Painting an aquarium that's in use?

[RotKeil-Finn]

Hi All, I'm looking to paint the back of my aquarium black. It's in use and don't have a spare so can't break it down and take it away from the wall but I reckon a roller would fit between the tank and the wall.

We are renting at the moment so don't want any drips on the floor or walls. Also wondering if it's even possible to do this while the tank is in use.

Any recommendations?

 

[Deadeye]

It would be hard to fit back there. You may want to put a black cover over instead. I just use a cheap plastic tablecloth on the back of my tanks and it looks fine.

 

[RotKeil-Finn]

It would be hard to fit back there. You may want to put a black cover over instead. I just use a cheap plastic tablecloth on the back of my tanks and it looks fine.
View attachment 1493254View attachment 1493255

That's definitely an option and looks pretty good ?

 

[Deadeye]

Welcome to the forum!

 

[FJB]

As suggested, paint is difficult to apply in an already established tank. I have used black construction-like thicker paper (from craft store), and it has been several years in some tanks, with no damage or deterioration. IMOpinion, it looks pretty good too. It is also quickly reversible (not that paint isn't).
An example... (since 2017, now with different fish)

 

[Jexnell]

I have painted a couple tanks while running. You will need a extension for the roller, it's difficult to get the middle portion without one. Hang all of your equipment off the front glass while doing it.



Use latex paint and a 1/4in nap roller.

 

[RotKeil-Finn]

As suggested, paint is difficult to apply in an already established tank. I have used black construction-like thicker paper (from craft store), and it has been several years in some tanks, with no damage or deterioration. IMOpinion, it looks pretty good too. It is also quickly reversible (not that paint isn't).
An example... (since 2017, now with different fish)

View attachment 1493263

What do you use to stick it to the tank? Regular sticky tape or something fancy? ?

 

[RotKeil-Finn]

I have painted a couple tanks while running. You will need a extension for the roller, it's difficult to get the middle portion without one. Hang all of your equipment off the front glass while doing it.

View attachment 1493264

Use latex paint and a 1/4in nap roller.

Looks fantastic, I'll definitely start researching that. I'll have a look at the clearance again when I get home to see if this will be a good option or not.

 

[RotKeil-Finn]

A little update, I went with some black card from a crafts shop just to see what I think. The painting won't be an option for now but happy with how this turned out.

 

[Deadeye]

Looks great! You definitely can leave it like that!