Spray painting as tank backing

[jnc914]

I recently upgraded my reef system from a 55 gallon to a 90 gallon tank. I have not set it up yet . I hate buying the film backing for the tank. Is it safe to use spray paint on the back of my tank or will it effect my livestock when I transfer them? Has anyone tried this technique?

[vgibbens]

Tape off all the openings and go for it. My friend just did this witha rubberized type of spray paint for tools. It worked fine.

[Maxxumless]

Sure, it works great.

[jjmg]

Be sure to clean the glass well with alcohol first, then you can just use a spray enamal in whatever color you like. Give it overnight to set up before handling it to prevent scratches.

[allegansweetdreams]

I painted mine with Black Latex paint (like exterior trim paint) It took 2 coats but It worked great. Good Luck :)

[brianlena2000]

We sprayed two of our tanks and have been real happy with it.

[king1522]

I have used automotive engine spray paint from a auto parts dealer. Went on well and I really liked it.
Don

[jun_celis]

Just make sure to cover everthing on its sides, front, and the top of the tank. Tape it real good!!! I spray painted my 75 gal. with a baby blue and it looks great.

[Splach]

Do you mean that you are painting the inside of the tank??

[SpeedwayAutobody]

yeah its fine as long as its on the outside

[Cuervo]

I am building a tank and want to do the same thing. I have a problem though, I am planning an external overflow, and so some of the paint (or whatever I use) will be inside the overflow box.

Anyone know what would be safe to use inside the overflow box?

thanks,
Joe

[king1522]

Splach, don't paint on the inside. Paint outside back only

[jobryan26]

I painted mine with some flat black spray dye that I had left over from painting my monitor. It is very runny so there will be runs in it but the good thing about using it is the runs will disappear and leave a very smooth finish. Here is a pic of the back of mine.

[Cuervo]

Jobryan,

Do you think that spray dye would be safe to use inside my overflow where it will definitely be in contact with my water?

What was the name of the stuff you used?

Joe

[bookfish]

Window tinting from auto parts stores. Many colors available and it's easy change if you decide to try something else.
Cheers!-Jim

[jobryan26]

I wouldn't risk using it inside of my tank. I know the fumes will kill you so I could only imagine what it would ooze into the water. If your aquarium is acrylic it might not be a good idea either. I know that it seeps into plastic and dyes the color of it so it won't flake, peel, or rub off so I'm not sure what it would do on acrylic. I used Plasti-kote Vinyl Dye and if you do use it, be sure to use it outside because it is v-e-r-y strong.

John

[jnc914]

thanks for the helpful information in your replies.

JC