Removeable black background?

[ScottWV1]

I will apologize up front because I know this has been asked many times, but I was unable to find *detailed* info via "search"...

I am in the process of setting up a tank that is totally self-contained (meaning the display tank and the filtration is all enclosed in the same 55gal tank). What this allows me to do (if I wanted to) is to set the tank in the middle of a room so it can be viewable from 3 sides without any wires/plumbing/etc... from being visable from any angle...

Try to picture a 55 gal tank where I've blocked off 1/4 of the tank with 1/4" black acrylic and all the filtration (modified ecosystem setup) is hidden behind the black acrylic. The homemade cabinetry will cover all but the display portion of the tank.

For now I will position the tank in a corner, flat against the wall. I love black backgrounds, so that is my plan for the side of the tank that is up against the wall. I normally spray paint my tanks with cheap black paint, but since I don't want this to be permanent I'm looking for a cheap but effective way of 'blacking' the back of the tank...

I know black acrylic would be useful but expensive (IMO). I've heard people say they've bought contact paper, but I can't find black! I am looking to black the entire back of the tank so the 24x7 lighting in my 'sump' is not shining on the wall behind the tank.

Thx,
Scott

[Rin]

Go to to any automotive parts store and get Limo tint. 100%, if you can find it. But anything above 50% will probably work just fine.

Apply it according to the instructions. When you want to remove it, get a bottle of alcohol and a plastic scrapper.

[organicreefer]

dont they have those reversible blue on one side black on the other plastic sheets at youre lfs???

[ScottWV1]

Rin - thanks for the reminder of using window tint. I'll check the yellow pages for tinting, or maybe even try PepBoys here...

Organic - I need to find a lfs... haven't really been to any yet. Don't remember them having it in the past (just those 'roll' backgrounds that look like a fake beach setting). Sounds like something with some sturdiness to it would work...

Just water tested the tank for the first time and it's great! Not flowing as much as I expected. I'm using a Mag7 with about 4' head. I thought 400 gph would flow through sump quite a bit faster..

Thanks again -
Scott

[organicreefer]

scott ,yes the same plastic rolls ,but one side is blue one side is black,any place that has fish stuff has it,petco etc.its the "easy way",other than painting that is

[Evets]

I've always been happy using a sheet of black PVC as a removable background. My local plastics dealer has it in 4'x8' sheets. I spent $11 for the 5'x2' section I needed. It gives me the benefits of acrylic for a more reasonable price. Also, it has a matte black finish rather than than polished, glossy finish in which black acrylic is often stocked. I believe it is an 1/8" thick, perhaps 3/16".
-Steve

[schrocat]

I bought several feet of black vinyl from a local custom sign company.

It cost 10 dollars.

Worked great.

[ScottWV1]

thanks to all for your input!

Todd/Rin - I went with the limo tint and it worked like a champ! Thanks for the suggestion -

Scott

[Rin]

I'm glad it worked out for you.