Painting a tank

[AquaNovice]

I am new to this and am in the process of getting everything set-up, I want to paint the back of the tank black, any reccomendations as to what type of paint to use??

[ShirleyM]

I've never painted the tank, but wanted to welcome you to TRT!

Where in Indiana are you from?

What kind of tank are you setting up? (reef, fish-only? size?)

[SaltBlock]

I painted a 30 g w/ good old acrylic indoor/outdoor paint. It took about 2-3 coats to get a good cover.

Welcome,

Andrew

[AquaNovice]

Thanks for the welcome, I am from ft. wayne area. Tank plans 75 gallon main tank, with a 25-30 gallon sump/refugium, asm g3 skimmer, thought about a fowlr system at first slowly switching to reef(maybe) or just start out as reef , unsure on lighting choices currently, want to go ahead and get the lighting required for the reef setup either way, but not sure on requirements(as far as wattage), and whether i want to get MH or PC lighting. Any help in that area?? I like softies, frog spawn, pipe organ?? Not familiar with all the sps, lps, softie names.

[AquaNovice]

thanks andrew, just standard indoor/outdoor from a can huh?? should it be brushed, or use a roller?? Love the lionfish.

[Phishnoob]

I used enamel and a disposal black foam brush. The tank was eight inches from the wall so just did in in place. I used a satin black and it came out great in three heavy coats.

My prep was wiping it down with a rag soaked in white vinegar and so far it is just great.

The little can and the brush cost under five bucks.

[AquaNovice]

thanks for the info fishnoob, seems like i can use whatever i want?? enamel/acrylic if i just coat it heavy enough. Any opinions on a black spray paint then?? as long as eveything is masked off so none gets in the tank.

[Phishnoob]

Acrylic will peel off easily...I would use an enamel. Mine was just an outdoor grade in a little can at the do it center that sticks to metal. It worked out great. This was done with the water in the tank and everything close to the wall and all I did was lay an old blanket on the ground as a drop cloth.

I tried to scrape a little off after it hardened with my fingernail and it is on there.

If you use one of those foam brushes and lay off the coffee and beers you don't have to mask anything, but make sure you cover the floor. I got a few splatters on the wall as well but just scraped them off then touched up with some latex.

[leveldrummer]

if the tank isnt in place and filled, you can easiily carry it out side, tape off everything, and just wipe it down with a towel with rubbing alchohol on it. once its dry, any ole spray paint works fine, do thin coats to avoid a run, but if it runs, it doesnt matter, you cant see if from in the tank, only on the back. i used the cheapo black paint, if i scrape it, it would probably peel easy, but it sticked pretty good. so you got the right idea, just go for it! and WELCOME!!

PS... if you have an internal overflow, its a good idea to tape it off, so if anything ever jumps in it, you can see it. just mask if off with newspaper or tape. and paint the glass around it.

[superwizbang]

I used enamel as well. Worked out great. Make sure you use a roller and it is best to paint with the tank on it's side for consistency. As Phish said, you can do it standing up, but if all is in the staging process, you might as well.

Good luck!

-Ken

[bucket brigade]

DON'T PAINT!!!!

They now make this black film stuff (exactly like car window tint) that is super easy to apply. Its a water-tight bond and can be removed. It takes 10min to apply and looks FANTASTIC:

1) You take an 8oz squirt bottle of water and add 2 drops of Dawn DishWashing Soap and mix

2) You squirt down the back of your tank with the mixture

3) You apply the film and slide it around to get it where you want

4) You wipe out any air-bubbles with a small soft cloth

5) You have about 5min to slide the flim around before the glue starts to "set" the film

I'm an idiot and I applied a perfect film the first time I did it. Check some local fish stores for price (should be under $20)

4)

[jenajet]

I just used black spray paint. The tank was still empty so I covered with plastic and tape any holes or glass that I didn't want paint on. For a 90 gallon it took 4 cans. Go slow so it doesn't run, if you apply too much it won't look right.

[AquaNovice]

Thank you everyone for your help, not sure which way i'll go, but given me plenty of options.

[partobe]

HI A Big Ol Welcome to You!! I bought a can of spary paint and painted mine outside before I brought it in.

[Little Luey]

Welcome to TRT!

I also did the spray paint thing.