Painting the back of a tank

Hello everyone. I am new to the saltwater hobby, have had years in Freshwater. For two months now I have had a 50g tank running, first month with nothing added then the second month a CUC from reefbuilders.com. I have two clowns in a quarantine tank that have been in there for 2 weeks and at the end of next week will transfer over to my DT.

My question for you is, when I put the tank together I purchased a black paper background, big mistake. While adding water to my protein skimmer (HOB), after a clean out, water got inbetween my glass and the background and now looks like butt. Can I paint the back of the glass, very carefully, or am I out of luck at this point. I don't want to tear the tank down.

If I can paint it, what paint do you suggest.

 

Stick-on backgrounds don't normally look good. Scenes are tacky and even plain black doesn't stick well.

Use Krylon Fusion spray paint for your background. Matte black is best IMO.

Actually, the tank is already set up and running? Hmm... that will be difficult to paint without moving the tank away from the wall.

 

It won't be bad. I have almost 5 inches of clearance from the wall due to my HOB protien skimmer. The stand is open in the back so I think I can get it all pretty easily. I just didn't know about it being full of water and cycled if there was any danger to my livestock if I carefully paint it.

 

The only problem I see with painting inside, is the fumes in the house. You could paint it with doors/windows open, but even then I would suggest taking half the water out so you can scoot it away from the wall. Then tape a sheet snug to the top of the tank (to help prevent fumes from getting into the water).

 

+1 for this idea.

 

Why does he need spray paint? Roll it on, or try sheets of window tint, I believe they are sold at walmart.

 

I will remove my HOB protein skimmer, and cover the top of my tank then I will roll-on the paint. I think I should be good. I just checked and I have more than enough room to get the whole thing painted without moving the tank.

Does krylon make a qt size container for roll-on applications.

 

Window tint needs to be put down quickly and smoothly in order to prevent air bubbles that get trapped. A credit card works as a squeegee (working from one direction to the other, not back and forth), but it would be more difficult than painting it.

I suppose rolling the paint on might work. I just worry about marks on the glass/paint made from the roller...never done it myself, I just used spray paint and recommended it because ti works.

 

Yes paint will work and looks very good. I myself have a black paper background and it looks just fine if you take your time and put it on correctly.

 

I used SeaView Gel with black backing. Applied the gel with a sponge and then used a credit card to remove any air bubbles. Works great, looks awesome!