Background options: Should I Paint or just use std background wallpaper?

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geewiz

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Dec 23, 2007
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Syd, AU
Hey hey,

Ive been thinking about either painting or either using a std backing wallpaper for my tank.

Using some of the wallpaper from the LFS is an easy option.

Although, what are the general rules of thumb if i plan on using pressure can paint? What type, how many coats etc.

The purpose of the tank is for breeding, and so it means I can even paint the sides and bottom of the (outer) tank to stop light from escaping etc.
 
I used Krylon black latex paint, and a roller. It takes 4-5 coats that way. Haven't used spray paint, but I'm sure it works just as well.

Don't use paper background, water will get between it and the tank and look like poo.

Latex paint will peel right off if you get sick of it.

If you use a roller, watch for drips
If you use spray paint, watch for overspray on places you don't want paint.

Get a nice fan to aid in drying between coats
 
Depending on the size of the tank, i would take it out side and spray paint it with black krylon fusion spraypaint. i just did a 40gal breeder this way. the paint dryed fast, i only waited a few minutes between coats. I did the bottom and back outside of the tank. i used a flashlight to see if any light was getting threw and to see if i missed any spots.
 
geewiz;2184699; said:
Hey hey,

Ive been thinking about either painting or either using a std backing wallpaper for my tank.

Using some of the wallpaper from the LFS is an easy option.

Although, what are the general rules of thumb if i plan on using pressure can paint? What type, how many coats etc.

The purpose of the tank is for breeding, and so it means I can even paint the sides and bottom of the (outer) tank to stop light from escaping etc.
Click to expand...
Just paint the back only.Make sure you clean it well with thinners or acetone before you spray it.If you need the paint to dry quick use acrylic matt black how ever if you can spare a bit of time, use matt black enamal spray paint as it will adhere better.3 coats should be enough.Make sure you tape up every thing you don't want painted.:)
 
i would spray paint. all my tanks are painted. i will never again use standard background paper. it sux so bad!
 
i have black wall paper on mine and i really wish i painted. way too much of a pain to break down the tank so i can move it and paint it si I will have to deal with it
 
I have a ton of that background wall paper and never used anything else in my younger fish keeping days. Although I still like it, I'm going to try painting tanks in the future.
 
You should paint. It is easy to do. Going to need three to four good coats for spray paint. But it will look a whole lot better.
 
I'd suggest painting them. The only way I would say not to paint is if it is already setup and would have to break it down to paint it, other than that painting is a million times better. You also don't get those nasty water stains inbetween paint. I used the roller method and heat to paint and it worked great!
 
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