Ryan F Posted February 27, 2021 Share Posted February 27, 2021 I got a cheap background and taped it up. One thing I didn't see in my original research 7 years ago when I started the tank was how to "properly" attach it. Or that you could get a great effect through painting. I'd like to swap it with a painted background. Probably just do black as my blue betta should pop more against that. Any recommendations on a brand of brush-able paint for an active aquarium? Or which type of paint I should look at? latex, or acrylic...other? Does the suggested paint change if the tank is new and not currently filled? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daniel Posted February 27, 2021 Share Posted February 27, 2021 Last time this came up the consensus was acrylic paints like Krylon are safe: 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CT_ Posted February 27, 2021 Share Posted February 27, 2021 You can also use whatever on the outside. Another option is static cling film. Both my tanks have it. To me it's easier than paint but costs more. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ryan F Posted February 27, 2021 Author Share Posted February 27, 2021 Hmm, I tried searching "paint" but that thread didn't pop up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CT_ Posted February 27, 2021 Share Posted February 27, 2021 2 minutes ago, Ryan F said: Hmm, I tried searching "paint" but that thread didn't pop up. It's not just you. I've had trouble with the search feature too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ryan F Posted February 27, 2021 Author Share Posted February 27, 2021 Anyone ever thought of using black 2.0 on their tank? Might be interesting to try out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brandy Posted February 28, 2021 Share Posted February 28, 2021 I have used simple acrylic craft paint on the outside of the back. It wont tolerate being smacked into, so this is not so good if you store stuff behind your tank, but it looks just as professional as anything, and is easy to apply and change if you want a different color. I also used a black plastic trash bag taped on the back of one tank...which I know sounds...trashy. When the tank is filled and there are lots of plants, you can't really tell that is what I did. I decided after positioning the tank an inch from the wall and filling it that I wanted black after all. I meant it to be a test, but it looked fine, so I left it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tolstoy21 Posted February 28, 2021 Share Posted February 28, 2021 I’ve used acrylic, enamel and plasti-dip. Acrylic will chip easier. Enamel stinks and takes forever to dry before recoat. Plasti-dip is by far my favorite, but it stinks too much to use inside in a basement or attached garage to not make enemies in your family. But if it’s warm where you are and you can paint outside, it’s super easy to apply, fairly rugged compared to acrylic, and has a fast dry and recount time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daniel Posted February 28, 2021 Share Posted February 28, 2021 12 hours ago, Ryan F said: Hmm, I tried searching "paint" but that thread didn't pop up. Click on the tags at the top of your post: All kinds of helpful links will come up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quikv6 Posted February 28, 2021 Share Posted February 28, 2021 I have used window privacy film on my last two tanks. It is very easy to apply and looks great. I have not had any issues with it peeling up, either. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tanked Posted February 28, 2021 Share Posted February 28, 2021 This might not be the answer you are looking for, but I have used flat black enamel on foam board, acrylic and Lauan panels. It depended on what I had available that could be cut to fit. I attached them with a spot of hot glue. The advantages were that they could be removed to repaint in seconds, and If I really wanted, I could remove the panel to use the mag float on the back glass. The acrylic panel was the best of the group. If you are painting the outside, paint type doesn't matter. Latex is the least durable, but easiest to remove. It is not recommended for glass. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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