Q: Black paint or foam

[Doglover_50]

I'm buying a 120g tank (in case you haven' seen my 492 posts) that has a blue center overflow.

I'd like to either paint it black, OR put on that funky foam I've heard you kids talking so much about.

How long does the tank need to be dry for either to set permanently? I'm guessing a thorough cleaning is needed before application?

Are there any cons to the foam?

Also, anyone have some paint or foam I could buy off of you?

DL

 

[frontosa_man80]

foam cons;

1) urchins will eat it
2) if the tank is not prep right before install it will break off and float
3) it seems to take away for the depth of the tank

other then that is really not that bad.

-jesse

 

[moore_rb]

I am not aware of any saltwater-safe black paint.

Maybe a black two part epoxy or polyester gelcoat would work.

 

[dream54ing]

correct me if im wrong, but i think he's talking painting the back (outside) of the tank...

 

[pc1blues]

Krylon spray paint. They have some that adheres to plastic extremely well. Numerous people here on RC have used it to paint pvc plumbing etc in the tank with no adverse reactions. Once it dries I believe it is saltwater and tank safe.

 

[dream54ing]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10151587#post10151587 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by dream54ing
correct me if im wrong, but i think he's talking painting the back (outside) of the tank...

opps...should of read the original post...
didnt know there were paint that can go in the tank. good to know.

 

[Doglover_50]

Phew, dream--thought for a sec I had asked a REALLY dumb question.

 

[dream54ing]

 

[Doglover_50]

and I've never asked a really dumb question in my entire life!

 

[kirstenk]

I would paint it. I think you lose too much depth with the foam.

 

[Doglover_50]

Kirsten, you've tipped the scales. Painting it is.

The overflow is currently blue, and also the backing. I like blue back on FW, but prefer black for reefs.

If I can't just use an El Marko, I'll add Krylon to my to do list.

 

[nbku3vm]

Make sure to tape and cover everything you don't want painted because that stuff is MESSY. Those particles in the air will sure speckel anything that is not well preped.

 

[jpslickorocks]

I really like my foam background but I would never do it again. You loose too much depth.

 

[Doglover_50]

OH hell, that messy? Well...I can live with blue!