Reef Safe Paint?!

[rbraunberger]

Hello all,

I have a RedSea reefer, and like most I am wanting to do some MORE DIY to the tank. I really wanted a refugium, and have looked online at many sumps. Sad thing is that most sumps out there do not really fit the configuration of the Reefer system. Many people have converted their ATO container over to refugiums, but I was always concerned about the excess light in the sump growing more algae outside of the refugium. I was thinking about possibly painting the glass black or covering it with something to prevent light escaping. The bottom would be exposed to water, but the sides not so much. What are everyones thoughts?! Thanks in advance for any and all ideas/suggestions!

Happy Reefing!

 

[SteveSTL]

Krylon fusion may work with acrylic. It would probably be simpler just to get a piece of black acrylic and a dab of silicon to hold it in place. That should effectively block all light.

 

[don_chuwish]

Or really thin sheets of black plastic of any kind really. Silicone doesn't stick really well to acrylic but it sticks well enough for this.

 

[ksfulk]

I know of a few people that have used the liquid rubber products (FlexSeal or similar) in similar application before with success. I'm not sure of the long term issues that could be implicated, but they had successful reefs while it was in play.

 

[Rory's Reef]

I turned my ATO container into a fuge as well and while I've had no issues so far with anything growing in the sump, I was also considering doing something as a precaution (Until recently when I decided to order a new sump ). I read somewhere that someone used Plasti Dip. I never looked into it myself, but maybe something to scope out and check to see if it actually is reef safe.

 

[vertigo01]

If you want the DIY to look a bit more OEM, take you dimensions to a local sign shop and have them cut you out the sizes you need from adhesive backed vinyl.

 

[jonny]

I turned my ATO container into a fuge as well and while I've had no issues so far with anything growing in the sump, I was also considering doing something as a precaution (Until recently when I decided to order a new sump ). I read somewhere that someone used Plasti Dip. I never looked into it myself, but maybe something to scope out and check to see if it actually is reef safe.

I am by no means an expert on this, but I have/do use plastidip on one of my tanks trim that contacts water pretty frequently, and I've seen no negative effects from this. Only fish right now, but this tank did house corals in a previous build. I sprayed on thick, rinsed well when it was good and dry and said "here goes".

 

[40B Knasty]

I use this to paint the back of my tanks. $8 at Walmart or Michaels. Use a sponge roller only. It is non toxic. 40m dry times per coat. 3 is fine. 5 is not going to scratch. Run a fan on it to speed up the dry time. You can get a sponge roller w/ tray and mini sponge brush for like $3 at Ocean State Job lot or Big Lots kind of store. Cheap, easy, and non toxic!