To Paint or Not to Paint?

sylfish · 07/29/2007, 07:17 PM

Am planning on moving everything from my 29 to a 60 g. FOWLR.
Any thoughts on benefit of painting back of tank vs. leaving it alone? Type of paint? Color?

Thinslis · 07/29/2007, 07:31 PM

It was suggested to me before I filled my 65 to paint the back of the tank. I wish I had listened to them. I'm not going to make that mistake again. I will probably either paint (blue or black) or I will do pond foam in the tank for a more realistic look. I got that idea from one of the tanks of the month an issue back or so.

Southern Boy · 07/29/2007, 07:32 PM

I've painted all my tanks and havn't regreted it once.Black makes your reef stand out more but blue makes it brighter.Krylon makes a good paint .H20 is the kind you want.

iwishtofish · 07/29/2007, 07:41 PM

I used Krylon Fusion, per the good advice I got when I posed the same question here. It says "for plastic" on the front of the can, but it seemed to adhere just fine. I was just very careful to completely cover all surfaces I didn't want sprayed - outside glass and completely sealed tank opening - with trash bags and masking tape. I used a sweeping side-to-side motion with the spray and used several coats, letting the paint dry between applications. I would do it outside and not breathe the stuff.

I painted mine black and I'm pleased with that. I am glad that I cannot see all my hoses, power cords, etc through the rear glass, but I guess that is strictly a personal choice, as is the color.

I'd look at full tank shots in the forums. Do whatever you think looks best to you, as you will be the one looking at it most of the time!

kuoka · 07/29/2007, 07:47 PM

I used a piece of black plexi-glass that I had made at the local plastic shop. But as others say, I agree black definitely looks better than blue IMO.

phunkie99 · 07/29/2007, 07:53 PM

what about that adhisive vinyl stuff that looks like solid window tint anyone use that or know where to get it?

kuoka · 07/29/2007, 08:22 PM

I've used it before and got it at my LFS. I opted against it the 2nd time around because of air bubbles and when I accidentally spilled water in the back, it got between the vinyl and glass. I had to take it off and let the tank dry again before I could put it back on. (try doing that when the tank is only 2 to 3" away from the wall. LOL

Good luck!

cowboyswife · 07/30/2007, 08:39 AM

I have painted all my tanks, except for my pico, with black krylon fusion. Just make sure the glass is really clean, and it will take like 3-5 coats. Use a flashlight inside the tank to check for missed spots.

zeemonstar · 07/30/2007, 09:12 AM

i would rather use an adhesive vinyl because then if you upgrade to a bigger tank, you can just take it off and sell it for more money than if you painted it. also you can switch between black and blue or whatever and give your tank a new look

07/29/2007, 07:17 PM	#1
sylfish Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Bucks County, PA Posts: 219	To Paint or Not to Paint? Am planning on moving everything from my 29 to a 60 g. FOWLR. Any thoughts on benefit of painting back of tank vs. leaving it alone? Type of paint? Color? __________________ Stupid is as stupid does. Current Tank Info: 56g FOWLR since March 08; CSS 65 Skimmer; MaxiJet 900 x 2;

07/29/2007, 07:31 PM	#2
Thinslis Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Madison, Ohio Posts: 1,658	It was suggested to me before I filled my 65 to paint the back of the tank. I wish I had listened to them. I'm not going to make that mistake again. I will probably either paint (blue or black) or I will do pond foam in the tank for a more realistic look. I got that idea from one of the tanks of the month an issue back or so. __________________ -B Current Tank Info: 40g breeder, ER-RS80, MP40w, 250w + 2xT5

07/29/2007, 07:47 PM	#5
kuoka Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: NorCal Cali Posts: 713	I used a piece of black plexi-glass that I had made at the local plastic shop. But as others say, I agree black definitely looks better than blue IMO. __________________ They say don't talk about someone unless you've walked a mile in their shoes.. But if you do, at least you'll be ahead of them AND have their shoes! :) Current Tank Info: 72gal glass bow front reef, mostly LPS with some SPS, tangs, anthias, blenny, paired percula clowns, gold headed sleeper goby, red fairy wrasse

07/29/2007, 08:22 PM	#7
kuoka Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: NorCal Cali Posts: 713	I've used it before and got it at my LFS. I opted against it the 2nd time around because of air bubbles and when I accidentally spilled water in the back, it got between the vinyl and glass. I had to take it off and let the tank dry again before I could put it back on. (try doing that when the tank is only 2 to 3" away from the wall. LOL Good luck! __________________ They say don't talk about someone unless you've walked a mile in their shoes.. But if you do, at least you'll be ahead of them AND have their shoes! :) Current Tank Info: 72gal glass bow front reef, mostly LPS with some SPS, tangs, anthias, blenny, paired percula clowns, gold headed sleeper goby, red fairy wrasse

07/30/2007, 08:39 AM	#8
cowboyswife Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Deltona FL Posts: 2,187	I have painted all my tanks, except for my pico, with black krylon fusion. Just make sure the glass is really clean, and it will take like 3-5 coats. Use a flashlight inside the tank to check for missed spots. __________________ "The voice of the sea speaks to the soul." - Kate Chopin ~Becca Current Tank Info: Out of the hobby for the time being. But Im sticking around anyway!

07/29/2007, 07:32 PM	#3
Southern Boy Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Fort pierce, Florida Posts: 671	I've painted all my tanks and havn't regreted it once.Black makes your reef stand out more but blue makes it brighter.Krylon makes a good paint .H20 is the kind you want.

07/29/2007, 07:41 PM	#4
iwishtofish Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Southern Maryland Posts: 4,949	I used Krylon Fusion, per the good advice I got when I posed the same question here. It says "for plastic" on the front of the can, but it seemed to adhere just fine. I was just very careful to completely cover all surfaces I didn't want sprayed - outside glass and completely sealed tank opening - with trash bags and masking tape. I used a sweeping side-to-side motion with the spray and used several coats, letting the paint dry between applications. I would do it outside and not breathe the stuff. I painted mine black and I'm pleased with that. I am glad that I cannot see all my hoses, power cords, etc through the rear glass, but I guess that is strictly a personal choice, as is the color. I'd look at full tank shots in the forums. Do whatever you think looks best to you, as you will be the one looking at it most of the time!

07/29/2007, 07:53 PM	#6
phunkie99 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 537	what about that adhisive vinyl stuff that looks like solid window tint anyone use that or know where to get it?

07/30/2007, 09:12 AM	#9
zeemonstar Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: bloomingdale, il Posts: 26	i would rather use an adhesive vinyl because then if you upgrade to a bigger tank, you can just take it off and sell it for more money than if you painted it. also you can switch between black and blue or whatever and give your tank a new look __________________ sharkbait oh ah ah Current Tank Info: 150 gallon sump tank, other smaller tanks