Reef set up-need help with sump set up

[DisneyCoralReef]

Originally Posted by conceptaquariums

i would do the blue but that's just me lol and i won't glue it on, just tape it on so if you change your mind down the road you can remove it and flip it around

That's a good idea. Thanks for bringing it up

[DisneyCoralReef]

Originally Posted by sphelps

I would personally paint the back glass black, those backdrops don't usually work that well IME.

I had originally been advised to paint it, but because of where we live, painting wouldn't be an option(live in a condo). I don't have a place where I can paint it, and once painted if got around to finding a place, I can't leave it there to dry-not to mention this ridiculous whether hasn't helped.

[Steve'o]

What kind of paint would you use for glass?
Curious, as I need to do this also.
Steve'o

[DisneyCoralReef]

Originally Posted by cadmandu

What kind of paint would you use for glass?
Curious, as I need to do this also.
Steve'o

Steve, if you have the chance to paint, I would definitely paint. It looks much better and it will stay as opposed to dealing with the backdrop not sticking or dealing with salt build up. I was told krylon fusion works well.

[sphelps]

You can use pretty much any paint you want, while the krylon fusion does work well I've had plenty of success using standard latex interior paint which can be used indoors and simply rolled on.

[globaldesigns]

Originally Posted by sphelps

I would personally paint the back glass black, those backdrops don't usually work that well IME.

+1, I didn't paint and couldn't after it was setup. I used a black drop on the back. It works fine, but I also used a bit of duct tape on the top each of the drop/tank in order that water didn't drip down the back of the tank between the glass and the black bg.

[DisneyCoralReef]

Originally Posted by globaldesigns

I used a black drop on the back.

Is there a reason you went with black over blue?

[mike31154]

I saw a link some time ago where a chap had built a sort of 3D diorama behind his tank. Can't find it any longer but it was very cool. You need a bit of room behind the tank though. The guy was a bit of an artist and airbrushed a great graphic, added a few fake rocks to make it look 3 dimensional and also had some subdued lighting above the scene he created to highlight the features. It actually looked a little eerie and of course you'll need to keep the back glass spotless. You don't need to be an artist like he was, any good quality poster will do with the theme of your choice. If I can find the link again, I'll check back in and post it.

Ok, this isn't the one I saw, but it gives you the idea & shows how to make one.

http://www.glaucus.org.uk/CB1.htm

[fishytime]

IMO any backdrop is a bit of a waste of time, unless you plan on keeping the back glass clean...... Your rock work will hide most of it and coraline algea will cover the rest..... I say just tape the background on so you can focus your time on other things

[lastlight]

Andy's 1350g in Bucharest (RC > Large Tanks) has a backlit bg that shows through some gaps in his rock bg. Pretty cool idea!