Plastidip aquarium background

[Oli]

Looking at doing the PlastiDip option for a black background. Can’t find anywhere to source vinyl backgrounds.

What are peoples opinions on the regular black vs the gloss black plastidip.

I only ask because I’ve read that plastidip can go a little bit dull with time. Assuming gloss may be the better option?

 

[Uberhoust]

Assuming you put in on the outside of the tank, I don't think the texture will matter, I would expect the glass surface to be the "surface" which would always be somewhat glossy in appearance. Not speaking from experience, so I could definitely be wrong.

You can paint the tank or you can use other materials, for example I use black poster board, and vinyl poster board behind my tanks. I cut it to fit between the top and bottom plastic trim on the tank and just tape it in. The HOB filter also holds it in place next to the glass.

 

[seangee]

I used Plasitcote satin in 2020 and it still looks like the day I sprayed it. Other tanks have black card as described by @Uberhoust

 

[powerdyne6]

Black cardboard sheets works great as well

 

[Oli]

The thing is, it’s a very expensive, sleek and glossy looking tank, and there will be a lot of the background on display, so I don’t want it to look cheap. I just can’t source and vinyl for the life of me, hoping plastidip will look good when finished

 

[BrianK]

The thing is, it’s a very expensive, sleek and glossy looking tank, and there will be a lot of the background on display, so I don’t want it to look cheap. I just can’t source and vinyl for the life of me, hoping plastidip will look good when finished

This is Plasti Dip. I just did it a week ago. It is even brushed on because I didn't want to spray in the house.

 

[Fishmanic]

looks kinda gray...

 

[Back in the fold]

@BrianK Those are nice Tiger Barbs and is that a Water Lettuce I see floating ?

 

[BrianK]

@BrianK Those are nice Tiger Barbs and is that a Water Lettuce I see floating ?

I'm phasing out the tiger barbs. I used to have a whole bunch, only 3 left. Just a bit too aggressive to me. I actually killed a couple that were super-aggressive. One of them had all the rest of the fish hiding in the corners while he cruised the whole tank by himself.

And yes that is lettuce floating. I like it and the fish like it. I have to thin constantly, trim the roots, and I toss them when they get too big.

 

[BrianK]

looks kinda gray...

That what I think too. A very dark gray which is weird because it looked jet black in the can.

 

[Back in the fold]

@BrianK I had a Water Lettuce in an outdoor pond once and really liked the looks of it . A very pretty plant but I didn’t know they could grow indoors . As for your Tiger Barbs , well , that’s Tiger Barbs for you . They are a bit frisky .

 

[BrianK]

@BrianK I had a Water Lettuce in an outdoor pond once and really liked the looks of it . A very pretty plant but I didn’t know they could grow indoors . As for your Tiger Barbs , well , that’s Tiger Barbs for you . They are a bit frisky .

It is dwarf lettuce. It doesn't get as big as the outdoor stuff.