bare bottom that looks like sand

[jroescher]

In my experience, painting the outside of the glass gives you a glossy finish on the inside, regardless of how flat the paint is.

Christopher,
What do you think would be the problem with doing it on the inside? Assuming you used something that was inert once cured.

[cbianco]

In my experience, painting the outside of the glass gives you a glossy finish on the inside, regardless of how flat the paint is.

Christopher,
What do you think would be the problem with doing it on the inside? Assuming you used something that was inert once cured.

Specifically regarding the spray paint...

I have some serious qualms about using spray paint inside of my tank. Seems unsafe IMO, but I have nothing other than opinion to base that on. Do we have anyone that can attest to spray paint in a reef aquarium? Is it inert?

Christopher

[Europhyllia]

I'd be worried too. It would be tough to get a complete list of ingredients. If something is a small percentage of it or it is a component of something else it may not be listed even if you manage to find a listing of ingredients.
For example I specifically used a brand of mortar that has been successfully used by big aquariums, etc. and still I run my tank with a bag of cuprisorb to catch any small amounts of metals that may be leaching from it just in case.
I definitely would be too chicken to try spray paint. ;)

[jroescher]

I've read lot's of DIY articles where people have painted things like exposed PVC. I think the type of paint used would play a part in safety.

I think the best way of making permanent sand would be to mix up sand and cement like making DIY rock, then form it on the bottom. You could make some interesting patterns on the bottom like you see where there's a strong current.

[tonyydeee]

It's kind of really ugly though.. lol /:
but still cool