painting back of tank VS. plastic background

[cmsurfr22]

before i set up my tank i'm considering painting the back of the tank either black or blue. i have a sheet of the plastic background which is blue on one side and black on the other

some food for thought:

1. i'm thinking black would be better than blue as it will help hide the overflows since they are black
2. paint is kind of messy
3. plastic can look like crap if water gets between the glass and plastic
4. thought about using double side tape across the top of the plastic to avoid #3
5. i know coraline will eventually cover the back wall but this is so i don't have to look at cords for a year
6. what kind of paint do you use?

thoughts, suggestions, and ideas are all welcome

 

[tbone212371]

I did the plastic of both colors...
Hated it after a while...
Then when I torn down the tanks and drilled them both..
I painted the backs both blue!
Love it and makes the tanks so much much brighter!
And also helps with the pop of the colors of corals..b
Not a dark blue though more of an aqua....

 

[cmsurfr22]

I did the plastic of both colors...
Hated it after a while...
Then when I torn down the tanks and drilled them both..
I painted the backs both blue!
Love it and makes the tanks so much much brighter!
And also helps with the pop of the colors of corals..b
Not a dark blue though more of an aqua....

what kind of paint did you use?

 

[tbone212371]

I used a latex enamel from Home depot.. Bear brand..
I did like 5+ coats with a roller..
It was simple and easy... one tank each weekend...
If I did it again I would use an oil based enamel...
Alot of people spray the glass but I choose to roller it..

 

[rgarofalo]

paint is way better. The plastic stuff that you tape on water and salt creep get inbetwwn and ruin the look

 

[redfishbluefish]

I’ve done two tanks….both using spray paint.

In one case I painted the glass directly. Very easy to do. Just tape off what you don’t want covered with paint, and spray. Do multiple coats, letting it dry between coats. It really doesn’t matter what brand because the paint isn’t going to be subjected to wear and exposure.

The other tank, I sprayed poster board material that was like corrugated cardboard, except it was plastic. I first cut the board to fit snuggly between the upper and lower tank frame and then painted the board. This way I can remove the back panel to see into the tank. When in place, you can’t tell it is removable. It looks just like the painted tank. I’m actually thinking about scraping the painted tank and using this poster board for that tank as well.

 

[cmsurfr22]

I’ve done two tanks….both using spray paint.

In one case I painted the glass directly. Very easy to do. Just tape off what you don’t want covered with paint, and spray. Do multiple coats, letting it dry between coats. It really doesn’t matter what brand because the paint isn’t going to be subjected to wear and exposure.

The other tank, I sprayed poster board material that was like corrugated cardboard, except it was plastic. I first cut the board to fit snuggly between the upper and lower tank frame and then painted the board. This way I can remove the back panel to see into the tank. When in place, you can’t tell it is removable. It looks just like the painted tank. I’m actually thinking about scraping the painted tank and using this poster board for that tank as well.

Where did you get the board

 

[duijver]

I've considered using 1/4" foam board that is already blue - home depot. It comes in 4x8 sheets and I suspect that it might help keep the tank warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.. although I suspect not much.

 

[jonathan.]

I used a latex enamel from Home depot.. Bear brand..
I did like 5+ coats with a roller..
It was simple and easy... one tank each weekend...
If I did it again I would use an oil based enamel...
Alot of people spray the glass but I choose to roller it..

I think rollering it gives it a nicer texture.

 

[redfishbluefish]

Where did you get the board

My daughter got them while at RIT…she’s an artist….so I’m going to say an arts and crafts store. This is the same stuff a lot of political signs are made of. I think it’s called corrugated plastic poster board or sign board.

I think rollering it gives it a nicer texture.

You’re painting the back-side of polished glass…that is, looking at the paint through the glass. It is not going to have any texture. The only thing you might get, if you don’t have complete coverage, is a stippling effect.

 

[duijver]

btw, are you guys painting the tank before filling it or post-use? If you are doing it post-use how do you minimize contamination (air to water) or is there no worries if using low VOC paint?

 

[jonathan.]

You’re painting the back-side of polished glass…that is, looking at the paint through the glass. It is not going to have any texture. The only thing you might get, if you don’t have complete coverage, is a stippling effect.

Spray painting can be quite spotty if done in a crappy way. I like the way the glass looks when it's rollered on. That way it's always a pretty even coat.

 

[Hawkeye]

spray paint here as well. I followed MikeNapoli's lead HERE:

To me either one works but I dislike the salt creep with the plastic.

At the end of the day the entire back is going to be covered in coralline algae...or if you frag zoas/xenia.

 

[Singlemalt]

I used auto window tint - the darkest they have. Kind of a pain to get on without bubbles but not hard if you are patient. Looks good to me and it is removable if you don't like it.

 

[Phyl]

We've done plastic on all 3 of our tanks. Never had salt creep between the glass and plastic.

I've heard something about painting the glass reducing the light reflection and thereby making the tank darker. I'm surprised that the tank actually seems brighter with it painted.

 

[JRWOHLER]

Both my AP and Tech tank were already done so no effort on my part my FW is bare.

 

[blange3]

I used the foamcore or signboard being discussed. Black.

If you are careful when you cut it you can get a nice snug fit and it just snaps in.

Mine of course required some tape. One panel good, one not so much! ;D