Any tips on painting tank?

I too was wondering about painting the back of the tank on the outside "black", But am not sure about what kind of paint to use or would it just be easier to use something else like some kind of, well like those backgrounds you buy at the pet store that you either tape on or use a squeegy to apply it to your tank ???

Does anyone know of a website to buy something like this is black, or give me advice on a certain type of paint to use to make the background black...

thanks for all the help, Sorry I couldn't help you travisurfer...
 
sorry dr.wonga. i had originally started with one of those backgrounds on my 20H. but now that the tank is being converted to sw im painting it. still waiting for tips since i would like to paint it today.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7029715#post7029715 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by travisurfer
paint on the outside with black or blue krylon fusion. paint looks better than those cheap backgrounds.
Click to expand...

This is come in a spray can or paint on ???

Thanks for helping travisurfer !!!
 
I painted the back of my 180g with Rustoleum Appliance Epoxy spraypaint. All I did was clean the back glass with vinegar and hot water and let it completely dry. Of course I also taped off the entire rest of the tank with newspapers and masking tape. I can't see how Krylon Fusion would require anything else, just make sure you have clean dry glass and give it a light coat.

Since it is glass and transparent it will take a good number of light to moderate coats to get fully painted. If you don't do enough it will look black from the outside but from the inside when there is light behind the tank it will look very splotchy with light coming through.

If it doesn't turn out it's no big deal, a flat razor blade will scrape it all off once it dries and you can try again.
 
I used the Krylon Fusion also, clean the glass really well, tape off and use paper everywhere you want to protect. Don't worry about messing it up, it peels right off if you want to redo it:rolleye1: (yes I have experience) Have fun.
 
well, i painted with krylon fusion but i got discrete little circles in some areas. im not sure if i should do it again or leave it. grrrr.....
 
It's gonna take several coats to get a nice thick background. Don't forget, any lights you put on (halides, vho's, etc) will find any light spots.

I used rustoleum latex high gloss black. Had to roll on about 4 coats. Takes a couple of days to dry out, but as with everything in this hobby, well worth the wait.
 
Just curious, why does everyone like black backgrounds on their aquariums ?

I have a preference for oceanic blue myself but does the black contrast the colors of the fish/coral much better than oceanic blue ?
 
i did a poll and black turned out to be the most popular. i just decided to do it. i found out the culprit of the little white circles. it was from haveing suction cups and an airstone in the tank when it was fw. so i just basically wasted my time. its alright though, because everything will be good in the end.
 
I had black on my 90-gal. and it looked to be OK? I kinda liked the contrast between the black background, bright white sand and purple coralline live rock... not too mention the vast array of colors from the coral and fish you plan on keeping. After getting my 120-gal. a couple of days ago... I am thinking I will go with black paint for the back again. :) Looks too cool....
 
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