Black Backgrounds

[Alan Russell]

I used black paint on the OUTSIDE of the tank. The results were great.
I tried blackout window tint, but that was impossible to work with a piece 72"x24". That was $15 right down the toilet.

 

[albirdy]

just buy whatever background, and on the back, it should be black.

 

[Peanut_Power]

Make sure to do all the painting on the OUTSIDE of the tank. I know it seems stupid to say, but some people have done just that and painted inside. A lot of heartache and headache soon follows too. . .

I used spray paint for my 125gal and 20gal. Works best if you can lay the tank flat while you do it so you can keep it from having runs. Otherwise, use SEVERAL light coats, until the desired darkness is achieved.

DEFINATELY recommend doing the sides and back black though, makes a world of difference. Its incredible how much so. . .

 

[Datnoid101]

I agree what Peanut_Power said. I use Baer acrylic paint from home depot. Gallon cost $10 and a pint runs a little under $5. No need to prime just wipe your glass clean and Start going to town. If you change your mind it cleans easily with a sponge and water. I painted 2 180g, 120gh, 120gw, 2 125g this way and no probs. Just becareful when setting up your tanks not to scratch it off.

 

[VNCNT]

i use black spray paint. it looks really clean. the outcome is sweet, but sometimes its hard to see darker fish without the proper lighting.

 

[bromie88]

i got a piece of black plastic that i use for making bases for my sandboards from. its a matt finish, so it looks slightly different than the regular aquarium background which is usually glossy. but you have too look really close to see any different.

i use the basic black aquarium background on my girlfriends tank, and it still looks good. tape it on and your done.

i think it brings out the colours in your fish. even the naturally dark ones.

 

[japes]

I use the black vinyl. Use Canola oil on the back and smooth out all air bubbles, very adhesive (should be fine for years) and very temporary.

 

[Peanut_Power]

I use the black vinyl. Use Canola oil on the back and smooth out all air bubbles, very adhesive (should be fine for years) and very temporary.

YOU GREASED YOUR TANK!?!

 

[Angler]

YOU GREASED YOUR TANK!?!

A few years ago, I used Pam cooking spray to apply a background to my 55. It worked great. It is still on today, and it looks painted on. However, I do not recommend this. I think I will never want to remove the background because it will be an absolute mess.

 

[nickridiculous]

Yep. I just used a small can and a small paint brush. 24 hours after application, it peeled right off very easily. I am not sure if it would be harder to peel off after being on for a long period of time though, but I imagine it would still come off pretty easily.

FYI It'll be waaaaaaay harder to remove after a year or two. I realize that you wanted a permanent background, but other people should be aware that latex paint hardens over time and may take up to a month to achieve maximum cure. I think it's still a good idea but it will take a fair bit of elbow grease to remove if you change your mind 18 months down the road. And if you did this to a an acrylic tank, well...