Painted tanks

[MyLady]

I was wondering how many of you have painted the back of your tank(s)? We only have the one tank right now which I did paint the back of, but I know that hubby wants to eventually have more tanks set up and I am looking for some new ideas of how to paint the back of those tanks. I could simply use different colors, but was hoping for some ideas of other techniques as well. I also did the canopy on our tank as we bought one a clearnace that was cherry wood but our stand was black and hubby wanted some of the cherry would to still be visible. I've also found that when hubby placed the overflow on the back it chipped some of the paint off. Is there a sealant I can use to help prevent that?
here are some pics of what I did with ours. It looks very different depending on the lights.

 

[Jcr's Reef]

I used window tint on mine. Bought it from Lowes (the kind for patio doors, etc..). Just cut it to size, wipe the back with a wet cloth, squeegee out the water and your done.

 

[Henry C]

Wow your paint job looks awesome. I like the trippy swirls, makes the tank look deeper. You could try like a clear coat that you would buy at the automotive store. Don't know if this helps....

 

[Paul_N]

+1 on the clear coat over the paint to prevent chipping or scratching it. I like the way you did the different shades, it looks nice.

 

[Captain Nemo]

We paintedthe back of our tank at work, it actually looks good. Wasn't sure about it but it turned out good. Like mentioned above you could do a clear on yours.

 

[Troylee]

you can spray it, roll it, any way yoiu want it's gonna look good from the inside.... because the glass is flat the inside is gonna yield a nice smooth glossy finish no matter what the back looks like lol.....

 

[swannyson7]

I just sprayed mine with Krylon fusion. How did you paint yours? It almost looks like you sponged it on?

 

[btkrausen]

So you guys are painting the inside of the tanks? I figured everyone was painting the backs, giving you the ability to still scrape the inside glass without hurting the paint. I have a black film on the back on mine.

 

[subielover]

I painted the back of my tank black with Krylon Fusion. I wouldn't trust having paint inside the tank touching water. It should be pretty easy to remove if I ever need to. I can't see much of it now as it is covered in coralline.

 

[btkrausen]

I painted the back of my tank black with Krylon Fusion. I wouldn't trust having paint inside the tank touching water. It should be pretty easy to remove if I ever need to. I can't see much of it now as it is covered in coralline.

Yeah, I've painted the back with Krylon before, and it was pretty easy to remove with a blade. I've always been partial to a black background.

 

[Reggie]

There is a aquascaping demo video that I found (for freshwater) that used like an opaque foil to cover the back. Here it is specifically: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jCuUJDR2sw&t=1m46s

Anyone know what kind of foil is that and where to get it?

 

[Paul_N]

There is a aquascaping demo video that I found (for freshwater) that used like an opaque foil to cover the back. Here it is specifically: YouTube - Oliver Knott @ The Green Machine Aquascaping Demo (Part 1 of 4) Full Video

Anyone know what kind of foil is that and where to get it?

I couldn't find anything on their site. I searched and found this, it might be the same. They have frost and lite frost.

Lite Frost Privacy Film for windows and glass doors - Wallpaper For Windows!

 

[Reggie]

Looks like that's the one Paul! -- and it does say it's adhesive free - nice. There are also nice looking ones like the sky blue, ocean blue, and dark privacy. Nicely priced too. Check out all the colors:
Frosted Glass Window Film, Adhesive Free Cling Privacy Window Films - Wallpaper For Windows

 

[btkrausen]

Ahh...I like that. Would be cool to be able to swap out colors, or even try to overlay to make the top light and the bottom darker...although that would look better if it was blended in.

 

[Paul_N]

I was getting ready to paint the back of my 220 black but looks like Reggie found a better option. Glad you posted that video..1smile1 I like the dark blue.

 

[Reggie]

Let us know how it goes! Btw, I found the installation video: YouTube - How to Install Decorative Window Film for Privacy

 

[gar732]

I used limo tint on mine and it worked out well. Another option is use adhesive backed vinyl. It comes in all different colors, one in particular that I like, at the bottom it's dark navy blue and it gradually gets lighter as it goes up. I think it's what I'm going to use on my next tank.

 

[btkrausen]

I used limo tint on mine and it worked out well. Another option is use adhesive backed vinyl. It comes in all different colors, one in particular that I like, at the bottom it's dark navy blue and it gradually gets lighter as it goes up. I think it's what I'm going to use on my next tank.

Oh yeah, that would look nice. I have been thinking about doing the gradual look when I move to a new tank as well. Would look great, and should add some depth to the tank.

 

[Paul_N]

Another option is use adhesive backed vinyl. It comes in all different colors, one in particular that I like, at the bottom it's dark navy blue and it gradually gets lighter as it goes up. I think it's what I'm going to use on my next tank.

That was another option. I already stopped by the local sign company to see what selection they had.

 

[MyLady]

I just sprayed mine with Krylon fusion. How did you paint yours? It almost looks like you sponged it on?

I used acrylic paint and sponge painted it on. I've never heard of anyone using paint on the inside of a tank, I don't think it would be all that safe or last as long. I wanted something that would eventually blend with the coraline and everything else that tends to build up LOL.