To paint or not to paint

[lilj104]

I am thinking of painting the back of my aquarium black. Is that a good idea or is it better to the background at a LFS and tape it to the back of the aquarium? If painting is the better option what paint should I use from Home Depot or Lowes?

 

[DaveK]

It's not going to hurt anything to paint the back of the tank black or use a background from your LFS. However, once you get a reef tank established, the background is going to get covered in coraline algae anyway.

A background from your LFS is a lot easier to install and change if you don't like it. If you are going to paint it, it is best done on an empty tank. Many people use Krylon spray pant. I have also heard of people useing the plastic film used to tint auto glass.

 

[yorkieUK]

A background from your LFS is a lot easier to install and change if you don't like it.

+1 If you fancy changing it in a years time, it'll be easier to rip off a background and put another one on.