Blacking Out A Tank

I'm looking for options on blacking out the back of my tank and wondering what others use. I know a lot of people just paint the back, but I am looking for less permanent options.

 

I've heard of some people using completely black window tint, which is relatively easily removed with the right tools.

Otherwise, some laminated black paper firmly taped into place would work.

 

I've heard of some people using completely black window tint, which is relatively easily removed with the right tools.

Otherwise, some laminated black paper firmly taped into place would work.

Those are good ideas. Do you know if the window tint relatively easy to find and apply? I would guess it's about like applying a screen protector on a device where you have to smooth out bubbles?

 

I have used Bristol board for backing on my tanks and just tape the edges top and bottom. Comes in a wide range of colours and pretty cheap real easy to remove when you need too.

 

I have used Bristol board for backing on my tanks and just tape the edges top and bottom. Comes in a wide range of colours and pretty cheap real easy to remove when you need too.

Interesting - I've never heard of bristol board before. I'll have to look into that because that seems super easy. Thanks.

 

It is easy I have used it on a few of my tanks and looks good too

 

Black plastidip spray. Aquarium safe for inside too. Spray the outside back and if you want to change it later you can peel it off.

 

Black plastidip spray. Aquarium safe for inside too. Spray the outside back and if you want to change it later you can peel it off.

Thanks for the suggestion. I'm going to keep this in mind for the 20 gallon long I plan to get later this month.

 

Protip: Home Depot, Lowe's, or pretty much any hardware store sells corrugated plastic and even acrylic panelling if you want to get fancy.

The corrugated plastic is nice because it's cheap ($1 per square foot approx) and as long as you're handy enough to operate some measuring tape and a box cutter, you can cut it so it slips between the black plastic trim around the bottom and top of most aquariums; no adhesives necessary, it literally slides in and out as you need.

Best option imo

Also you can get and cut acrylics it's just more difficult

 

Paint actually isn't terrible to remove from paint if you use the right stuff, you just scrape it off with a razor blade.

 

Protip: Home Depot, Lowe's, or pretty much any hardware store sells corrugated plastic and even acrylic panelling if you want to get fancy.

The corrugated plastic is nice because it's cheap ($1 per square foot approx) and as long as you're handy enough to operate some measuring tape and a box cutter, you can cut it so it slips between the black plastic trim around the bottom and top of most aquariums; no adhesives necessary, it literally slides in and out as you need.

Best option imo

Also you can get and cut acrylics it's just more difficult

That's a neat idea. Thanks!

 

That's a neat idea. Thanks!

Was probably worth mentioning the corrugated plastic comes in black

 

I am cheap. I bought 2 sheets of black poster board at the Dollar Tree. Looks great.