Saltwater & Reef

Makavelli02 · 03-10-2011, 10:55 PM

What it the best Material to use for the background on my 75 and 30g tanks? I really dont want to pay the high prices for the premade backgrounds.

Tim Wheatley · 03-10-2011, 10:58 PM

I use vinyl material from a fabric shop, hung with office clips.

mfdrookie516 · 03-10-2011, 10:58 PM

Spray paint

reflex1 · 03-10-2011, 11:56 PM

Like rookie just said - spray paint (fusion) from Wally World or wherever you can buy it!

BigJim · 03-11-2011, 08:16 AM

+1 for spray paint.

ShawnMMcKenna · 03-11-2011, 08:39 AM

I used exterior paint on my tanks. Applied it with a roller, and you dont see the stipple due to the glass. Less mess than spraypaint IMO...

jenatron · 03-11-2011, 09:22 AM

Don't mean to hijack, but what if you change your mind about painting the back? Is there a safe, efficient way to get it off?

TommyLiNy · 03-11-2011, 09:35 AM

I use SeaView on my backgrounds. It really makes them pop and no bubbles in that way. I know petco had it at one point and I know you can purchase it online. IMO a balck/blue or even background with plants looks just as good as the spray paint. Very easy clean up if you want to change, peel off background and windex.. good to go! Check it out

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carey · 03-11-2011, 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TommyLiNy

I use SeaView on my backgrounds. It really makes them pop and no bubbles in that way. I know petco had it at one point and I know you can purchase it online. IMO a balck/blue or even background with plants looks just as good as the spray paint. Very easy clean up if you want to change, peel off background and windex.. good to go! Check it out

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I use the seaview as well. Got a little sloppy on my sw tank tho so I might paint it.

TommyLiNy · 03-11-2011, 09:49 AM

You don't need much Ive had it on my tank for over a year now. If there was a bubble or dry spot just peeled back and added a lil more. I used a paper towel maybe that held it better idk

Not bad for $5 though. I know scraping paint can be a real pain in the *** (painter myself) just throwin another option out there.

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TommyLiNy · 03-11-2011, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carey

I use the seaview as well. Got a little sloppy on my sw tank tho so I might paint it.

Might have been due to some salt leech ,mine is on FW tank.

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reefcowboy · 03-12-2011, 12:17 PM

Im not sure if the background you are looking for is the black/blue paint on the back glass. I did however make a really cool background(styrofoam sheet, carved that is then glued with silicone on the inside/back glass...It isn't the easiest job(isnt this though the DIY thread? LOL!!), but in a day's work you can come up with an amazing background that would come really cheap, and most importantly the way you want it.
If you check on you tube, they have tutorials on ways to do it.... I have seen one made for saltwater that incorporated pieces of coral coming out and it looked amazing!

Makavelli02 · 03-13-2011, 09:42 PM

I made a quick fix for my background and it only cost me 8 bucks. 2 yards of black felt from the fabric store and a package of small velcro squares. Now I have a a good looking background in which I can change the color in about 2 moments and each color cost about 5 bucks. Will post a pick in a few moments.