I just had a thought about one of my smaller tanks that likes to grow algae in it. If i painted the OUTside walls - sides and back - would that help deter the algae growth? It sits near our patio doors, and may get sunlight (even though i keep the curtains shut, they are light colored) hitting the tank. If i painted the sides then it should block the sun a bit, is what i'm thinking. Any suggestions? Thoughts?
would painting the OUTside of a tank prevent algae growth at all?
- Thread starter sheloudre
- Start date
Sure if your sure the light is coming from your windows. If its coming from the hood it wont do anything, I just always put a towel over mine during the day while im gone but dark paint would :]
I've seen it before done with killifish tanks in particular. It actually can be a really neat effect, even with the lower wattage lights. I've thought about doing it to a couple of my small killi tanks, but as they are already set up... meh.
you could still do it. just paint one part at a time and have a fan on it to keep the fumes away while that particular side is drying.
You could even just tape black posterboard to the tank to get the a feel for it before taking the plunge and painting it.
Good Idea.
However, If you paint the outside black and its directly in a sunlit window the black will absorb all that light and heat up your tank. Remember, light colors reflect, darker colors absorb.
If you have to paint it please empty it and take it outside - unless you are using water based paint.
Painting the tank will reduce the amount of light in the tank and will help the algae problem...if that is the reason why you have algae. If you are having algae because you are overfeeding it may not have much of an impact.
