To paint or not?

[MizTanks]

Would like to know what to do with the outside back of my tank. Paint it? If so, type of paint used?
Also the top and bottom frame of the tank has that fake wood grain. Can I paint that too? Would it just peal off with time, better yet will it peal off now?


There is nothing like being a REEFER!

[AZDesertRat]

I prefer to paint the backs of my tanks black. It really does not matter what paint you use as long as it is coated well, usually several light coats versus one thicker coat which tends to run and streak.
I have used Krylon in both a spray paint and brushed or rolled on from a can. I have also used no name or store brand paints and the worked just as well. I usually mask the trim off but it really does not matter.

Just be careful with hang on back devices like skimmers, overflows and HOB filters as they will scratch the paint if moved around a lot. I sometimes stick a small piece of felt on the contact points and that seems to work well. Its easy to touch the paint up though if it gets scratched, a dab on a paper towel goes on easy and requires no clean up.

[schminksbro]

What he said:)

[steve&mari]

Also trim should be sanded lightly before you paint it if you do. My son n I built our stand and used some blue n black marble laminate from a thrift store for few bucks did top of stand with it and also covered black trim on tank with it. When we finish conapy it also will be covered to match. Back of tank is painted blue so it all blends. As said any paint should work go with a outdoor paint though will hold up lil better with it being so near saltwater. They also have really nice adheasive backgrounds now kinda like window tint for your car that work great. And adheasive spray for the other backgrounds that still allows it to be removed. Kinda 6 of 1 half doz. of the other. Lol
Steve


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[bigbill]

i used oil based paint on my back its thicker and did a realy good job with only 2 coats but i would deffently paint it

[schminksbro]

The only problem with adhesive backgrounds is that a drip of saltwater can get between them and the glass which make for an ugly eyesore. Paint won't allow that to happen. I use krylon spray paint. It is cheap and easy and it works well.

Also trim should be sanded lightly before you paint it if you do. My son n I built our stand and used some blue n black marble laminate from a thrift store for few bucks did top of stand with it and also covered black trim on tank with it. When we finish conapy it also will be covered to match. Back of tank is painted blue so it all blends. As said any paint should work go with a outdoor paint though will hold up lil better with it being so near saltwater. They also have really nice adheasive backgrounds now kinda like window tint for your car that work great. And adheasive spray for the other backgrounds that still allows it to be removed. Kinda 6 of 1 half doz. of the other. Lol
Steve


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[floydie83]

Paint it for sure...I think my took 3 coats of black spray paint.

[Heidi]

I didn't paint my hex I am just letting the panel that is against the wall cover up with algae, so its like a combo of purple, green, red and red from the wall behid it. Just a different approach. (no right or wrong) I like a natural look as you can see from me "leaving my algae in my tank alone" :)

[MUCHO REEF]

"To paint or not? " I would say Not. Why? Glass, by nature of its smooth surface, is not a desireable surface for paint to adhere to. If you have cords, cables, wires, hoses with clamps, hang on devices etc, that will dangle and possibly scratch the paint, it now becomes an eyesore. I have always used a black of blue piece of aquarium backing from any LFS. I don't like using glue as it is nearly impossible to get it perfect with an airless finish. Instead, I will measure and cut the backing both vertically and horizontally, leaving 3/8" or so excess on the top and bottom cut. It your tank has a black plastic edge, as most tanks do, I'd slide the top upwards and underneath this edge starting at the top then sticking the bottom edge inside the black trim. I have done this with every tank I have ever own and it looks greats. But now you have to seal it to prevent any splashed water from dripping between the glass and the backing. I use basis 1" clear tape to seal all four edges. It is a flawless and seamless finish. Make sure you don't crinkle your backing as it will show through when viewed from the front of the tank. Good luck my friend.

Just my 2 cents.

Mucho Reef

[MizTanks]

I wish I were artistic enough to do this. I watched this guy make it and man talk about taking your time, and a lot of it. It's all made from Styrofoam.

http://www.instructables.com/image/FLPM3GNGEI92LLZ/3D-Aquarium-Background.jpg

[Heidi]

oh man I love that Miz! Next tank for me maybe I will try it. Is that inside or outside the tank? Made out of styrofoam? Wonder how it holds up.

[cg5071]

I didnt look at the clip but if you want to try sculpting a background of some sort (foam ect.), ciclid tank builds do alot of that. aquaria central or something.

My first tank was not painted and my second was. From now on I will have them painted or a solid color. Color is a personal choice but black is my fave, it looks endless. I have an acrylic that the back is the color of the blue on the edges of the forum boards. Nice but IMO the black is nicer. Painted, you dont see cords ect all hanging down the back of the tank a much cleaner look IMO.

[MizTanks]

Having painted the back of my tank (FW) once already, I found it to be a *PITA* speaking of which I am going to have to scrape it off before I put it up. I had a hob filter and every time I had to remove the FM it would scratch the paint. So Ive decided to go with Blue Water backing. I found it at Forster&Smith. If done right it should look great.

@Heidi: It is on the inside. Which to me is a wonderful idea. What a great place to put frags and have little places that fish can rest upon. I'm sure it could be scaled down to fit just about any tank and made thin so as not to take up to a lot of space. One very cool thing this guy did, was created it so it acted as his internal over flow. There for loosing less water volume.

[greenstarfish03]

My old tank was in the wall and I tried the tank backing first and hated it. I went to home depot and got a small can of oil based rustoleum deep blue paint and painted the back of my glass tank and it was perfect. I think it took two coats and I never had a scratching issue at all in 6 years. To me its the only way to go. I got a new tank when I moved into my new house and I rushed to get it into place and I forgot to paint it before I filled it and I regret it b/c its to close to the wall to do now.

[MizTanks]

Since I'm going to be using a HOB refugium it may be better for me to use the blue water backing.

[steve&mari]

I've seen this used when I move tank it'll be put on. Paints chipped some. It was on for couple years n was still perfect till they pealed it right off then with water was used again for school project for our son (got a on ocean bio world) iam prob going to run clear tape on edges for a back up to salt creep. I also did my 3 fw tanks as Mucho said n belive water won't run up to get behind it if tucked into trim ring on the tank.
Steve