love the plexiglass idea. I think I my go that route. The only issue I can think of is if it is separated, even slightly, water can still get between the plexi and the tank, and I would think those saltwater trails would show up more, right?

 

[tidus10]

if you get kylon plastic paint or plastic dip, you can spray the back of the tank, or jsut get a qt of blue paint and a roller.. i did the back of my tank blue.. i love it

 

[AKiesling]

Use black wrapping paper if cost is a factor. Way cheaper than all these other options.

 

[turbo21]

an acrylic sheet and put the window tint on that, then attatch it to your tank with velcro. best in my book

bob

 

[tidus10]

Can't go wrong with blue

I'll get a better photo later


~Tidus

 

[CubanPete]

Wrapping paper is awesome to compare which looks better. Man that's a good idea. Then the Velcro and piece of plexi on the outside may just be the winner. Great thread all and thanks for the ideas. I'm intrigued about putting the foam inside and waiting for coraline. Anyone ever do that/got pics? Man. Nice stuff all.

 

[CubanPete]

And that rock scape looks awesome tidus.

 

[Dave A]

Can't go wrong with blue

But until they start making blue powerheads, black is better for hiding equipment.

 

[Bakapuma]

I use a black latex pant. I apply with a sponge. Let it dry. Then apply a second coat.