Painting an aquarium that's in use?

[FJB]

Looks great! I think you solved your problem.
Sorry I could not reply before. I use a combination of electric tape and gaffing tape (both black). Most importantly, the stock paper is cut such that it sits on top of the small lip made by the tanks plastic frame, such that it is never pulling down by gravity; on the upper edge, it sits below the frame. Has not budged in years.

 

[FahakaPapa]

What would stop you from doing a 75% water change and moving that tank from the wall? I've spray painted a tank (stocked) like this before and just covered the top with plastic (garbage bag and tape) everything was fine and it looked awesome!

 

[jjohnwm]

The very slight possible improvement in appearance from painting, IMHO, wouldn't even begin to offset the greater difficulty of applying it. You have a beautiful tank and the paper background looks great. And if you decide to change it later, you will be very happy that it's just paper taped on.

 

[RotKeil-Finn]

The very slight possible improvement in appearance from painting, IMHO, wouldn't even begin to offset the greater difficulty of applying it. You have a beautiful tank and the paper background looks great. And if you decide to change it later, you will be very happy that it's just paper taped on.

I agree with you entirely. I think the temporary route is the best way to approach this and at least I can switch up colours if I wish.

I'll redo it over the weekend, clean up the glass on the back and use some black tape.

Thanks for the feedback everyone