to paint or not to paint

[ShockSniper]

I'm about ready to set up my new tank (210 gallon) and I'm trying to decide if I'm going to paint it or not. Thoughts?
I currently have a 90 that is painted but i didn't do that. I bought it used so it came that way. Just looking for thoughts of what i should do.

Thanks

[Rabidgoose]

Yes, I say paint it. The harder question is what color. Mine is black but I would strongly consider blue if I were doing it all over again.

chuck

[bigbill]

Yes, I say paint it. The harder question is what color. Mine is black but I would strongly consider blue if I were doing it all over again.

chuck
+ one on this also look in to an oil based paint holds up to saltwater well and peels off like latex's if u want to change it

[ShockSniper]

+ one on this also look in to an oil based paint holds up to saltwater well and peels off like latex's if u want to change it

should i not use latex?

[bigbill]

should i not use latex?
na not sure how it holds up the oil based acts like it and holds up real well

[Danroth]

I used a latex paint. Peels off easily if you ever want it off, without trying to scrape with painting tools and scraping the glass. I went with black, after much debating between blue & black.

The reason I chose black is to help make the colors of my corals and fish stand out more; also to help 'blend in' the power heads, and the overflow box. I do not regret my decision in the slightest amount. Love how it looks.

[cephalotus]

Paint it, and I prefer black by far. Latex holds up just fine.

[ShockSniper]

thanks everyone. Going to let the wife decide the color.

---------- Post added at 08:12 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:11 PM ----------

also wanted to ask. Any techniques on painting it? Brush it or roll it? I'm sure I'll have to put on a few coats as well.

[cephalotus]

A brush or roller is fine, spraying is best. Two coats should do it.

[Tankster]

apply a background! Vinyl is another option Aquarium Decorations & Backgrounds: Blue Life USA Water Colors Aquarium Backgrounds (http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+6635+19785&pcatid=19785). I know Preuss sells something similar too.

[AZDesertRat]

Doesn't matter if its latex or not, the water or oil is only the carrier for the paint, once it dries its all the same.

I prefer black because I do not scrape or clean the back. I allow snails and fish to graze and corraline to grow and blue looks pretty bad after awhile compared to black if you don't clean it.

[jimsflies]

I've used latex in the past because it is easier to cleanup.

I like black myself. Equipment blends with it and it looks not as bad if coralline algae is grown over it in places.