DIY Background- Vinyl over Painting a tank

[Zebvance]

Vinyl over Painting a tank

I had a black background on my 240 from pet smart. I had a lot of problems with it. Water would get in between the background and the tank when I would service the tank. So It got on my nerves enough for me to rip it off. I ended up having the idea of laying down one big piece of vinyl ( a big black sticker) on the back instead of painting it. I am not a very good painter and I didn't want to do something that permanent to my tank. So I picked up a 96x30 sheet of vinyl from the local decal shop in town for 15 dollars. Which is cheaper than what I got the first background for! The guy at the shop gave me instructions on how to put it on and It was pretty easy as long as you take your time and have a helping hand. Here are some pic's and I cant say that it could of turned out better. I like it a lot and I think It is just as good as a painted background if not better because It can easily be peeled off. I have a extra sheet of the stuff so I plan on doing this to my 46 gallon also.


Attached Thumbnails

[myjohnson]

cool!

where did you get that from?

[danielp]

i bought the same type stuff from City pets for my 125.

Had a neighbor help.

It's like putting on window tint. A lot of soapy water and a squeegy.

I really like it.

[Zebvance]

cool!

where did you get that from?

I got it from fast signs in town. they make all kinds of window decals and stuff

[cichlid1409]

very nice!

[armthehomeless]

You did a good job!

Now come do mine . . .

[ssrprelude]

I have the same stuff one two of my tanks, very clean background. Nice job on documenting the process.

[Zebvance]

You did a good job!

Now come do mine . . .

Haha The hardest part was moving the tank away from the wall. But I dont mind giving a helping hand when its needed tim.

[black_knight]

I saw them use that stuff on the coral frag tank they redid. It's very clean looking. Looked easy to apply. They always have alot of neat stuff there.

[fshfrk]

Great ideal

[Zebvance]

Thanks hope it helps someone on how to do this.

[aone4u2luv@yahoo.com]

so if i wnat to attach regular background to my aquarium i can do it with soapy water? looks very very neat by the way i am a stickler about these type of things as well lol

[Zebvance]

I don't think that would work to well in the long run. The background would eventually fall off. Plus I try not to get anything with soap even 5 feet near my tanks. I almost had a heartattack the other day when my Gf try to clean the outside of my tanks with windex...

[bethesdaboy]

you guys know, that is not zeb that did any of the work right?

[Zebvance]

Somebody had to take the pictures mike!!! Haha no it was def a 2 person job. I wouldn't try doing this with any les than 2 people. It is almost impossible to do it with one person and not get bubbles all in-between the glass and vinyl.