Background Colors

[bkvreef]

I am looking at either painting or taping a background to my aquarium.
Any suggestions on color, or material?

 

[cmc3502]

when I first got my used 40 gallon I cleaned it all up and then taped off the back with masking tape and newspaper... then used some teal spray paint for the back of the tank... a did a couple of layers, the only thing is that you can scratch it off with your fingernail... but that being said, I have never had a problem with that happening...

 

[mikede]

Funny you should ask, I am currently taking a break in between letting coats dry for I am painting my 90 right now. I have just finished the third coat and I think that is all I will need. I went with black hobby paint, and I am rolling it on. I love the way it is coming out but I would warn you if you use this type of paint to use in well venilated area. It is only taking 15-20 minutes for each coat to dry completely. The results are awesome though. The black really makes the colors of fish/corals etc really jump out. I also have a black overflow and painting the back of the tank black will help it blend in better as well as powerheads etc etc.. Good luck. You can google aquarium backrounds and get some good ideas if you want really fancy.

 

[pbienkiewi]

I painted my 55gal and 30gal a light blue.......

 

[firefish9]

I recomend black or regal blue. It hides the equitment and brings out the fishs colors.Jmo

 

[petjunkie]

I have the cheap plastic tape on back kind, which is good because my first tank I did blue but for the next two I choose black. When I move the tank again I'll probably switch it to black. Glad I didn't paint it blue.

 

[michaeltx]

I like black it seems to really bring things out to the front of the tank to me.
Mike

 

[maelv]

I am painting mine a deep blue right now....my 135 had a light blue on it, but I really wasn't feeling it...the blue does look nice, however...I am thinking I should have gone black...we'll see.....

 

[michaeltx]

this is why I like black.
to me it just looks like it keeps going into the deep.
mike

 

[maelv]

I agree it does look nice......well I can always scrape off the paint and re-do.....we'll see...I may just keep it....

 

[shogun323]

Originally Posted by MichaelTX
I like black it seems to really bring things out to the front of the tank to me.
Mike
I'm with Mike on this one. Black adds a sense of depth and really brings out the colors of your tanks inhabitants.

 

[f14peter]

Interesting as we're right in the middle of deciding blue or black and have the two-sided backing tacked to the tank with blue showing right now. Right now, the Mrs is leaning toward the blue, me toward the black (Mainly because it makes the overflow, PHs, etc blend in, the blue strikes me as too bright).
Actually, I think a very dark blue would be best, thinking about painting the blue side of the backing with a darker blue.

 

[nigerbang]

I have to agree with Black or real dark Blue..It seems the darker the BG the more vibrant the fish and coral appear..just my opinion

 

[crazyaqua]

Black is great dark blue works well too

 

[wicked1]

I do like the looks of the Black Background ! Do you think window tint would work? Like limo tint or just the darkest you could get. It would be much cleaner and it wouldn't be permanent! Let me know if you think it would work before i waste my time and money trying it!! lmao....

 

[michaeltx]

I wouldnt the only reason is that you will have some saltcreep that will get between the glass and the tint and start to break it down no matter how well put on it is.
paint is fairly easy to remove with a little bit of mineral spirits. i either use krylon spray or enamal in the can to paint it on.
Mike

 

[zip]

My g/f painted the back of my tank with all sorts of crazy swarling colors. Looks kinda like a "stary night" on a fish tank lol. Not sure that I love it yet cuz its a little distracting from the natural enviorment, but at least it keeps her intrested in my hobby.