Embarassing Non-Beginner Question

Drake · 11/01/2011, 08:43 AM

Alright, so I really feel ashamed asking this, cause I probably should know better after about a billion medium-difficulty tanks in my life.

Know the colored backdrops people use on tanks? Blue or black typically? I know they make those plastic sheets, but they always get air bubbles on them and end up looking crappy. I've seen a few tanks around with a air tight color seal on them. Do people just paint the back of their tanks? I don't know of any other material that would work.

Ultimately, how do I get the back of my tank to look like the photo attached?!

Thanks!

thegrun · 11/01/2011, 08:52 AM

Paint works well. It also has the advantage of allowing you to custom mix the color to your exact taste. I prefer a black background, but I've seen some very nice dark blue backgrounds.

symon_say · 11/01/2011, 08:54 AM

You can paint it, use limo tint, or adhesive vinyl.

jason2459 · 11/01/2011, 08:55 AM

I paint mine with krylon fusion which you can pick up from walmart.

I painted my 55 black and going blue on my 180.

Make sure to mask the rest of the tank you don't want painted as paint mist can travel to other areas.

Drake · 11/01/2011, 09:02 AM

Thanks for the help guys. Yeah, I was thinking black myself. Just couldn't find a quick photo as quickly of one on google

So, I already have this tank in my house. I can move it I suppose back outside and spray paint her... bit it's cold here in the northeast and I dislike heavy things. Regular paint works as well though? Any recommendations for brands and application techniques? Or does really anything work?

schoi · 11/01/2011, 09:06 AM

I think you should go with a Krylon type paint. I think plain old spray paint will run and you will get patches/streaks because it doesn't bond too well with glass.

thegrun · 11/01/2011, 09:13 AM

A small roller works well if you are painting inside.

symon_say · 11/01/2011, 09:31 AM

I paint my saltwater tank with oil based paint, and my freshwater tank with water based paint, you can use a roller or a brush, use heavy coats cause paint don't really adhere to the glass, and you'll be better letting it dry between coats that way the first coat won't come out.

Next time i have to put a background in my tank i'll use black adhesive vinyl a lot easier a lot less mess, and don't stink.

Sk8r · 11/01/2011, 09:49 AM

We've also had good luck with Ace enamel used near the fish tank (stand): doesn't emit fumes.

TruReef · 11/01/2011, 09:57 AM

I used a black felt sheet and some Velcro..

jason2459 · 11/01/2011, 10:08 AM

Any paint can work. I like the Krylon Fusion because it seems to bond better.

Dustin1300 · 11/01/2011, 10:31 AM

I like using vinyl because it can be removed should you have a new purpose for the tank and don't want the tank black anymore. It can be applied much like window tint where you spray a soap on it and use a squeegee to work out all the bubbles. While all bubbles might clear immediately give it a couple days and it will not have any bubbles at all!

RooKi3 · 11/01/2011, 11:06 AM

Cheapest Black Krylon can will do the trick!

BowieReefer84 · 11/01/2011, 11:10 AM

VINYL is much faster and easier than painting imo. 3M 1080 is a very nice type. Easy to put on with no bubbles at all. best part is you can remove it in 5 seconds should you chose to.

wright4941 · 11/01/2011, 08:58 PM

Where can you pick up this type of vinyl?

skeeter_usaf · 11/02/2011, 06:26 AM

Your LFS store also should sell an adhesive for the vinyl backgrounds. You just spread it on the background and squeegee it on. Regular soap and water will just hold it temporarily. Haven't tried the felt trick but I think it would work too.

likemike99 · 11/02/2011, 07:43 AM

a trick with the plastic backdrops is to use vegetable oil and a squigie. because it is thicker than water it is harder to press out and easier to ensure no bubbles. it is messy but gives that look without the permanent ness of paint.

sqwat · 11/02/2011, 08:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skeeter_usaf

Your LFS store also should sell an adhesive for the vinyl backgrounds. You just spread it on the background and squeegee it on. Regular soap and water will just hold it temporarily. Haven't tried the felt trick but I think it would work too.

+1 they make a product just for this they sell it at my lfs i am going there tomarrow i will get the name .it fixes it right to the glass no bubbles or anything and you also can remove it anytime you want.it is not glue like a oil that makes it shine so good the back drops with coral and fish look real.the other stuff glues it on you have to scrape it off.this comes with a tiny squijy to get all bubbles out.its like 5 dollars.get the name 4 u dont use the glue or paint stuff yet im sure you can get this stuff online.

BowieReefer84 · 11/02/2011, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wright4941

Where can you pick up this type of vinyl?

Many online vendors sell it. Google it...

Metrostyle sells it, and I have bought from them before.

Reefnooblet · 11/02/2011, 11:25 AM

Drake, the tank in that picture is an acrylic tank with a black acrylic back piece..

kriv4o · 11/02/2011, 12:46 PM

I used a dark blue(navy blue) poster board I found at the grocery store. Its made out of a thick cardboard so keeping it airtight with regular clear tape is not a problem at all. Best part its double-sided dark and light blue I went with the darker one.

fishcull · 11/02/2011, 03:20 PM

I have painted my tank in the past. It is easy and cheap. You can remove it but it is a PIA to do. An alternative is to tint it like they do for car windows. Easy to put on and easy to remove should you change your mind. You are limited in the color selection but sounds like you prefer black anyway.

Drake · 11/03/2011, 07:45 AM

Thanks for all the help guys. I sat down yesterday and carefully painted the back a nice black. Took a few more coats than expected but it looks good (although perhaps a tad reflective but maybe that can be worked on). Just need sand and water and we're up and running! Woo hoo!

Drake · 11/03/2011, 07:46 AM

Freaking iPhone! Just HAS to flip everything upside down... well, black is black even when inverted I suppose.

jauld · 11/03/2011, 08:51 AM

Has anyone tried to use plasti dip for painting the back of their tanks? It goes on like paint, but dries into a vinyl that is removable from some surfaces (not sure if glass is one of them).

I use plasti dip on my wheels for my car. Currently they are black, but planning to peel that and go to blue. Here is a video of what I'm talking about if you are lost lol:

Could be cool if you just want to try out a color, or 2, or 3, or 10...etc

11/01/2011, 08:55 AM	#4
jason2459 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Iowa Posts: 9,671	I paint mine with krylon fusion which you can pick up from walmart. I painted my 55 black and going blue on my 180. Make sure to mask the rest of the tank you don't want painted as paint mist can travel to other areas. __________________ rebuild and recovery log: No more red house, you'll have to click on my name and visit my homepage! You can check out my parameters at reeftronics dot net website and look for my username. Current Tank Info: 180g mixed reef w/ a beananimal overflow to a dolomite RRUGF. \| 20g long G. Smithii Mantis Tank

11/01/2011, 09:06 AM	#6
schoi Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Austin Posts: 76	I think you should go with a Krylon type paint. I think plain old spray paint will run and you will get patches/streaks because it doesn't bond too well with glass. __________________ 75G DT, 20GL Sump, RO 160XS Skimmer, Mag 9.5 Return, (1) Vortech MP 40, (2) Tunze, Tunze Osmolator, 700GPH Gl******* Overflow, AI SOL SB Blacks

11/01/2011, 09:49 AM	#9
Sk8r RC Mod Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Spokane WA Posts: 34,628 Blog Entries: 55	We've also had good luck with Ace enamel used near the fish tank (stand): doesn't emit fumes. __________________ Sk8r Salinity 1.024-6; alkalinity 8.3-9.3 on KH scale; calcium 420; magnesium 1300, temp 78-80, nitrate .2. Ammonia 0. No filters: lps tank. Alk and cal won't rise if mg is low. Current Tank Info: 105g AquaVim wedge, yellow tang, sailfin blenny,royal gramma, ocellaris clown pair, yellow watchman, 100 microceriths, 25 tiny hermits, a 4" conch, 1" nassarius, recovering from 2 year hiatus with daily water change of 10%.

11/01/2011, 09:57 AM	#10
TruReef Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Fruit Cove, FL Posts: 617	I used a black felt sheet and some Velcro.. __________________ The Dude abides. I don't know about you but I take comfort in that. It's good knowin' he's out there. The Dude. Takin' 'er easy for all us sinners. Current Tank Info: AGA 180g mixed reef, 60" Sunpower 8 bulb, SRO-3000int

11/01/2011, 10:08 AM	#11
jason2459 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Iowa Posts: 9,671	Any paint can work. I like the Krylon Fusion because it seems to bond better. __________________ rebuild and recovery log: No more red house, you'll have to click on my name and visit my homepage! You can check out my parameters at reeftronics dot net website and look for my username. Current Tank Info: 180g mixed reef w/ a beananimal overflow to a dolomite RRUGF. \| 20g long G. Smithii Mantis Tank

11/01/2011, 08:52 AM	#2
thegrun Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Garden Grove, Ca Posts: 17,023	Paint works well. It also has the advantage of allowing you to custom mix the color to your exact taste. I prefer a black background, but I've seen some very nice dark blue backgrounds.

11/01/2011, 08:54 AM	#3
symon_say Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Dominican Republic Posts: 556	You can paint it, use limo tint, or adhesive vinyl.

11/01/2011, 09:02 AM	#5
Drake Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Stamford, CT Posts: 11	Thanks for the help guys. Yeah, I was thinking black myself. Just couldn't find a quick photo as quickly of one on google So, I already have this tank in my house. I can move it I suppose back outside and spray paint her... bit it's cold here in the northeast and I dislike heavy things. Regular paint works as well though? Any recommendations for brands and application techniques? Or does really anything work?

11/01/2011, 09:13 AM	#7
thegrun Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Garden Grove, Ca Posts: 17,023	A small roller works well if you are painting inside.

11/01/2011, 09:31 AM	#8
symon_say Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Dominican Republic Posts: 556	I paint my saltwater tank with oil based paint, and my freshwater tank with water based paint, you can use a roller or a brush, use heavy coats cause paint don't really adhere to the glass, and you'll be better letting it dry between coats that way the first coat won't come out. Next time i have to put a background in my tank i'll use black adhesive vinyl a lot easier a lot less mess, and don't stink.

11/01/2011, 10:31 AM	#12
Dustin1300 Reefaholic Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Carmel, IN Posts: 5,135	I like using vinyl because it can be removed should you have a new purpose for the tank and don't want the tank black anymore. It can be applied much like window tint where you spray a soap on it and use a squeegee to work out all the bubbles. While all bubbles might clear immediately give it a couple days and it will not have any bubbles at all! __________________ INDMAS President Check out my tank in the Large Tank Forums, "A Reefaholic's 1000+ Gallon Mixed Reef System Build"! Current Tank Info: 600 Gallon DT, 140 Gallon Grow Out Tank, 125 Gallon Sump, 90 Gallon Fuge, 200 Gallon Fish QT, 15 Gallon Frag QT

11/01/2011, 11:06 AM	#13
RooKi3 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: San Diego Posts: 134	Cheapest Black Krylon can will do the trick!

11/01/2011, 11:10 AM	#14
BowieReefer84 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Maryland, 21075 Posts: 409	VINYL is much faster and easier than painting imo. 3M 1080 is a very nice type. Easy to put on with no bubbles at all. best part is you can remove it in 5 seconds should you chose to.

11/01/2011, 08:58 PM	#15
wright4941 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Modesto, CA Posts: 260	Where can you pick up this type of vinyl? __________________ Julie 46G Bow Front, softies, LPS Current Tank Info: 46 G BF Mixed

11/02/2011, 06:26 AM	#16
skeeter_usaf Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Brandon, Fl Posts: 98	Your LFS store also should sell an adhesive for the vinyl backgrounds. You just spread it on the background and squeegee it on. Regular soap and water will just hold it temporarily. Haven't tried the felt trick but I think it would work too. __________________ 220 Mixed Reef, 60 gallon sump, Euro Reef Skimmer, Phosban Reactor, 250w Halides, LED's, wavemaker, ATO, RO/DI and much more. ><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸.·´¯`·...¸><((((º> ·´¯`·.¸. , . .·´¯`·.. ><((((º>

11/02/2011, 07:43 AM	#17
likemike99 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: North Carolina Posts: 117	a trick with the plastic backdrops is to use vegetable oil and a squigie. because it is thicker than water it is harder to press out and easier to ensure no bubbles. it is messy but gives that look without the permanent ness of paint.

11/02/2011, 11:25 AM	#20
Reefnooblet Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Michigan Posts: 72	Drake, the tank in that picture is an acrylic tank with a black acrylic back piece..

11/02/2011, 12:46 PM	#21
kriv4o Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Ocean Pines, MD Posts: 509	I used a dark blue(navy blue) poster board I found at the grocery store. Its made out of a thick cardboard so keeping it airtight with regular clear tape is not a problem at all. Best part its double-sided dark and light blue I went with the darker one.

11/02/2011, 03:20 PM	#22
fishcull Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 56	I have painted my tank in the past. It is easy and cheap. You can remove it but it is a PIA to do. An alternative is to tint it like they do for car windows. Easy to put on and easy to remove should you change your mind. You are limited in the color selection but sounds like you prefer black anyway.

11/03/2011, 07:46 AM	#24
Drake Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Stamford, CT Posts: 11	Freaking iPhone! Just HAS to flip everything upside down... well, black is black even when inverted I suppose.

11/03/2011, 08:51 AM	#25
jauld Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Florida Posts: 194	Has anyone tried to use plasti dip for painting the back of their tanks? It goes on like paint, but dries into a vinyl that is removable from some surfaces (not sure if glass is one of them). I use plasti dip on my wheels for my car. Currently they are black, but planning to peel that and go to blue. Here is a video of what I'm talking about if you are lost lol: Could be cool if you just want to try out a color, or 2, or 3, or 10...etc

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