black or clear background?

[Danny Luu]

I might be starting on a project soon:eek1:... im debating on whether i want to keep the back clear or paint it black. any input? a list of pros/cons would be great with helping me pick which one to go with!

 

[ReefKeeper64]

black looks nice but consider smoke black window tint on the outside instead on paint. I've done both and the tint looks better and lasts longer (paint scratches easily when you are cleaning the glass with a magnet scrubber).

 

[lokii_37]

I would go with the back ground. Mine is blue because that is how the tank came but it is way better then clear. Seeing the wires and plumbing behind the tank doesn't look real good.

 

[woodnaquanut]

+1 with ReefKeeper64. I've read of people using window tint or vinyl sign. Something opaque enough to not see wires/plumbing.

 

[Danny Luu]

the tint sounds interesting.. the tank will be drilled on the bottom so one overflow on the left side looking in where all the wires will be tucked and you wont see any plumbing because the return comes up the overflow box.

I just feel a clear back will make the tank seem more open and larger. anyone run a tank that is clear in the back and regrets it? lol

 

[woodnaquanut]

I've seen quite a few ADA rimless tanks set up as clear backs. Keeping all the equipment hidden is part of the art to make these look good. With a neutral colored wall it can be quite striking.

I don't possess that art ability - I go for black backs.

 

[Danny Luu]

I think Cody's ADA used to have a blue background and he took it off and it looked pretty nice.

I think something like this would look awesome, but cleaning the back panel will be a pain in the a s s.

http://blog.aquanerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/Sonnys-Rimless-Reef.jpg

 

[K3nnyG]

If you can hide plumbing and wires a clear back would be nice; however a black back makes fish and corals pop

 

[Grant W]

I like thr black back for the contrast as well as the hiding wires and pipes.

 

[albano]

For a couple of $, get the plastic background at LFS/Petco/etc... It is blue in 1 side and black on the other ... You can try both and decide with no work!

FWIW, IMO the blue is much brighter, and looks better

 

[1kwksvt]

Danny I tinted my 125 I it was the best back ground. I am gonna do it again on my next tank

 

[zeroinverse]

Just realize that unless you plan to actively clean the back glass, it will grow coralline algae on it and eventually you won't see through it anyways.

I don't clean so I have a "purple" background.

 

[kodiak23]

Danny- you can come check out my clear background if you want. I tried black, blue and clear, and like clear the best for my tank. Although I think black or blue looks great in some tanks. I don't think I would ever change from clear on my tank though. The razor mag float is a necessity for cleaning the back wall each week.

 

[gonzalez78]

I painted the back of my 40 black but i never did clean it since i like the purple look of coraline

 

[Reef Bass]

Just realize that unless you plan to actively clean the back glass, it will grow coralline algae on it and eventually you won't see through it anyways.

+1. I'm already scraping 3 sides of the tank and I let the back go. Plus if you're talented enough to grow nuisance algaes, you can get some wonderful purple and green contrasting colors going!

 

[Dapg8gt]

I say black also.. With clear you would have to clean it all the time to keep that look.. If you have access to easily clean it I say go with your gut and rock it clear..

Me personally I like black because it makes it easier to keep the clean and I just like the look . People say What type of paint matters for longevity I used krylon fusion on the new tank and it states that it takes 7 days till fully cure and honestly it does feel different/stronger than my frag tank that I used just a normal paint it feels more like a coating(if that makes sense lol) we will see if it holds up like said too.. FWIW I have a clear back ground on my 45 and it's a pain to clean so I don't . I've seen some actually paint the wall behind the tank a different color to give a better effect..

 

[Dragonvale]

I've never seen one live but it looks cool. Just another option of being different.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euTeBpM0nRQ

 

[Derbird]

I have one painted black and one painted dark blue. I personally prefer the dark blue, much more dramatic. But to be honest the best one I ever did was on my old freshwater tank. I got tired of the wires so I draped an American flag across the back. Now that looked cool

 

[Danny Luu]

I've never seen one live but it looks cool. Just another option of being different.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euTeBpM0nRQ

that's pretty cool. the only time i've seen something like that in person was at the Monterey Aquarium. They had it in their Moray Eel tank with lot's of holes cut out for them to poke their heads out lol it was awesome. I dont think i have the patients or skills to make that though ahahhah.





As for the background of the new tank.... i still undecided =[

i'm sure it'll be a very last minute decision!