Background Change Help

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H

H2O_Beasts

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Mar 3, 2010
199
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Arizona
Hey Guys,

I am looking to change the background on my 55G. I want to go with a black background. The problem is that the tank is already up and running,

I would like to paint the back black but since the tank is full I don't think it is a good idea..

Was thinking of just getting one of those cheap black backgrounds from Petsmart to tape on the back.

Is this my best option??
 
You can go either way. If you want to paint the back then all you have to do is cover every thing you do not want paint on with newspaper and tape it down. Then buy the paint and a roller and go to town painting. Or you can just buy the plastic black backgrounds. I personally do not like the plastic backgrounds. I can never get them to lay right on the glass.
 
those cheap black background from ur LFS is just as good as u paint ur back wall tank black, heck even black plastic back is pretty good
 
I use black foam poster board and duct tape. Make sure the back glass is clean cuz you will see any water marks etc. Duct tape along top, sides and bottom...done. Have several tanks this way...looks great! Even did it on my 125...I was afraid you would be able to see the seams...but it looks awesome and way cheap and easy to change later without scraping etc!!
 
stephcps;4961063; said:
I use black foam poster board and duct tape. Make sure the back glass is clean cuz you will see any water marks etc. Duct tape along top, sides and bottom...done. Have several tanks this way...looks great! Even did it on my 125...I was afraid you would be able to see the seams...but it looks awesome and way cheap and easy to change later without scraping etc!!
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Thanks, that sounds like the way to go. Where do you pick up the black foam poster board?
 
I have bought it at Target, Walmart, Walgreens...most places that sell school supplies will have it in defferent colors...black, couple of different blues...etc.

You will be surprised how easy it is and how great it looks!!
 
dayak;4961040; said:
those cheap black background from ur LFS is just as good as u paint ur back wall tank black, heck even black plastic back is pretty good
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False, at least IMO. Painting is SOOO much better than any tape-on option such as plastic or paper. When I used plastic I always got water stains on the back tank glass no matter how well they were taped on. Paint just looks so much cleaner for so much longer.
 
I took a peice of 24" Foil, crupled, strched back out, then sprayed it black. I found this the cheapest way . Looks ok under the light but flash photos make it look like a 3d back ground. I havent tweeked it much but i"m sure with trial and error you could get it to look just right.
 
I think all ideas mentioned above would go well. Its just a matter of where your tank is located. If its inside the house and you went with paint you're gonna have to mask a lot of things because of over spray aside from the fact that you should get a low VOC paint because of the smell. If its out of the living quarters then just mask the tank and spray away. Weigh your options and good luck.
 
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