Back of tank Question

[Neoz]

I have seen a few tanks with the black background. But I really can't remember seeing too many blue backgrounds. I plan to paint the back of the tank just have to decide which color.

Of course it really won't matter I guess once it gets covered with coraline alge. Hope thats the name of it

Anyone have tank pics with a blue background? I might try and be one of those neat freaks and keep the back of the tank semi clean. I know sounds easier then it will be right?

 

[reefscape15]

Yes it does sound easier than it is to keep your tank glass nice and clean, but you'll probably never have your back glass completely covered. This is a pic of my older 20gal that was running for about 5 years, and the back wasn't nearly all the way covered. I did like the blue on that tank though!

I only scraped the front glass and where i could reach on the right side of the tank. a good chunk of the side had rock right up against it, and the left side had my HOB fuge on it, and you couldn't really look through that side of the tank anyways as it was kind of close to the wall

 

[Neoz]

Thanks for the pictures! Looks a little more colorful then the black dosen't it?

 

[reefscape15]

Yea it's a different feel than black. I have my background on my 54g black and i kinda wish i did blue

 

[pimpinitup6969]

i used to do all my tanks blue. but you know what the say, once you go black you'll never go back lol

 

[EllieSuz]

Your LFS likely sells two sided vinyl backing that is blue on one side and black on the other. It's an inexpensive way to decide which color you prefer. You just scotch tape it at the corners. Mine has been up there for years. Although the back of my tank is thick with coralline I still like having the backing in place because occasionally an urchin or snail will create a bare spot and I hate the sight of cords hanging behind the tank.

 

[Neoz]

So I'm wondering what kind of paint everyone uses? Just regular roll on wall paint? Wouldn't think you would use a spray. Water base paint or some other kind?

 

[pimpinitup6969]

the city zoo here in elmira sells a vinyl backing that you peel off a clear film and apply the back just like tint! it's all i will use. If you ever wanna change it just peel it off. paint is just a pita in my opinion

 

[jacksonpt]

An older pic of my 30, but you get the idea...

 

[nwrogers]

Here is a photo of my old tank that had a blue background. My new tank has live rock stacked all the way to the top so you can't even see the blue background...

 

[reefscape15]

Nice tanks!

 

[pimpinitup6969]

ok so the 150 looked better when you had it nate...... But i still like it with the black background thats on it now lol

 

[Neoz]

Yeah ditto what reefscape said... Nice tanks.. Nate I sure wish I could of seen your tank before you took it down. Seen the pictures and they are awesome. The real deal must of been something special.

So what kind of paint is everyone using? Just plain ole wall paint from Lowes?

 

[nwrogers]

I just used one of those blue backgrounds you can get from the fish store. I never had the patience to wait for the paint to dry. I always wanted to have everything setup and going as fast as possible.

 

[frankandmaura]

I had the blue before...didn't like it, it showes more of the algae and stuff in my opinion. I think the black is more clean looking.

I used a different approach, didn't paint and didn't use one of those stick on backs. I used this stuff called Coroplast® (it is like plastic cardboard - used for signs and stuff). I just use velcro to hold it on. It is nice because I can take it off anytime (easily). I had to buy it at a sign shop in binghamton...4'x8' sheet for like $20. Well worth it to me...

Just my .02

 

[pimpinitup6969]

the coroplast sounds like a good idea too! the only negative to that is you might get salt creep in behind it which will be visible through the glass

 

[frankandmaura]

no salt creep...

The velcro keeps the plastic slightly off the glass so if water gets back there it just runs down. I haven't had a single issue in almost 18 months.

 

[pimpinitup6969]

i might have to try that! do you use velcro all the way around the 4 edges? or just a few strips?

 

[Neoz]

Frank I forgot that you did that. I remember you showing me that when I was there. Looked good and I didn't see any salt creep at all. Think I might go that route. Thanks for reminding me.

 

[reefscape15]

I used black duct tape to hold the edges of my black background on. AGA also used black silicone on the edges and top plastic trim on my tank, so it all matches, and you can't see any edges at all