Painting the back of a tank, what color do you prefer?

[brokekyle]

set up another system 2 months ago.. went straight for the purple acrylic spray paint

 

[ReefBum1]

here's a shot of my tank when it was less than a year old. keep in mind that coraline algea in many reef tanks will cover most of the glass in the back, but i like black since it "deepens" the look.

 

[Anonymous]

Black only. Anything else is a "color" and to my eye detracts from the colors in the tank.

 

[JohnD]

There is nothing like a yellow tang swimming across a tank with a black painted background!

 

[rwillden]

Sorry to ask such a dumb question, but what type of paint is best to use?

Thanks

 

[Anonymous]

Sorry to ask such a dumb question, but what type of paint is best to use?

Thanks

any typical acrilyc based paint should work fine-krylon, rustoleum, etc.try using a matte, rather than a glossy, finish(less reflection from the 'mirror' effect painting will produce-if you lay the tank flat,face down, you'll get minimal 'dripping'/'running'-2 to 3 coats(light)should do the trick!

hth

 

[Doug M.]

I painted mine with an aqua green so it looks as if the water goes on forever. I think if I were to do it again it I "fade" it with that and a dark blue. Or maybe i would just tape one of those plastic under water scenes accross the back. :lol:

 

[spongeboob]

I couldn't decide so I painted one half black and one half blue. No not really. Although mine is currently dark blue plastic stuff, I'm convinced black is best. I've taken pictures which I edited, changing the blue to black and the black looks much better.

 

[spongeboob]

Vitz wrote " if you lay the tank flat,face down, you'll get minimal 'dripping'/'running'-2 to 3 coats(light)should do the trick! "


:lol: I understand that this is so the paint doesn't run, but won't this cause all of the water to exit the tank.

 

[Anonymous]

Vitz wrote " if you lay the tank flat,face down, you'll get minimal 'dripping'/'running'-2 to 3 coats(light)should do the trick! "


:lol: I understand that this is so the paint doesn't run, but won't this cause all of the water to exit the tank.

well, i did assume you hadn't filled it yet ..:lol:
and i was talking about spray painting-but, anyway, if you ventilate the room thoroughly,regular brush should be o.k. it will take a couple or three coats to cover completely-do you have enough space behind the tank to paint? :wink:

 

[spongeboob]

Sure do. THANKS.
I'm assuming I should turn the hood fan off prior to painting, since the fan blows in. Should I reverse the fan to help keep fumes from entering the tank. The fan is located just above the rear glass that would be painted.

 

[Anonymous]

i would leave all the equipment off, and the tank, and sump, if you got one,covered w/a damp towel.

use a window fan on high speed,blowing to outside,as far away from the door as possible, to ensure maximum cross ventilation-as soon as the paint is relatively dry(abit 'tacky' is o.k.) turn pumps back on, and the fans/lights, too-leave the window fan running until the painting is completely finished and dry-you should be fine!

good luck