Mirror back tank for saltwater

[greatwyte]

I am considering setting up a 48 gal. mirror back reef tank. I'm not specificaly going for the look. I have the tank leftover from a previous freshwater setup. I have heard that salt creep will ruin the mirror finish. I was thinking about trying to seal the back (outside is where the mirror finish is) with varnish or something. Has anyone had any experience with this, or have a suggestion of what to use to coat the mirror finish with?

 

[shrimpy brains]

Not sure about the salt creep, but I tried a mirror back on my salt tank years ago. Took it off not long after, as I had a problem with my angel and other one per species fish attacking their reflections.

Was afraid it was too much stress and they might hurt themselves. JMHO

 

[scsinet]

Originally Posted by Shrimpy Brains
http:///forum/post/3020519

Not sure about the salt creep, but I tried a mirror back on my salt tank years ago. Took it off not long after, as I had a problem with my angel and other one per species fish attacking their reflections.

Was afraid it was too much stress and they might hurt themselves. JMHO

+1. Fish do see their own reflections, but are not smart enough to distinguish the reflection of themselves from another fish.
Given the wide range of saltwater fish that do not tolerate similar species (Tangs, Angels, Basslets, Pseudochromis, et al), you'd probably be restricting yourself quite a bit.
I agree... a fish that is attacking it's own reflections is going to be stressed.

 

[t316]

+ 2...I am having this problem now, and I don't even have a mirror. The fish are seeing their reflection in the black plastic. Mainly the tangs, but they go crazy, so I would say a big NO to the mirror.