Black background?

[Lolita]

My LFS doesn't sell black backgrounds, but I'm thinking it would look really fantastic in my 10 gallon tank with black substrate, live plants and a blue and grey castle ornament that I got for the tank a loooong time ago. My dad likes the look of it, so we'll be using that instead of drift wood.

Anyhow, I've heard of people using foam board and other things (like trash bags xD) . What's best to use and how to you attach it? Just with some electrical tape? I usually use SeaClear to attach my aquariums then add a little black electrical tape to the top and bottom for extra support...but I don't think SeaClear would work with something like foam board.

Any imput would be great, thanks!

[Nobodynotime]

I used black foam board with some electrical tape like you were saying. Works well for me! I think theres an article on spray painting the backside of tanks somewhere on here, now that looks official.

[rich311k]

I use black poster board it does the job for me.

[Lolita]

xD Wow that was fast!

Posterboard. Do you just tape it or...? And does it ever get wet/ruined? I'm just worried that anything that isn't plastic or vinyl might get ruined from condensation or any kind of accidental water drips.

[Lolita]

I used black foam board with some electrical tape like you were saying. Works well for me! I think theres an article on spray painting the backside of tanks somewhere on here, now that looks official.

=O Ooh I love the idea of spray painting the back. I have tons of black spray paint at home...and it's safe as long as I'm careful to cover the top? I assume it would come right off with a razer, too.

[rich311k]

I tape it on. When it gets stained I change it. A simple operation.

[Northernguy]

I use black bristol board.Probably the same thing as poster board. lol
If it gets wet it drys without really showing.I pay a dollar for two peices.If I have to replace it its not a problem.lol
I started with it a yr ago ,changed it,and now I'm switching back.

[MonkeyPox]

Since it's a small tank, you may want to consider panting it. Krylon Fusion works wonders, goes on quick and easy, and you can always scrape it off if you decide you want something else.

Alternatively, you can order black background for a ton of online stores and its almost always at big box stores.

All my tanks are painted now and I don't regret it one bit.

[Girl Got Mojo]

I used a matte black spraypaint on the back of my tanks. It would be simple on a 10, if its not filled yet.The display boards
sold for school projects would work well also. Its best to get something that's
not shiny or very reflective at first i had a glossy black paper on the back and
the gloss just made it look weird. Black substrate and black background will
make the fishes colors stand out well.

Edit: yes cover the top and sides well. I used a garbage bag and taped the plastic
to the edges and let dry and did a second and third coat.

[Lolita]

=D Great! Thanks for the quick advice guys! I still have black Krylon spray paint at home from painting my tank stand, so I'll use that and I'll paint it as soon as I get home!

I'll post pictures when it's dry in my journal! I'm setting the tank up tomorrow afternoon, wish me luck!!

[Girl Got Mojo]

Good Luck!thumbs2: And take your time this isn't something you're going to
want to rush, i remember failing at similar projects because of rushing and just
wanting to spray already! lol

[Lolita]

=D I picked up some fllat Krylon spray paint last night and taped the crap out of the tank. I sprayed about 7 - 8 layers over a 4 hour span (just went out every half our hour so and did another layer) then left it overnight to dry.

It came out perfect! I'm just waiting for my Dr. Foster and Smith shipment to arrive this morning and I'll be setting the tank up with everything except my anubias and my fish!

[Owlbehere]

I can't wait to see the black paint on the tank. I'm thinking I'm going to paint my 75 when I buy it... Mmm Tiger oscar with a black back ground :)

[mattsbottleofjager]

I have been thinking of switching to black background myself, now I don't need to ask :22:

[MonkeyPox]

=D I picked up some fllat Krylon spray paint last night and taped the crap out of the tank. I sprayed about 7 - 8 layers over a 4 hour span (just went out every half our hour so and did another layer) then left it overnight to dry.

It came out perfect! I'm just waiting for my Dr. Foster and Smith shipment to arrive this morning and I'll be setting the tank up with everything except my anubias and my fish!

Glad it worked out well for you!

[Lolita]

=D Thanks. I'm very pleased with the result, and it was an easy job so that was a relief. Can't wait for fed ex to get here so I can get this thing set up and start cycling!

[Lolita]

I have been thinking of switching to black background myself, now I don't need to ask :22:

Lol glad I could help! I wish I'd done this for my 29 gallon tank ;_; but it's already set up lol. I suppose I could always use a roller and some laytex paint on it though when I do my big water change after cycling!

[MonkeyPox]

One word of advice- before you move your tank, get yourself a strong flashlight or some other source of light and place it behind the tank. Do this at night/in the dark and it will help show you any spots that might not have been covered completely by the spray paint.

[sandypants]

Are you SURE your LFS doesn't have black? A lot of the "scenic" ones with a photo scene of plants/fish has black on the other side. The good thing about legit backgrounds is how they are plastic so they won't run and you can wipe them off if needed.

[sandypants]

Have fun setting your tank up today!!! thumbs2:

[Lolita]

[Only Registered Users Can See Links.]

There's the tank clean and with a nice new black background! =D

[Lolita]

One word of advice- before you move your tank, get yourself a strong flashlight or some other source of light and place it behind the tank. Do this at night/in the dark and it will help show you any spots that might not have been covered completely by the spray paint.

=D I kept a flashlight turned on inside it while I was painting.. xD and I was painting in the pitch black so I definately know there's no missed spots. Great minds think alike!

[Lolita]

Are you SURE your LFS doesn't have black? A lot of the "scenic" ones with a photo scene of plants/fish has black on the other side. The good thing about legit backgrounds is how they are plastic so they won't run and you can wipe them off if needed.

Yeah I looked at all three of my LFS. None of them carry black. All of them have metallic blue on the opposite side of the scenic ones, and the only solid ones they have are metallic blue and metallic silver. =D I like the painted look though, I'm happy with it--and I water-proofed it with sealent!

[Owlbehere]

I am so doing this to my next tank! It looks great!

[Lolita]

=D I'll post another picture up when I get it all set up, plus I'll post them in my journal. Glad you like it!

[Northernguy]

Nice job!
How much longer for more pics?:hmm3grin2orange:

[Lolita]

Nice job!
How much longer for more pics?:hmm3grin2orange:

xD!! Lol

As soon as fed-ex gets here I'm setting the tank up. ;_; Get here soon fed-ex!!

[Lolita]

So apparently they hired a new fedex driver and he's an idiot, so my package isn't going to get here until tomorrow.

I'm not happy AT ALL because I specifically said in my delivery notes that the package had to be here by 3:00. Now I've been sitting here all day waiting only to find out he had no intention of being here until 8 tonight.

Well, he will find out EXACTLY how pissed I am tomorrow when he drops off my package.

[Brookfish]

Nice job on the tank, I have black backgrounds on most of my tanks!

[Lolita]

Thank you! (And thank you for the gift!! ^_^)

=D I really love the look. I think it'll make the fish we get really pop. Dad's still choosing which fish he wants. I know he likes the sunset platys and tetras... but he's also thinking guppies. Anyhow, I'm trying to get him to hurry up and pick! Lol

I just wish I'd done it for my 29... >_>

[Lolita]

Okay I updated my journal with info on this tank. xD I'll stop spamming this thread now.

Take a look and tell me what you think so far?

Thanks!!