WHAT KIND OF PAINT...

[SGypsyMermaid]

would you suggest i use to paint the outside back of my tank? i'm going to paint it black.

[CichlidPete]

I would think any kind of non latex paint would work. Most likely best to brush rather than spray to keep it out of the tank. I am not sure if the paint would ever dry if you painted a full tank, all that water on the other side of the glass. How abouit just buying the black background at the LFS in case you change your mind later?

Just ideas!

[SGypsyMermaid]

the tank that i want to paint is empty. my 33 gal is painted black and i love it. i have the backgrounds on the other tanks, but i think the paint looks better. does non-latex paint have fumes? can i paint the tank in the fishroom?

[jonah]

Ford Blue :D

I think any paint will give off fumes, so I wouldn't want to turn the fishies into a bunch of huffers. I'd paint in a different room.


And yes, I have killed fish with paint fumes before. :cry:

[SGypsyMermaid]

ok--then i'll have to take pete's suggestion--i can't move that tank anywhere to paint it--it's the new 70 gal...and the fishroom is the basement--that would mean up the stairs...not an option. thanks guys.

[Mbuniac]

I went to a local sign company and got a piece of plastic that they use to make lighted signs. It was just big enough for my 29 gal. (fortunately it was dk. blue) and they just gave it to me! I can paint it any color I want, and it's waterproof. Just a suggestion.

[SGypsyMermaid]

is it plastic like the backgrounds that are sold for aquariums, or is it rigid plastic?--are you going to attach it to the outside of the tank? i can't picture it.

[Mbuniac]

It's rigid plastic about 1/16" thick. I just cut it to fit and used three little pieces of two-sided tape on the top to hold it on. Hope I can get as lucky on my 125! If you pay for it, you can get any color you want. No idea how much.

[Boilermaker]

SGypsy, The latex is a waterbase that has less fumes but you can remove it with water :( , the oil or laquer based paints need a thinner to remove but have heavy fumes :) If you can't move the tank turn off all filters especially air pumps and cover tank tops of other tanks with towels.Use a fan by a window to pull fumes outside.
Also check out a reputable paintstore near you see what they suggest, they are making very durable latex's nowdays. I just bought a waterbase killstain but most of your primers are going to be whitebase.

I like the idea of the black background especially for photography, no shadows check out John Monks pics at Dubosi .com

[Boilermaker]

Damn its almost 2:30 here I bet you guys on the east coast are waking up to go to work :shock: .
I've got to quit doing this (staying up this late) I start 12hr shifts in a week :D

[SGypsyMermaid]

yup--i log on at about five am est before getting ready for work. you've kept me up late a few nights, too boilermaker! :lol: --thanks for the paint tip.