Where to find Background

Just up and paint the back of the tank.

I really like how black looks painted on, but I've seen other colors/combinations that look good.

You can get a little jar of latex and get it tinted to whatever color you like at most big-box home/garden stores, they cost just a couple dollars, and get a chip brush for another dollar. Should be plenty for most tanks.

I've also used spraypaint. need to do it outside (or in a workshop), and takes a bit more prepwork with taping off the opening, but I found it to be easier and quicker then brush-on latex.

The latex is probably easier to remove if you don't like it or something.

I never thought of doing that. What a great idea. I am just a little concerned about removing it when/if I get tired of it.

I have seen some backgrounds that are applied with a thin layer of water and the bubbles are removed with a credit card. Those look so nice and clean.

use black Plastidip. it's like liquid rubber. if you don't like it, you can peel it off. i have two 20 longs with black Plastidip backgrounds.

Another great idea!!! Where would I find something like that, Home Depot? is it applied by brush?

Have you consider limo tint? The ones that are used on cars.

I have not, another great idea!!! I guess that is why I post on here. Not sure where to get that either or If I could find a piece small enough.

drondy said:

Another great idea!!! Where would I find something like that, Home Depot? is it applied by brush?

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home depot may have it. never looked there. i got mine at walmart. it's in a spray can. it will take a couple coats to get a good thick layer.

Thanks Ninja. I really like that idea.

drondy said:

I am in the beginning stages of scaping a 50gal cube. I would like to use a background that would look much like wax paper which would block out the cords and other thing hanging off the back but still let some light in. All the background I can find involve aquatic scenes. I don't want that.

Any ideas?

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Go to your local hardware store, spend $5 on some frosted glass spray and painters tape. Voila!

If you dont like it, remove it. If you want to change the color to black, paint over it. Actually, that would be interesting, frosted glass with black over it.

Or like I did, frosted glass with an LED light on the back, look in my sig at my 30 gal.

Thanks so much, that might be my best bet. Hove you done this before and how did it turn out?

drondy said:

I have not, another great idea!!! I guess that is why I post on here. Not sure where to get that either or If I could find a piece small enough.

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You find it at auto parts store like Pep Boys, Kragen, and Autozone.

Thanks!!!

drondy said:

Thanks so much, that might be my best bet. Hove you done this before and how did it turn out?

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I did, look at my 30 gal in my sig. I plan to take a video of the lights someday.

I first did the frosted glass spray paint. You can put it on as thick or thin as you desire. I did not like the look of just the frosted glass. It did hide the wires and stuff well though and gave an interesting texture. I then added the LED lights I got from PPTL or something like that on Amazon (there is a link in my journal). This really made the whole thing pop.

Very nice!!!

Another option if you want the frosted look is to use the frosted plastic that people put on their bathroom windows to let the light in but still be private. I believe it's sold in rolls at Home Depot. I think it's a matter of cutting it to fit and then putting it on making sure to remove the air bubbles.

I use frosted etched glass privacy tent and a strip of rgb leds. So for this look as been the best combo I've tried. Black to me was just too dark in my house.
During the day: http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/...F-9387-416B-9D7B-754DB55CB969_zpswpngbhv5.jpg

At night: http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/...C-0FFB-48F4-8F67-F7289EAC9186_zpsgixyuxuh.jpg

I think black looks good on smaller tanks but I think it is too much on larger tanks.

For a quick, cheap, and easy that is not permanent while you think over what to do more permanent? I once set up a tank and THEN decided I needed the cover so I went easy. A small bit of cloth of what ever color suits can be hung down the back even when the tank is full and against a wall. I prefer black to hide things.

drondy said:

I am in the beginning stages of scaping a 50gal cube. I would like to use a background that would look much like wax paper which would block out the cords and other thing hanging off the back but still let some light in. All the background I can find involve aquatic scenes. I don't want that.

Any ideas?

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You can get vinyl wrap they use on automobiles. It's easy to apply and remove. This is what I've on my 3,10 and 30 gallon tanks.


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