Background

[dvd_wightman]

I was considering putting a black background on my tank using black paint. It will go on the outside glass. I was wondering if I would have to use any special type of fish safe paint, or if I could use regular paint. Also, would spray paint or liquid paint be better?

 

[beblondie]

I use ace hardware black spray enamel works just fine.
tip several light coats with drying time in between
mask off the front sides and open top with painters tape and newspaper-Anne

 

[Mgamer20o0]

i just use poster board or something. that way if you ever want to change it it would be easy. also people have used fabric before.

 

[Hound]

Never did the poster board thing, but I do have a 10g that I used generic spraypaint from walmart on.

 

[Native American]

The key here is to use a spray enamel. There are newer spray paints that clean up with water...I'd avoid those; all the others should be fine.

The ones with a high VOC that flash off the carrier solvent in a couple minutes to allow a quick respray will be your best bet. If this is what it says on the directions on the side of the can, that will work well.

Surface prep for any painting project is a key endeavor; I actually sand the glass w/ a 600-grit (or finer) wet dry sandpaper, then use a good glass cleaner prior to taping and spraying.

Black or Navy Blue are great colors.

v/r, N-A

 

[n0zqh]

I have a piece of cardboard sprayed yellow on my 29g. I kind of liked it that way so now I just sprayed the 10g white..... I hope I'll not have to undo it because it is to bright. Anyway whats done is... DONE

 

[mellowvision]

tempra paint is the most appropriate as it is non toxic and brushes on easily. spray paint is far more likely to end up in the tank, on the rim and everywhere else... and it may scrape off the glass, but will probably stick to the plastic edge...