Reef Safe Blackout Material

[TheEngineer]

I’m in the process of building an algae reactor and I’m one step away from finishing it. I’ll post a full build once I’m done but for now I need help deciding how to contain the light in the reactor.

I cut a vinyl sticker wrap thinking it would do the trick. It helps but mostly just diffuses the light, not block it.

I did a second layer of vinyl and it is better but still way too much light spill. What’s a better in-water option? Spray paint? More vinyl? Car exterior vinyl?

 

[Saveafish]

Tape it off paint it with krylon fusion black spray paint.

 

[TheEngineer]

Tape it off paint it with krylon fusion black spray paint.

I was thinking of that as an option. Probably the cheapest too but I always question putting that stuff in my tank.

 

[Saveafish]

Fusion been in tanks for years. Its reef safe and the go to paint for reef things. Has to be fusion and must cure for a few days before being submerged.

 

[TheEngineer]

Fusion been in tanks for years. Its reef safe and the go to paint for reef things. Has to be fusion and must cure for a few days before being submerged.

Oh, I know it’s been on the reef safe list forever :) I’ve seen some interesting curing suggestions. I think I saw someone cure it in water for a week that they changed daily.

 

[Larry L]

Something white or reflective would do a better job of reflecting light back into the reactor, instead of absorbing it. Maybe some sort of Mylar sheeting?

 

[TheEngineer]

Something white or reflective would do a better job of reflecting light back into the reactor, instead of absorbing it. Maybe some sort of Mylar sheeting?

That’s what I was thinking too. I might try some white vinyl car wrap.

 

[TheEngineer]

I think I'm going to paint this.

I'll do white for the base layer so the light gets reflected around inside. I'll test it out after a couple coats of white and see if that is enough to keep the light in. If not, I'll add a darker color on top.

 

[PookieGV]

Looking forward to seeing the build

 

[TheEngineer]

I’m going to do a full build thread, but here’s a teaser :)