Painting tank

[mr limpet]

Thinking about painting the bottom of my 90 gallon Discus tank instead of using gravel. What color, and what kind of paint would be the best. I recently painted some tables black with Behr paint from Home Depot. Can I use that?

[Willie]

All my tanks have 3 coats of Behr on 3 sides and the bottom. Miranda/Chicago Discus told my wife she does 3 coats, so that somehow became an expectation. The painting was done 5 years ago and I haven't had any problems. All the wires and tubes are hidden and I don't have to deal with flimsy backgrounds. As for color, it's a matter of priorities. I used a light blue which contrasts with discus colors (also what Miranda told my wife). Black also works except it's impossible to photograph the fish without supplemental flash, although altum angelfish look spectacular on a black background.

I don't think black is a problem on the bottom, although any color would work. You generally don't see the bottom of the tank unless you're standing right next to it. A roller will create a smooth coat, while brushes will create patterns. I've seen one person brush paint on, but using very little paint, to create patterns on the bottom. Some people have found paint that create a pebble pattern, which would be nice and hide fish crap.

[mr limpet]

Which color on the bottom do you think will bring out Discus color more. I have a blue background. Discus are Red Melons, Blue Diamonds, and a couple of Pigeon Bloods.

[Willie]

I think any of the lighter colors will do a good job. I keep red and blue discus and they both stand out well. Black tends to make speckling more pronounced on PB types. The choice of lighting is more important. The Finnex I got from Chicago Discus really makes colors pop.

Willie

[mr limpet]

Thanks. I have a finnex too. It does make the reds and orange color pop. But not the blue.

[brady]

I assume that when you paint your tanks it's on the outside of the tanks.
A newby might be a little confused on where to paint.
Jay

[coralbandit]

I have seen cork board or sand paper used under the aquarium for a more natural look .
Easy peasy also to place something under the tank before filling ..
White or light blue seem to be the most popular colors for painting sides and back [on the outside of course .]

[jeep]

I use Stone Creations gray.
tank bottom 1.jpg
tank bottom 2.jpg
tank bottom 3.jpg

[Moreetta]

If you background is a brighter, I suggest a combination of black and brown at the bottom.

[Willie]

I use Stone Creations gray..

How does the inside bottom surface look?

[Shan_Evolved]

That looks great Brian! Would love to see it under water and lighting attached

[jeep]

It actually changes quite a bit, which is why I now use the gray The sand or beige color takes a cream and almost yellowish hue. They gray looks more like a river bottom color.

This is as good as I can get with my camera phone

challenge 149.jpg
fish room 1.jpg

[danotaylor]

I know you took that shot to show Willie the inside view of the stone creations but DANG those discus are sweet mate! From Al's pair right, the grow out challenge fish?

[jeep]

Lol... Yes, that's an old contest update photo. I recently put the female back in with the male since he recovered from her nearly tearing his tail off. They spawned within a couple of hours so let's see if they can behave, lol...

For comparison, here are photo's of the gray and light brown side by side that I just took a few minutes ago. The lighter color is on older tanks.. I like the gray best...

tank bottom 5.jpgtank bottom 4.jpg

[Shan_Evolved]

Looks so good! This is definitely what people who are afraid of going bare bottom for the "bad looks" should pay attention to.