White painted background vs clear

[mikellini]

I'm setting up a cube aquarium in a corner, looking for a really clean look, rimless, hanging pendant etc. the stand is white, I'm hoping to get a white fixture, but the wall behind the tank is gray. I've painted past aquariums with flat black krylon fusion and was very happy with the result, but I'm not sure black will be good in this situation. Would white be ok? Or should I just leave it clear? Any examples of tanks with a white painted background? Thanks!

 

[ironwill723]

I think white looks slick. Have to keep it clean though. Here's an example...

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produ...=pla&catargetid=530005150000091135&cadevice=c

 

[mikellini]

Thanks, any examples of stunning operational reefs with a white background?

 

[mikellini]

This isn't so bad...
http://************.com/2012/02/27/elos-epower-elitexp/

 

[mikellini]

Oh, didn't realize the builders were blocked, oops

 

[JVJordan]

I put a white background on a frag tank because I happened to have white paint and wanted to hide the plumbing. I think it looks pretty bad.

 

[degibson84]

I painted the back of my 220 with some left over paint that was used for the walls of the room. it looks good when clean but now it is starting to get pink and purple spots all over it

 

[karimwassef]

Go blue?

 

[mikellini]

Yeah, now thinking maybe a light blue...

 

[uncleof6]

Better not to paint it if you want a clean look. Leave it alone. Painting the "back" of a tank interferes with the light in the tank, as believe it or not, clear glass reflects more light back into the tank, than a painted piece of glass.

 

[karimwassef]

Add a mirror back?

 

[Mark426]

Add a mirror back?

Same thing as white.....can look good if you keep it perfectly clean. Another different look is the shadow box in this link
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1868825

Too me....Nothing looks as good as a clear back with no visible equipment. Its takes planning but is not that hard.

 

[karimwassef]

Love the shadow box... Ultimate background IMO

 

[uncleof6]

Clear unpainted glass, reflects more diffuse light than a mirrored background. Diffuse wins over directed light.

 

[karimwassef]

Why would diffuse win?

Being the same - I can see, if there is no attenuation.

 

[sneeyatch]

I leave mine clear. Have done it with the last 3 tanks I've ran. Looks awesome imo. Way better than black or blue or any other color for that matter.