Paint Back Glass Black? Or Not?

[MJMiller]

I taped black construction paper on the back of mine. It looks good for 5 minutes of work... I put it up as a temporary thing just to see how it looked, but I never took it back down.

The only complaint is running the magnet algae scrubber over the paper can catch on the seams.

 

[plantbrain]

Just paint it.
Use Valspar brand Acrylic latex ultra enamel paint.

Most every good aquascaper that uses a black ground does this.

Takes minutes, last years, looks great, cost a few $.

I've done other method and this is the best method.

Regards,
Tom Barr

 

[beviking]

"Quit thinking about it and use acrylic black latex hobby paint..."

"Just paint it. Use Valspar brand Acrylic latex ultra enamel paint."

Are we to assume that the latter is more permanent than the former?

 

[plantbrain]

There are the same.

I have tried the other suggested methods here and from a lot of experience, I can say that the paint is _the_ best method.

If anyone doubts this, try it and see for yourself.
Amano, Jeff Senke, myself etc all do this.

Regards,
Tom Barr

 

[Jeremy S]

I would agree that paint does give you the best background but it would be hard to paint the tank since it is set up and very close to the wall. It is also more difficult to change then say a plastic background even though it can be done.

 

[KarlskidMarx]

Just so you know, it's totally possible for altum angels to jump outta your tank. Trust me on this one.

 

[DTs]

Karl - Hmmmm, hadn't thought about the obvious. Too late now as I've got 6 Altums on their way. Of course, I could always have a custom top made.

Jeremy - I actually painted the back black last night. My tank is in a corner so I have plenty of room to reach back. It was very easy. However, I discovered I need to use a roller instead of a brush, as the brush left streak marks on the back of the glass.

 

[plantbrain]

Wait till that coat dries, apply another.
The second should work.

Regards,
Tom Barr

 

[Macromatt]

I paint all my tank black, it doesn't matter if the paint has strokes visable on the back. Once it is solid after second coat usually, the inside has a nice smooth black finish. I think it is the cleanest & most non-obtrusive back around. I tried the oil on the back to hold the background, I never got ALL the air bubbles out, and it bugged me to death. I did the Black paper once, and I liked it, but then some water dripped down the back and ruined that, since i have painted te tanks I haven't had a single problem with them.

Matt

 

[DTs]

I must say that even with the bad first coat, my tank looks way better with the black background. The light tan colored glass made the tank look like it was holding blackwater. My plants and fish look much better too.