To Backer Paper or Not - Need your Opinion

The friendliest place on the web for anyone with an interest in aquariums or fish keeping!
If you have answers, please help by responding to the unanswered posts.

fish4phil

Aquarium Advice Freak
Joined
Nov 8, 2013
Messages
337
Location
Michigan
36G Bowfront Freshwater Tropical Tank.

I'm trying to decide to add a black background or not. I know it's purpose is (almost) purely aesthetic, but, what do you think? See attached for with and without (bare in mind, the "with" is simply a black t-shirt hung behind to get an idea)

Here's the thing, obviously that tank is all set up, weighing 300-350 pounds. Moving it would be hard. I could just tape it on or somehow move it?
 

Attachments

  • 20131201_124623.jpg
    20131201_124623.jpg
    256.2 KB · Views: 48
  • 20131201_124619.jpg
    20131201_124619.jpg
    257.2 KB · Views: 49
  • 20131201_124610.jpg
    20131201_124610.jpg
    258.6 KB · Views: 49
  • 20131201_124605.jpg
    20131201_124605.jpg
    258.2 KB · Views: 48
36G Bowfront Freshwater Tropical Tank.

I'm trying to decide to add a black background or not. I know it's purpose is (almost) purely aesthetic, but, what do you think? See attached for with and without (bare in mind, the "with" is simply a black t-shirt hung behind to get an idea)

Here's the thing, obviously that tank is all set up, weighing 300-350 pounds. Moving it would be hard. I could just tape it on or somehow move it?
Definitely with. I would paint it though. A matt black is best imo...
 
I painted the back of a small 10g black to see what I thought.

Pros: Permanent, Consistent look (no light/dark splotches), I can not see the filter or filter without really having to look, fish tend to color up better trying to match a dark surrounding opposed to fading out to match a bright surrounding.

Cons: Permanent, Tank overall looks darker than I really wanted, fairly easy to scratch/peel and those blemishes show up.
 
It's only permanent depending on the type of paint used. I paint the backs of my tanks with Plastidip which is a spray on plastic. It's pretty rugged stuff and if you don't want it anymore it's peels right off. You might have to start it with a razor blade but it comes off without the need for any solvents.

The black I used is a flat black. The best part of painting (regardless of the type used) is that moisture or air bubbles aren't present between the glass and paint.
 
Back
Top Bottom