Painting Back of Tank

[Sherri]

What is a good type/color paint to do on the back of a tank?

Thanks

[don-n-sa]

Color wise I think blue looks great for a while, until coraline and other algae starts to grow then it looks dirty. I used black on my 240g and I am very happy with the look...feel free to come by if you like.

I used an ACRYLIC LATEX ULTRA ENAMEL.

[NaCl_H2O]

Sherri, I need to do the same on the back of my corner pentagon so you can't see pumps, etc. I was thinking a good latex enamel, either light blue or white?

I was also thinking about just using Kilz to avoid any mildew?

Looking forward to seeing the responses to this one!

[captexas]

While it may not be the best, I used flat black spray paint on the back of my 75g and haven't had any problems with it. I don't think it gives a nice thick layer like the regular enamel paint will.

Another idea to think about besides painting it is using a nice dark window tint.

[NaCl_H2O]

I see the advantage to black or a dark color so the coraline, etc. isn't as visible, but wouldn't white give you more reflective light in the tank? I'm I thinking wrong here?

[Sherri]

Couldn't decide on black or dark navy blue, so I got both! LOL We have a black acrylic sheet on the 100 gal, but wanted something different. Guess I'll go with the Dark Navy Blue.

[captexas]

I think color is just a matter of preference. I like the black as it makes the bulkheads I have blend in. The blue backgrounds tend to give it more of a water look. If you really are concerned about reflecting light, get a piece of mirror cut to the same size as the back of the tank and silicone it on. I've seen a tank that was built into a wall with mirror around the back and ends. It was interesting as it made the tank look bigger, but I didn't like seeing the reflections of everything.

[z28pwr]

Sherri, I like the blue, but if you have black overflows it looks a little odd, thus I recommend black if you have black overflows. if you have blue overflows go with blue.

[captexas]

I defintately agree on matching your overflows. That is why I painted my tank with black. I think you would want everything to blend in, not stand out. Of course you can get overflows and bulkheads in different colors as well, just a matter of what you like.

[Tim Marvin]

I vote for black.

[brewercm]

I'm going with black on mine for the overflow reasons myself.

[NaCl_H2O]

Hum, black seems to be getting the votes ... need to think about it <_<

[z28pwr]

My 375 was blue and it looked awesome, but the overflows were blue aswell.
My 240 had black overflows and I painted it navy blue and it looked a little odd because of the black overflow.
My 380 has black overflows and a black background and it looks good.

Bobby has both the 375 and the 240 now in case you want to see what they look like, I still have the 380.

[AlienAnchovies]

is it wise to paint the back of the tank with fish already in it... i figured id ask because thats kinda what i planned on doing,
it should be ok as long as i dont get any paint in the tank right?

[captexas]

Alien - It should be ok. I would use a brush on paint though as overspray from a spray paint could settle in the water in the tank and have negative results.

[::pete::]

Why not blend it in black near the bottom as well as around the overflows and blue near the top. You could follow your rock work which would outline it. I know its not in be creative. I will try digging up a picture.

http://www.weatherson.com/photos/118_new_back_drying.jpg

This is a removeable panel from a tank on RC [Weatherson]

[Sherri]

Well, I went the the dark navy blue...had already started it. It is almost a midnight blue, almost black. Think it will be OK. It's pretty dark. Didn't want a light blue.

That's cool, Pete. Really nice.