Tank backdrop or painting the back

[Flexin]

Thoughts and ideas?  Getting a new tank with a glass back today.  Looking for ideas, colors etc.  Any input will be helpful.

[REEFreefLJS85]

I would do paint on the back. Black or blue. I don't like back drops because over time they get wet and they tear. Paint also looks more natural. 

[Kellie in CA]

I'm a fan of black, but I have seen a few tanks with white backgrounds that look amazing!

[flatlandreefer]

Black provides the best look imo and the corals really contrast off the black. I also like certain tanks without a background at all just clear glass. Stay away from a backdrop though I think paint is your best bet and it will be hard to change later if you end up wishing you would have painted it instead of just using a backdrop. 

[Flexin]

This is helpful.  I was leaning towards black or a dark blue.  My default was black but sometimes I need help gong outside the box     In regards to type of paint, I see some use Krylon, acrylic non toxic, and even plasti dip.  Plasti dip seems like an interesting option since it comes off (if I ever want to) same with acrylic.  This will be on a glass tank.

[Clown79]

I use the black backdrop. Never had issues with it being damaged.

 

I didn't want to paint it because paint easily chips/scratches off glass. 

 

Blue or black is good

[Friendly]

I prefer black...but if you go with painting, it's a pain to reverse/undo...if you go with a backing, it's easy to change/alter/remove. 

[Scorched]

Or nothing at all 

[Flexin]

Oddly enough, I may be able to get away with noting since the walls are blue, lol  Its in a corner so it may also add some depth.  I will place it and then decide.  Found a great deep dark royal blue though..

[Clown79]

I took my backing off since I'm transferring to a new tank. 

The corals don't stand out like they used to.

[Flexin]

you have a pic or did I miss it?  Tank just got in, going to pick it up shortly...

[Thrassian Atoll]

Coralline algae looks the best.

[Flexin]

Decided on a dark royal blue.  Such a geek, I went to the LPS with the paint and masking tape.  They let me do it in the back room and I will get it tomorrow.

[Flexin]

The most honest picture I could get of the paint job.  The AIs are at 50% and 50% overall.  I placed the pipe tape in there as a color reference.  Came out nice, no runs or drips.  My office walls are blue also, so it does not stand out in a bad way at all.  Thanks for all the info.