painting back of tank

[billc]

I am thinking of painting the back of my tank.

1 opasity: hide the stuff hanging off the back

2 looks: give the tank a new look. Instead of looking through the front glass and the back glass which you can never keep clean. Any suggestions..

[Terl72]

I think it's a good idea and know alot of people have done that. I don't know the best type of paint to use tho. I've heard of hassles when people used an innapropriate paint and the paint either chipped off or the cords and stuff hanging down the back of the tank scratched off parts of the paint.
What I did was use fabric on the back of the tank fastened with velcro, works good and I can change the color/design easily.

HTH - Derrick

[erasmu]

I would really hesitate to paint inside the back wall. Most paints could break down over prolonged exposure to the saltwater. Why not keep the paint on the outside, or tape a black background to the outside of the back wall. Then if you ever change your mind or move the tank, all options are still open. Yes you will have algae growth on the back glass. However, unless the paint is some anti-bacterial type (that would really kill the tank), you will have algae grow over the paint as well. I use a commercial plastic sheet intended for backgrounds. It is deep blue on one side and black on the other. I started with the blue and switched to the black which I much prefer. Changing or repairing the paint would be a major pain. Good luck with it.

[billc]

The outside is what I forgot to mention.

[Terl72]

eeekkkk!! I would have never thought that someone would paint the INside of their tank! lol....I thought you might have said that in your first post and missed that part and then I said 'I know alot of people who have done that'....I almost messed myslef!

lol....Derrick

[kermit the krab]

Just use regular spray paint, glossy or flat, they both look great! I've done it to both my tanks and it was the best easy improvement by far.

[Rick O]

I use self adhesive vinyl from a sign shop. It's the stuff they run through a plotter to make the vinyl stick on letters. You can buy just the amount you need for a few bucks. It comes in any color and only takes a few minutes to apply.

[billc]

That sounds like a winner.. I will stop by the sign shop on monday.. Right now it is time to go and see if I can get the Harley started for a ride along the Missisippi river. Going to be a beautiful day