Has anyone used a blackout window film on an acrylic tank successfully? I have a 8x4 / 535g tank and unfortunately it is close to windows which is resulting in a ton of brown algae. I am attempting to cover the one window, but cannot cover the other. My thoughts were to use a blackout window film on the tank so that its blocks the side. I also what to add some duckweed to the tank, but don't think that will solve the problem 100%.
Acrylic and Window Film
- Thread starter nzafi
- Start date
Sounds like a good plan but I have never done so myself. I don't see why it wouldn't work. Windows film grabs onto surfaces very securely. Let use know if you decide to give this a try and how it works out.
We've not used on acrylic but my brother in law used some white tint to cover the outside glass of an internal overflow in his reef tank. I think it would adhere the same for acrylic.
I cannot say what the long tern affects are with soap. If this is something you'll want to keep long term how about just taping off and painting black? The builder if my tank used that and it's a flat black.
From what I have heard regular window tint can develop bubbles over time due different expantion and contraction compared to glass. Bit that might not be a factor with a steady temp aquarium.
I think to get a definitive answer to the long term effects of window tint on acrylic you will need to either contact the manufacture of the specific window tint you want to use or experiment by applying some to a scrap piece of acrylic and see what happens over many months. I would expect that the glue used to secure window tint will very over the many different manufactures.
I don't believe the soap is a requirement for the window tint to stick. I believe the soap allows you to slide the window tint around on the window before it dries making it easier to level everything out.
I have seen good window tint jobs with quality materials last over a decade. Cheap tint and an armature install is the most likely cause of bubbles.
P.S. I have removed a bad window tint job from glass... removing it not an easy process. It sticks on quite well and does not come off in one big sheet like it was applied.
I don't believe the soap is a requirement for the window tint to stick. I believe the soap allows you to slide the window tint around on the window before it dries making it easier to level everything out.
I have seen good window tint jobs with quality materials last over a decade. Cheap tint and an armature install is the most likely cause of bubbles.
P.S. I have removed a bad window tint job from glass... removing it not an easy process. It sticks on quite well and does not come off in one big sheet like it was applied.
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Black trash bag taped to the side of the tanK would be a better solution for now. I have used them as backgrounds on a few tanks and they look good. Acrylic paint would be a more permanent solution, but can be removed if needed with a plastic scraper. You would probably want to polish the the acrylic after removal.
I am curious about of the black film would prevent algae, keep us posted.
I will say that I use the frosted window film on some of my tanks, and really like the look of it. It is incredibly easy to assemble.
I will say that I use the frosted window film on some of my tanks, and really like the look of it. It is incredibly easy to assemble.