Gouramiguy17

I bought a tank off craigslist and it came with a black background painted on it. I really do not like the black. How can I remove the paint without scrating the glass?

aquarist48

Good morning. I've read that you can use oven cleaner to remove paint from the back glass. I've never tried it myself so I don't have first hand knowledge on this. I just sold Lorabell a 72g tank and the back was painted blue. The paint was chipping off and she said her husband had no problems removing it with just a razor blade, carefully.
Have fun with your new tank!

ps if you do decide to try the oven cleaner...make sure you spray it away from the tank and onto a cloth. Don't spray it directly onto the glass and risk getting some of the cleaner in the tank.

RussG

I would go with the razor blade, I tried it and it workout fine. just watch your fingers.

Lucy

Hi Gouramiguy17 I just bought a tank with a painted background also.
Mine is dark blue, so I don't think I mind it too much. I use dark blue poster board for back grounds on some of my tanks.
It's nice to see suggestions on how to remove it if I wanted.

I don't think I could use a razor blade especially if it made that high squealy finger nails on blackboard noise.
Oh, wow some of you might not even know what that's like!!!!

Gouramiguy17

Thank you for all the fast answers

lorabell

yuppers...lol..lol...it was off in a cinch...no weird noise, just came right off , I do think he kept rinsing as he was doing it. It looks brand new!!!!!!! ..just so everyone knows..mine had also been very well cared for previously....

ABCDemily

I'd use some form of slightly abrasive cleaner, maybe mixed with vinegar? I wouldn't use any really abrasive metal wool, I'd try a sponge with a slightly scrubby side, like one for a non-stick pan. Itll stop the glass/acrylic from scratching.

Good luck!

Gouramiguy17

I think I will try the sponge with vinegar. My mom will probably let me use the razorblade technique if the safe idea fails, but sue is a safety freak (no offense mom)

harpua2002

If your mom doesn't want you to use a razor blade, you could try the Kent Pro Scraper or similar.
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...fm?pcatid=4072
The model with the stainless steel blade is made for glass aquariums, and it works great. It's not sharp like a razor blade, and the handle makes it easier to use. Plus, when you're done scraping the paint, it would make a great cleaning tool for inside the tank!

headlessblade

utility knife blade scrape with water