Setting up a new fish room. Should I paint the tanks?

[zachrabbit15]

So buying a lot of tanks from a local breeder. 10 x 20s and 10 x 29s, also already have 3 x 55s. Will be leaving space for 3 more 55s. So looking to set the 20s and 29s side by side, long side running front to back. The tanks all just have one side colored (former back, now going to be one side). Should I paint all three sides? What color would you all suggest, light blue or black? This is for my discus and other SA cichlids (Mesonautus, Guaniacaras, and Apistos). Thanks for any help! Will get some picks up when we get started after closing on the 7th.

[Brent1972]

I would paint back,sides and bottom light blue .

[Bill63SG]

You might not want to paint the sides in your breeders.Sometimes when a pair can see other fish,they are moe protective off thier eggs.

[Brent1972]

The other way to do it is leave the sides but leave enough room between the tanks to put polystyrene in if they don't like onlookers .

[zachrabbit15]

Thanks for the help, I like the polystyrene idea. Think I will try that. Will aslo help with temp control. Anyone else have any tricks they would like to share?

[Brent1972]

I always paint the bottom of the tank it reduces reflection and instead of glass sliders on the top I use 10mm twin wall polycarbonate (keeps the heat in the tank and less evaporation) HTH :)