Roll or Spray Aquarium Back?

[Saltinthedesert]

Looking for input from those who have painted the back of their tanks. I’ve seen some talk about Plastidip, and others insist on rolling two coats to avoid bubbles showing up later. Anyone with experience that can weigh in on this?

[MattyM]

I roll on this acrylic paint: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09GKY2PC1

Takes 3 or 4 coats with a small roller, but easily done in an afternoon. Once each coat is dry, I just hold it up to the light. I use a small sponge brush to get any spots by the rim that the roller can't reach. Once dry it scrapes off easily with a blade, so I get a perfect backing with none on the sides. I could prob even scrape off the entire backing if I wanted to. Holds up well to water. 

[kcochran]

This is what I used....

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Krylon-FUSION-ALL-IN-ONE-Acrylic-Enamel-Textured-Textured-Spray-Paint-Actual-Net-Contents-12/5001057279

I've been really happy with it on my 10 gallon tank. I've had it on this tank since last summer and I really like it. It really brightens up this thank compared to my other tanks that I have a black background on. I have dwarf sag across the back of the tank, so if there is any algae on it I can't really see it for all of the dwarf sag. The picture below is from last fall...the plants have filled in quite a bit since the photo was taken.

Just be sure to mask the sides before you spray the back or you'll get a bit of overspray on them. Not a big deal though. Easily remedied with a razor blade.

 

Edited March 2, 2023 by kcochran

[The endler guy]

I go 3d, PetSmart has some nice cheap 3d backgrounds (an orange brown, and a slate) for reptiles but they are aquarium safe and only 30 ish dollars 

[PlaneFishGuy]

Rustoleum Oil based flat black with a cabinet roller and cut in edges with disposable brush - I laid the tank on its side do avoid runs even though Im sure from the viewing side it wouldnt matter. 

[JohnnyD]

I’ve used plastidip with no issues, nice and smooth looking

[Odd Duck]

Black window film for me, easy to do, no toxic fumes, easily removable.  It’s been sticking very well for about 3 years since I started using it.  The only exception is a couple cubes that sit in front of a window and the cats have rubbed against one corner on each one getting into that window sill, and dislodged a top corner on each, one a tiny bit, the other a bit more.  Nothing else is peeling off at all.

If you don’t have cats to “help” you, it stays on great so far.  I’ve got it on 9 tanks.

[PineSong]

I just use these kinds of inexpensive craft paints that I buy at Michael’s or Meijer. I have used black, charcoal, navy blue and mixes of those colors. I put it on with a small paintbrush, but using a roller would work too.  They are easy to remove with a wet sponge and a scraper if you ever want to change colors.

 

[Saltinthedesert]

Ended up choosing the Rustoleum Oil Black Enamel. Came out great! Thank you to all those that weighed in.