Backing on tank or see through?

[NinnJinn]

The above picture is of my daughter's snake tank that will be going into her room so I can put my 125 gallon saltwater tank in it's place.

Do you guys paint the back of your saltwater tank or tape a paper background or just leave it see through? On the above photo that's what I would be looking at if I did not cover the back. Although I will have live rock stacked up a little just wanting your thoughts and suggestions.

Starting out I am only going to have a FOWLR. And want the brightest light possible to light up the tank and see the vibrant colors on my fish.

 

[Crabs McJones]

The above picture is of my daughter's snake tank that will be going into her room so I can put my 125 gallon saltwater tank in it's place.

Do you guys paint the back of your saltwater tank or tape a paper background or just leave it see through? On the above photo that's what I would be looking at if I did not cover the back. Although I will have live rock stacked up a little just wanting your thoughts and suggestions.

Starting out I am only going to have a FOWLR. And want the brightest light possible to light up the tank and see the vibrant colors on my fish.

Definitely paint the back semi gloss black. It makes everything in the tank pop without having that distraction of your back wall and any cords you may have hanging down.

 

[Crabs McJones]

Here's a great comparison for you
Unpainted

Painted

 

[5altkreep]

I used black self adhesive vinyl (think 18" wide electrical tape) that i found at home depot. I think it looks great and hides the cords, but also quick, simple, and cheap

 

[5altkreep]

I should also add that ive had it on there for about a year now. The edges are still stuck to the glass, and it looks as good as the day i put it on.

 

[aquanicssd]

I used the black weed barrier stuff from home Depot (mainly because I had it lying around). Non-permanant and pretty cheap/easy. I think the added texture made it look pretty cool too.

 

[etmanning1]

Definitely paint it. Here is my tank pre and post background

 

[Reefin Dude]

i have both. black for the area that are visible from the front, but clear areas for looking behind the LR structures.

G~

 

[AdamNC]

Had this lying around the garage. It’s flat black. States it will bond to any surface, glass included.

Goes on flat.

But once it’s on glass it will look glossy on the inside.

 

[JCM]

I think it's totally a personal preference. I had always had black on my previous tanks. This time around I went with a dark blue. I much prefer the blue, it looks more natural to my eye.

I agree with others, the black makes corals "pop" a little more.

 

[Big G]

I've done both semi-gloss Rustoleum black and the same in an "ocean blue" color. The black provides more contrast of colors, but the blue reminds me more of my own diving experiences and gives a sense of greater depth to the tank.

 

[Goldenvue]

Dang never thought of the blue makes sence have a new 210 in the mix now don’t know what i should do!:/

 

[Reefin Dude]

blue used to be very popular in the 90's. i found blue is better for bringing out the colors in fish and black is better for corals.

G~

 

[kswan]

I've seen a few tanks that have a translucent blue background with light behind the blue. That is what I would do if I started again. It looks really cool.

 

[kswan]

 

[redfishbluefish]

My two cents.....paint it (for me, to hide the plumbing).

And since I don't clean this back glass, within a year it will be covered with coralline.

As already stated....I painted flat black, but from the front it appears to be gloss/semi gloss.

 

[cracker]

I used plastic cardboard . I acquired several large pieces from my local convenience store . They had advertisements printed on them. I cut pales to fit & spraypainted . One side is black the other is blue. I want to be able remove it as I have a fish room behind. I must say the painted backs look a 'lot" better ! Also I can't decide which color I like best. remember once You paint Your stuck with it.