To paint or not to paint

[I Take Cars]

Starting a new tank and before I do the final placement and add water. Do I paint the back black? Does anyone have any pics of painted backs?

 

[Joey waid]

Paint.......

 

[CodyRVA]

I say paint, but it's preference. Some reefers use a laminate cover or something similar to avoid painting the glass. In the end the back glass will eventually be covered with coralline so in the long haul it's not a huge deal. I've painted both blue and black, again personal preference but I like the blue.

 

[FMF0331]

I use a blue vinyl sticky thing ( similar to tints )
ordered it from "that pet place"

 

[recess62]

I sprayed with black plastidip. Just peels off if you decide you want to remove or change colors

 

[I Take Cars]

I sprayed with black plastidip. Just peels off if you decide you want to remove or change colors

Im gonna try this I think

 

[recess62]

Im gonna try this I think

Cool. I used 1 can on my 90. It will take a few coats to get it 100% opaque

 

[john.m.cole3]

Im gonna try this I think

I recommend against this stuff. I tried it on my 72. 3 cans later I could still see the sun shining through and if you put a mag cleaner to it, it would peel off. The best way to paint a back of a tank is to ROLL on Krylon Fusion.

 

[Rick.45cal]

Paint it black, I masked everything I didn't want paint on it with plastic roll that has masking tape on one side (you can get it in the paint department of your friendly hardware store). You can easily cover all the aquarium and prevent any overspray from getting inside or on the stand (if you are dealing with a big tank you can't easily take off the stand). It's super quick and easy to do, then just rattle can it black (or whatever color). I'm very happy with it.

 

[ksfulk]

I painted the back of my last tank blue. Painters tape to mask off the trim and cover the drilled holes for the overflows and returns, then three - four coats of Krylon Fusion paint. Give it a good long time to dry between coats to make it stick well and be even.

 

[chefjpaul]

I just painted my new elos black. It looks sick!!!!

I used a small roller. About 4 coats.

 

[cracker]

I have access to the back of my tank. I want to see back there. I've used material from Micheal's to cover the back. Looks Ok and can be removed !

 

[recess62]

I recommend against this stuff. I tried it on my 72. 3 cans later I could still see the sun shining through and if you put a mag cleaner to it, it would peel off. The best way to paint a back of a tank is to ROLL on Krylon Fusion.

It is true that you can not use a mag cleaner as it will damage the plastidip. However if this is the back of the tank up against a wall then how would you use a mag cleaner? I know I can't reach back there. I will reiterate that I used 1 can on my 90 and have no light penetration.

 

[Rjramos]

The best thing to me mentioned above and what I use is the laminate similar to car tints. Some people get scared of the application process, but it's actually quite simple, just like the guy that tints your car windows but easier cause you are working with a flat rectangular glass. Just cut a bit larger. Spray mild soapy water to glass. Peel backing from laminate spray adhesive side and place as accurately as possible, (it will slide around), squeeze bubbles with credit card or squeegee and then trim edges with razor blade. Comes out super professional! The only caution I advise is don't let the adhesive side come in contact with itself once you peel the backing off.

 

[revhtree Verified Admin]

I personally like the option to change the change colors from black to blue, etc..

 

[revhtree Verified Admin]

I painted the back of my last tank blue. Painters tape to mask off the trim and cover the drilled holes for the overflows and returns, then three - four coats of Krylon Fusion paint. Give it a good long time to dry between coats to make it stick well and be even.

Is this tank set up yet?

 

[themcnertney]

On my 220 I got black acrylic cut to size then got small strips that were 3" by the length I needed. I glued the strips top and bottom. This allows me to slide the panels in and out. Just a thought.

 

[revhtree Verified Admin]

On my 220 I got black acrylic cut to size then got small strips that were 3" by the length I needed. I glued the strips top and bottom. This allows me to slide the panels in and out. Just a thought.

Innovation! I love it! Can you snap some photos of the strips and the acrylic panel and maybe start a separate thread about the process? I would like to feature it!

 

[themcnertney]

Innovation! I love it! Can you snap some photos of the strips and the acrylic panel and maybe start a separate thread about the process? I would like to feature it!

Absolutely. I will do so when I get home.

 

[afamousjohnson]

Ya I used black cloth on my last one attached with velcro on top n bottom trim. Idea was I could change out color. Sometimes blue some times black and on holidays could play with funny stuff - like cloth with a turkey on it or Santa and so on. The back of tank was semi accessible on this tank tho