Backgrounds!

B

bildotang

Guest
Has anyone ever painted the back glass of their tank instead of using a background?
I had a blue background on my old tank, and sometimes it was a pain to play around with my filtration without breaking the tape.
I was thinking a non-toxic paint for the back, and I wanted to see if anyone else had done the same.
My tank has black trim and a black stand. I will either use blue paint or black. I'm not sure which will look better at night with a bright actnic bulb or moonlights.
 
vyperone

vyperone

Member
I painted the back of mine with a blue (light) paint.... Looks great compared to my 100g which I did not paint. Makes hiding the wires, cables, tubing, etc easier too.:joy:
 
blackomne

blackomne

Member
Here I was wondering the same thing. I have an older tank with black trim. I heard krylon was good earlier. I want a deep blue back drop on the tank. Any suggestions?
:thinking:
 
vyperone

vyperone

Member
I was told by my LFS to use krylon, but considering my years of experience painting, woodworking, etc., I knew that painting such a large area with a spray can would not be good. Instead I used an acrylic based paint form homedepot and chose a blue color I liked from the color charts.... I rolled it on. Be patient with the roller because the paint will want to seperate. The more you try to cover it up in one coat the more frustrated you will get. Roll one coat on, let it dry, then roll another. Repeat until you get full coverage. Mine looks like a million bucks.... If you spray you may not get an even coat and that may not look too good....
:jumping:
 
B

bildotang

Guest
Do you know if the paint was water based or oil? Does it even matter? And why was the paint trying to seperate..... because it was on glass?
 
beaslbob

beaslbob

Well-Known Member
I have put two 4' utility lights facing forward on the back glass.
The idea is to get that algae and plants life growing between the back glass and my in tank back wall refugium.
I was a little bright the first week but now seems to be darkening down as the plant life expands.
so hopefully, my back wall will be plant life.
 
vyperone

vyperone

Member
The paint seperates because it is glass. Use alcohol to clean it first. I used an oil based paint, I don't think it would matter much, except that the saltwater you may spill might damage it after a while. If you tell the people at home depot or where ever you go you are painting glass they will ---- their head to one side and tell you that you can't do. Or they will tell you to steel wool the glass... Don't do that.
 
soupysteve

soupysteve

Member
I was told that something to use instead of the typical background or paint (esp. if you have an established tank) is window tint (the darker the better). I plan on trying this out soon and I will let you all know how well it works.
 
T

thomas712

Guest
I used the stuff made by oceanvisions. Slid on with soap and water, no paint to mess with, comes in different colors.
Thomas
 
vyperone

vyperone

Member
The tint is a great idea... Just be sure you get all the air bubbles out when laying it. Use a credit card or squeegee to work from the center out... The soap and water is a definate must use for a good application.
 
B

bildotang

Guest
The mirror would probably look cool, but wouldn't that mess with some of the fish's sight?
 
lovethesea

lovethesea

Active Member

Originally posted by Thomas712
I used the stuff made by oceanvisions. Slid on with soap and water, no paint to mess with, comes in different colors.
Thomas
Thomas..........where do you find that stuff. All I ever see is the tape on stuff. I want our new upcoming tank to have a blue backgrond and I never had luck with the tape on stuff.
:)
 
beaslbob

beaslbob

Well-Known Member

Originally posted by bildotang
The mirror would probably look cool, but wouldn't that mess with some of the fish's sight?
Don't know but being as the fish see their reflections anyway probably not. or perhaps they will think they partied with the double reflections. :D
 
soupysteve

soupysteve

Member
ilovethesea -
I found the stuff you are asking about by copying and pasting the word in question into a google serach.
 
T

thomas712

Guest
lovethesea
Got it at my LFS, he carries it. Once its on it really looks like it has been painted by a pro, only no brush marks. So far after about 18 months I've only managed to put one small tiny rip in it.
Thomas
 
lovethesea

lovethesea

Active Member
thanks guys/gals.......no one around here carries it for some reason. It has to look good. I am just not wanting to paint the tank. (I change my mind too many times. ) Will google in a few minutes. :D (love that google)
thanks again
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top