In Step 3 of setting up our 92 gallon corner bowfront reef tank, we did not want to use the standard stick or tape on type imaged or colored aquarium background. Instead we optioned to paint the two outside walls of the tank with a beautiful complimentary color. This is a quick and simple way to cover the back of glass or acrylic aquariums to hide unsightly cords and pieces of equipment from view. It also adds a splash of color compared to the usual and often boring black, blue, and underwater reef scene backgrounds one has to choose from.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: Varies
Here's How:
- Clean the surface area to be painted. A Windex type product, or a water and vinegar solution works well for cleaning glass or acrylic materials.
- Tape off and cover any areas of the tank, stand, and floor you want protected from paint.
- Apply as many coats of paint as it takes to get the look desired, allowing sufficient drying time between each coat.
- Remove the tape once the paint job is dry to the touch.
Tips:
- NEVER apply paint to the inside wall(s) of an aquarium.
- For the best results, use a water based glossy latex paint. Any color can be used, with black making a good choice if you want an overflow section to blend in.
- The paint can be brushed or sprayed on.
- Make sure the surface to be painted is dry, and free of any cleaning product residue before painting.
- It's important to allow sufficient drying time between coats. We found that by moving too fast, when brushing on the second coat of paint, it caused the first layer to solidify and start coming off. This made it difficult to get a nice even look to the paint job, and resulted in having to apply four coats of paint.
What You Need
- Water based glossy latex paint.
- Painters tape, and other needed painting materials.
- Glass or arcylic cleaning products.
