Painting The Tank?

[rachellacy]

Hola --
My husband and I have not been involved with Salt Water Aquariums long. . .just about a year. We started out with a 20G and now have a 55G. I have a question that may seem a bit silly. I've noticed several forum posts (here and on some other sites) where people have suggested painting the back/sides either black or blue. Is this just for aesthetic purposes or does it serve some purpose? I know our lfs does this, but I had always just assumed it was for "show."
Thanks!!!! ~~ Rachel

 

[1journeyman]

Hello.
It's for show. but also to provide a dark area for your fish. That way they have one side protected from constant outside distractions. Shy fish will hide towards the "back" of the tank and will feel safer there.

 

[adamc1303]

It is just considred better than a taped back round I guess because it will aways look better, as per the color it is up to you. Mostly for style, but it is better then no back round unless the tank is against the wall, some say the reflection of the glass or acrylic stress the fish.

 

[mikeyjer]

Originally Posted by Adamc1303
It is just considred better than a taped back round I guess because it will aways look better, as per the color it is up to you. Mostly for style, but it is better then no back round unless the tank is against the wall, some say the reflection of the glass or acrylic stress the fish.
That's what I heard too! :happyfish

 

[ezee]

Rachel,
From what I have read most people do not paint the sides as well, expect in a quaratine tank or perhaps in-wall setup. I have mine painted black and I love the way it looks! I never have to worry about salt creep between my background and glass, it was pretty easy to do also.
E

 

[airforceb2]

I would suggest black only because it hides powerheads and such in your tank.

 

[0verfl0w]

Go black. I just did mine and it looks great. Masking tape, newspaper, and a can of black spray paint and you're good to go. Clean the glass really well before you apply the paint.

 

[bigtyguyy]

Guys i have a question about painting my tank. I am going to paint the back of the tank but im not sure about painting one of the sides that is in a corner. Im will have the front and one corner not painted. I think painting the back and one corner will look wierd right?
i have posted a pic so you can see what corner of the tank is visible and which isn't.

 

[ezee]

bigtyguyy,
I think you are right about it looking weird, sort of uneven. I also wouldn't paint the side, in case you ever want to move it somewhere. It looks like you have it far enough from the wall that you won't get too much reflection.
JMO
E

 

[acrylic51]

I don't think it would look weird.....My new 240 is kinda an in-wall setup and the 1 end of the tank is up against a white wall and who would want to look down the length of the tank and see a white wall??????? :scared: I wouldn't

 

[seahorse11]

Is there an easy way to remove the paint from the back of the tank? Will paint thinner harm the glass?

 

[rev]

Mr.Clean Magic Eraser

 

[2ndtimer]

Is it ok to paint the tank even though its up and running now?

 

[jdragunas]

i'd give that a big NO! You could contaminate the water, and then say bye-bye to everything in your tank.

 

[acrylic51]

Try scraping with a little mist of water and a razor blade

 

[benj420]

I painted the back and sides of my (acryic) 180 gallon in-wall with Rustoleum Deep Blue using a roller. I thought about spray, but it was much more expensive for the coverage and I didn't want to breathe the added fumes. It works great. I have painted my last few tanks and don't think I will ever buy the plastic roll stuff again.
For removal, I think a single-edge razor blade would work.
bigtyguyy - I would paint the one end, it won't look bad.

 

[seahorse11]

Wont using a razor blade scratch the glass? I want to go with the roll backgrounds of all blue or all black. I just want the option of changing the background if I feel like it. Thanks Rev, I will try the magic eraser.

 

[jdragunas]

razorblades won't scratch glass.. you'd be surprised at how durable it is... Acrylic on the otherhand, would scratch in a hearbeat by just mentioning the word "razor" near it... lol

 

[seahorse11]

LOL Jen, Thanks for the advice. I will try that too.

 

[fishieness]

i have heard that you can use acrylic paints to paint the back even if fish are already in there since it doesnt spray and wont go in the air? I this true? I just want to make sure before doing it myself or investing the money in some paint.