To Paint or Not to Paint?

[Aquattro]

I've always painted the back on my tanks. The pattern shown in that article closely resembles the typical coral placement I've seen in many/most tanks, and as such, would not be a concern. In fact, even if corals weren't placed that way, I'd still not be concerned and I would paint the back of my tank.

[Enigma]

Craig: What are you doing to the aquarium?
Shelley: I'm taping it off to paint the back black.
Craig: Don't do that! Why the heck would you do that!!!???
Shelley: Brad told me to.
Craig: Who is Brad?
Shelley: Some dude on the Internet.

Works for me.

But, in all seriousness, could moving the lighting fixture towards the rear wall of the tank offset some of the effect of painting the back?

Also, could we expect the same effect from LEDs? The T5 fixture will only be temporary: until we have the opportunity to build the LED fixture.

[Aquattro]

Originally Posted by Enigma

Works for me.

But, in all seriousness, could moving the lighting fixture towards the rear wall of the tank offset some of the effect of painting the back?

Also, could we expect the same effect from LEDs? The T5 fixture will only be temporary: until we have the opportunity to build the LED fixture.

I have to ask, what's his issue with painting the tank??

Perhaps, on paper, there is some merit to this theory of loss of light. But I've never seen a tank with failing corals near the back. Typically the corals towards the back are higher up to facilitate viewing, and therefore get more light, or at least enough to thrive and grow.

If he doesn't like paint, at least a vinyl sheet as Doug mentions above, or you'll be less than happy staring at the wall behind the tank.

[Enigma]

Originally Posted by FishyFishy!

Paint all the way.

Nice!

Originally Posted by Aquattro

I have to ask, what's his issue with painting the tank??

Perhaps, on paper, there is some merit to this theory of loss of light. But I've never seen a tank with failing corals near the back. Typically the corals towards the back are higher up to facilitate viewing, and therefore get more light, or at least enough to thrive and grow.

If he doesn't like paint, at least a vinyl sheet as Doug mentions above, or you'll be less than happy staring at the wall behind the tank.

I'm not 100% sure what the issue is. He's generally really laid back, but every now and then he digs in and won't budge on something. It seldom makes much sense to me. Normally when he digs in he automatically gets his way: as he so seldom kicks up a fuss of any sort . . . but I'm dead set against staring at the wall behind the tank or looking at the plumbing. This is supposed to be "our" build however, and I do really want to encourage his enthusiasm.

[Aquattro]

Originally Posted by Enigma

This is supposed to be "our" build however, and I do really want to encourage his enthusiasm.

Let him decide the color

[Enigma]

Originally Posted by Aquattro

Let him decide the color

Though it killed me to do it . . . I sent him a BBM indicating that while I felt very strongly that painting the tank was the best course of action, he could choose the colour.

The response:
"No. You choose."

Problem solved? (unless he's so busy that he didn't think about it before he sent the message)

[Aquattro]

Originally Posted by Enigma

Problem solved? (unless he's so busy that he didn't think about it before he sent the message)

Perfect time for a quick paint job before he comes around.