Painting the back

Wanting to paint the back of my mixed reef.Cleaning the back of the glass is just too hard with this black acryllic sheet taped on there.Plus water splashes back there and its unattractive.
Any issues with painting a tank that is up and running?
Would you recommend oil based or latex based paint?
Thanks!

 

I used Krylon black and it worked fine. I'd lower the water level, tape garbage bags over the top and overflow. You will need multiple coats.

 

I also decided to paint the back of mine after it was setup due to the same reasons. I used latex craft paint that i got at walmart for like $1.50 in a little tube (i think it's called folk art plaid). There are alot of varieties of color to choose from. I used a navy blue, and it turned out great. Get a small sponge on a stick (also from walmart, like $2.00 for 3 or 4 of them) and squirt the paint directly onto the end of the sponge brush and you're off. It will look streaky the first few coats, but after a few coats you cannnot see any streaking from the inside of the tank. You will still see it from the back, but nobody sees that! Also, wait about 2 or 3 hours between coats, or the paint is still gooey and will wipe off with each stroke.

 

I know you are asking about painting, so I hate to stray from the original post. But you might think about some static cling window tint from an auto parts store. Its zero mess, you just spray soapy water on the back of the tank and squegee it on. Once its dry you wont get water leaking down in between it and the glass like you are talking about with a taped on background. Just thought I would mention it.

 

I wonder if mag cleaner will glide over it without bunching up? Thats another PITA from the taped on background

 

I have not tested that. BUT, I'm pretty confident it would. Once you get it on and it dries, its pretty well put. Yet if you want it off, it will peel back off and leave nothing behind. I picked up a roll for 10 bucks. Worth the try IMO before going to the hassle of painting a tank thats already setup.

 

good point.Did you get it at a auto parts store?

 

Yeah, I got it at Oreilly's, but autozone and even walmart has it. Just make sure you get the static cling type. And get 5% light transmission. The lower the percentage the darker it is.