Starboard as tank backing

[trwells]

Has anyone used black starboard as a tank backing inside the aquarium on the back glass? Is there a cheaper alternative? Any problems with trying this?

Thanks,
Travis

[dc_909]

I wouldn't just because glass is easier to clean. Why not color the outside of the aquarium?

[AnimaliA]

I cant imagine a problem with using it...other than it would be bright until something colonized on top of it (I am not sure coralline would grow on it). Never saw it done myself...

[samson78945]

just paint the backside with a glass or acrylic paint

[trwells]

I suppose it's to give the rock something to lean against and eliminate the need of cleaning anything. Doesn't coralline grow on starboard in bare bottom systems?

[2fishy]

Static window tint at the home improvement store. Just don't remove the white paper that keeps it from sticking together. Well, that's what I used because I didn't know to color the back of the aquarium before I set up the aquarium.

[corndogg]

I used black vinyl. The same stuff used for graphics and signs. It was easy to apply and easier to remove if I decide I don't want black anymore.

Originally posted by dc_909
I wouldn't just because glass is easier to clean. Why not color the outside of the aquarium?

I agree w/ both points. With Glass, you can use a razor to clean. Also, there's no reason to hassle with trying to find a way to put it inside the tank when coloring the outside (back) is so much easier. Plus, you don't have to worry about the product you are using is toxic to your tank inhabitants

[xenon]

Originally posted by trwells
Doesn't coralline grow on starboard in bare bottom systems?

Yes it does

[hahnmeister]

Or, rather than just a background... make the back wall part of the rockwork...

I make aragacrete rock walls for the back of the tank... you arent looking through it, and with a rock there you dont have to clean it... so make it a rock and use it to mount corals!

Or, get them pre-made out of ceramic...
http://www.captiveoceans.com/mm5/mer...egory_Code=BWP

[alan214]

Originally posted by trwells
I suppose it's to give the rock something to lean against and eliminate the need of cleaning anything. Doesn't coralline grow on starboard in bare bottom systems?

The LR will lean safely againt the glass with no issues. You could also aquascape in such a way as the rock does not need to touch the glass but I understand how that might not fit in with your plans. Coralline will definitely grow on the Starboard and be harder to remove from it than glass.

I guess it boils down to whether you ever plan to remove the coralline from the back glass.

Is there some other reason you want the Starboard on the back, other than possibly as a background? If not, I just don't see enough merits to incur the extra cost. Plus, I don't think it will look that good.

[omni2226]

If its not filled with water yet,use great stuff foam.

It dries fairly fast so have materials on hand before starting.

Use coarse crushed coral and rock rubble. Spray a section,set the rocks and sprinkle on the coral as it dries.

A "fake" rock wall that looks good and you can make little "shelves" for mounting corals later.

[Jason2301]

I saw this stuff called aquadark (or something close to that) that was window tint for marine aquariums. I was told it did not insulate and did some other stuff. Sorry, it was about a month ago. Price wise it was cheap and it was pre cut for standard tank sizes. Cool stuff.

[Jason2301]

Sorry for the double post.

[trwells]

ok, well it seems that the general consensus is not to use black starboard on the back of the tank. I was asking because I had been considering trying this but was aware that it would be rather expensive. I will probably just paint the back glass.

Thanks for the responses.

Travis