HOW TO: CHEAP and EASY aquarium backgrounds!

[@thekingofdiy]

Buy my book ► thekingofdiy.com Facebook ► facebook.com/uarujoey Instagram ► instagram.com/uarujoey/

[@wyzemann]

This is my all time favorite DIY of the year from you...at least for me. You took the most mundane and "hated" task in tank prep and solved my #1 problem...using stupid packing tape to seal cheap black aquarium backgrounds and later regretting the unsightly water and calcium deposits that build up between the glass and crappy background over time. K.I.S.S. always RULZ!

[@wyzemann]

Thank You Joey!

[@chriss.3476]

nice diy! just one point, the LOWER the percentage, the DARKER %, the tint. e.g. 5% is much darker than 50% because it only lets 5% of the light through. Just in case someone wanted to go look for tint in order to do this. Thanks again for the vid!

[@TheAngieIshmael]

Thanks!

[@jimcook3882]

A super instructive video. Thank you!!! From Las Vegas

[@TinoushGTR]

For black just use black board paint and a roller. Let a tin layer dry and do the second after it. Cheap and easy.

[@magencrisis1682]

I'm like 4 years late but I've just tried this for my aquarium and it kinda works. Just make sure the film you're using is of good quality. Mine tore apart at some places when I tried to get the air bubbles out and ended up being a more grey-ish colour instead of black. Other than that, I can confirm that adding water to the glass before applying the film does help a lot.

[@micro-reefsaquariums5169]

Joey, where do you purchase the black tint 50 percent you use on the acrylic? I looked on Amazon and Walmart but there were too many to choose from. Any item number or part number or brand? Thanks....

[@IamthaFunk]

Great video very informational, never thought about the window tinting thx😁🐟🦈🐳😁

[@joesfishroom4700]

Dude the office tank is awesome! Can't wait to see it for real! Also thanks for all the videos and ideas! Makes this hobby alot more affordable and fun for me!

[@thekingofdiy]

+Joe's Aquarium wait till you see what I did with it!

[@joesfishroom4700]

+The king of DIY I'm sure it's epic!

[@machoxs111]

I'm running out of nails just by waiting for the planted aquarium and the office tank! great job always Joey! greetings from Houston! keep it up!

[@POSminiracer]

Good tip and love the new long low tank.

[@10paulg10]

Never thought about adding water to help with the air bubbles. Thanks!

[@pauldent3059]

You can also spray it onto it once its on the tank,it stops the squeegee from ripping it

[@rafierafie]

Awesome tip! I was planning on painting the back of my aquarium black but I think I'm going to try the tint first to see if I would like it.

[@CMSandRMO09]

A good alternative to painting acrylic is using Plasti dip. paint on or spray can. they peel off easy and they are a flat finish. bonds well to acrylic. Also that tint looks like 5% tint not 50%.

[@venusmakhnikorde5709]

Awesomeness. Quick question, what kind of substrate do you use? If i am not mistaken, people do use salt and pepper caribsea sand..

[@iberne6489]

Will definitely use this idea! Would you also be able to do a video on what your opinions are regarding the biggest tank size floors can support. I want to upgrade but I'm not sure what's the biggest tank my apartment floor can support. I would like a 65G 36x18x24 and a 40B on the same wall but at each corner. I found some mixed answers online. Thank you!

[@TheCichlaKeeper]

awesome video. i am picking up a 240 gallon and was thinking about what to do for the background. now i know. thanks.

[@DMJazzy]

The lower the % in tint the darker it is btw

[@WADYNASTY77]

the frosted glass looks great for the back i would recommend using plasti dip in a spray can. you can use several coats and it will gibe you the same results and its pealable leaving no residue

[@beachbumcombing]

l love this channel I always watch at least one advertisement. Keep up the good work DIY!

[@lexabuan6932]

Joey good day, Lex here from dubai. I need a help from you 😊 I made an internal filter but the problem is i couldn't find black acrylic in my area so i ended up with a clear one. I am wanting to paint it black, is there any acrylic paint safe for fish?

[@lifeofdan2807]

I do window tinting and car wrapping for a living so I wrapped the back of my tank black! The stuff I used was a air realise so bubble can simply be pushed out though the film. Also that's very bad window tint and probably won't last with the heat of the fish tank... I recommend solar guard when we tint a car they go with a 10 year warranty so it's pretty strong stuff :)

[@lifeofdan2807]

Buttttt it's a flat surface so it should be fine

[@shauntucker5145]

thanks lobe your videos. would love a video that covers different kinds of filters pros cons which is right for what situation?

[@chickennuggetscoon9751]

Hey joey, a tip instead of doing a frosted like film you can spray on some plasti dip clear and it'll dry just like that film looks.

[@joshfarren1186]

Whoa that long office tank looks cool, wonder what it will be

[@OaklynMediaLLC]

I used to work for a vinyl wrap installation company. If you take a piece of felt or microfiber cloth and wrap it around the squeegee it will prevent you from scratching the vinyl. I think if you're careful you can get away with how it's done in this video. However, if you have some laying around, you might as well use it.

[@NaturalAquaria]

Been using the dark window tint for a number of years now - absolutely fantastic stuff. Especially for in-wall builds where your access for maintenance is from behind the tank. You can actually see through it from behind the aquarium when the aquarium light is on, while from the front of the tank, you can't really see through it to the dark room behind the tank.

[@DebTim]

Hi Joey.. I love these ideas.. great job. Excellent video. I'm looking forward to seeing your tanks up and running as always!

[@ikuyhnougjlrewhbsgovlnb1518]

Thank god you uploaded this video I was gonna go and buy some backgrounds for my tank XD thx keep up the great work!

[@obiwancamote2540]

hi there joey! what do you call it? is it tinting film or window tint? I'm just a little confused. thanks!

[@davidvasquez1100]

I have an idea, but don’t know where to start… I’d like to build a somewhat 3D Star Wars Tatooine background using pool filter sand as the substrate and being able to use some figure items making the theme fit in a 75 gallon… what would you use? I’m curious if you could do one , im sure there are plenty of Star Wars fans that would appreciate it

[@kieranhooton6550]

That office build is going to look great Joey 👍

[@beckyumakoshi]

Are you going to get any new fish and if you do what kind of fish are you going to get?

[@lizzyanthus1]

Thanks! I was wondering what the frosted look product you used was! I like the black window time product idea as well. Looking forward to the tank builds vids!

[@Vodka_Champion]

For a in the wall aquarium you could use a mirrored window tint on the front so when the lights are off you have a mirror when aquarium lights on you will see the fish

[@-8_8-]

A bit late, but on window film, isn't the mirror on the adhesive side already?

[@johnnoroian6890]

Hey Joey ever thought about building an African chiclid tank

[@calebsleeper7380]

Another great video Joey.

[@gavinc120]

What kind of goldfish are those? Tank looks great.

[@1withwolves]

Im so glad you gave the water tip! Im getting my two aquatic turtles a new tank (sudden growth spurts lol) and wanted to put a backround. I was thinking of contact paper, since i want a design back round. I was thinking marble maybe. But obviously the problem with that is that the design is not on the sticky side. do you have any ideas i could use? I dont want to glue it on the tank in case i want to change it later and i dont think taping it would look nice. any idea what I could possibly do??

[@kavanerwee3244]

hi i had that same problem. my background has been on for 2 years now and what i did was take cooking oil and spread it on the part i wanted. after that it stuck on pretty well after removing the bubbles

[@amplebottomable]

I have a bare bottom tank, can I use the static cling or window tint on the bottom to reduce the shine of the glass? Could it be harmful to the fish or leech anything into the water?

[@VANGASKHAN]

Does the black window tint have more of rubber feel to it or plastic?

[@StanTheObserver-lo8rx]

I used to take those colored aluminum foil backgrounds and just crunch them into creases and crevices looking. Not bad. Sort of a rock background.

[@johnw1747]

Awesome video as always

[@dlealchicago]

you have some killer tanks man! what brand tanks do you use?? I need to bring my 4 Comet Goldfish indoors from outdoor pond this week. any suggestions on tanks?

[@dbuckley7160]

I would love to be able to build that very long fish tank for my betta females any advise or how I can build acrylic tank.

[@MrJoshdouglas]

are you going to backlight the planted tank

[@brappineau4161]

What thickness acrylic is this? ..could you have gone thinner?

[@JarretGrimesAquaticLife]

Great tips and peek into the future projects Joey

[@scottishduck88]

Krylon makes a "sea glass" line of spraypaints to frost glass. I was thinking of using that to frost the back of my tank AND add the color I want. Just another option and/or idea for everyone looking to get a frosted look.

[@maheshborsutkar758]

I saw a 6ft acrylic tank...and this reminds me about that 6ftx2ft spare acrylic you have....👍👌

[@Cliffepoos]

Interesting. I was not aware of those films being used for tanks. Thanks for the info.

[@Grim_Shade]

Could you layer the frosted and the tint. By that I mean trace out an image or symbol with the frosted put that on the glass then put the tint over it? Making almost a water mark look or smoky image look?

[@johnrambo6883]

I want the long and short tank. cant wait to see what your going to do with it

[@jessicajohnson8262]

Excellent video. This may have been mentioned in comments already but in regards to the tint darkness if it is anything like window tint for a car the higher the number the the lighter the tint not darker. 50% tint lets in 50% of light, 80% lets in 80% light, 5% tint lets in 5% light so almost no light getting through.

[@JR-ig3ie]

gonna do this next weekend, thanks joey

[@thekingofdiy]

Good luck! Just take your time, use lots of water and make sure the background starts off larger than the tank size. Then trim.

[@thomasomalley6778]

do you order your acrylic online? I've been trying to do a build but it's hard to find acrylic. would you mind sharing where you get yours from

[@ericj1500]

lowes sells window tint , thanks for sharing friend really like the long tank it would make a nice coral frag tank lol.

[@shortnanxious6088]

Love these wonderful videos. very good for aquariests in rural areas. Thanks Joey... I have your... free phone app too, that I use for reference, as well. lol. ...as for KZbin I really hate how the like and dislike buttons are so close together on youtube... its frustrating because I always have to double check. lol. I liked the video though. .. and shared so we are good!

[@sheacard3311]

Is the plywood is free is it worth doing a plywood aquarium than a glass one because of safety?

[@briansperryn]

What are the pros and cons between painting vs using a film? I'm looking to do my tank black, I would prefer to use the film because it seems easier and less messy, but is the look as nice as black paint?

[@macawcoatings]

very nice video Joey have you ever tried to use an epoxy background? I have been experimenting with a metallic epoxy on a wooden backboard separated 1/2 inch from the back of the aquarium it looks pretty cool

[@wailik]

great vid, it helped me get some idea for my next tank set up, but watch those frosted film prices goes up on amazon, ebay and LFS going to have tons of them in stock after this vid.

[@PS-xy6wk]

can you use the tint on baffles inside of a tank

[@amritopritom5265]

If I put such background in tank that has sump, should I put it on before drilling or I can do it after?

[@smiggle2003]

would doing the tints hide scratches that are visible in the glass....or could they actually have negative effect and instead highlight and make the scratches more obvious

[@BenOchart]

Very cool! Thanks.

[@wesleywood6306]

Where can I get that in blue for my 125g

[@johnsu4404]

Is your plaque in your gold fish aquarium?

[@treddnapo]

Hello Joey.... I truly enjoy your videos that's why I'm subscribed to your channel and you have helped me out so much with my tank. Now to my question.... I don't want to build a glass tank but I would like to know where I could possible buy some use ones and I want to go bigger. I'm using an 150 gallon now but I have falling in love with this hobbit and want to have at least two more big tanks... So can you help me find some or do you sell the ones you make ?

[@7764211]

Where can i buy that background in blue color ?

[@SlimTim_dirty_aquatics]

I like the painted background look and the cling-on (film) look also. Thinking of trying 3D background on my 30 Long project. Fired Up Video!!!

[@pawzz1]

did this cleaned og the chalk and applied it with water, it's looks perfect on the backside but the inside have all those white stripes, it it because I used plain normal tap water?

[@darkfalcon130]

Do you watch The Green Machine? They were a big inspiration to my planted tank lol

[@felicity812]

Which background colour is best for aquarium

[@boka70boka]

WooW...Nice tank..

[@0199Lucky]

I like that tank whit the window tin

[@brooklinmercedes459]

can you do a video on how you do a water change on all/some of your tanks? I would love to see it!

[@Pinker33]

Do they make patterns or plant printed tinted film?

[@oldiron1223]

I have cloud pattern and a couple different stained glass patterns on the windows in my house. Got the film at Home Depot in the window department.

[@Pinker33]

thanks

[@oldiron1223]

I have a couple different "stained glass" patterns.

[@franklinmichael671]

Can you apply a film over the other? To make a black frosted back?

[@UberAlphaSirus]

a film wont stick to well to a frosted film but it might kinda work if you painted it after you installed it but i'm gonna have to guess it won't. a very very light tinted film first then a frosted film should work. they probably sell black frosted film, stand on the shoulders of giants and don't reinvent the wheel I say. :)

[@alexegan.5681]

great tips man thanks

[@louiecornago6433]

will the background stick for long? i once tried a aquarium background and used water to stick it but after a few months it eventually came off. any suggestions? ive seen others use vaseline and oil. are those good substitute to water?

[@aquadragon1]

A dark brown works well to.

[@vaughnrpruess1]

Nice office Tank.. love the length... im a long not tall tank person. Mylar works well too.. i have a Gold color on the back of my 50 gal with black goldfish

[@ericqian461]

If you can upgrade your tank.

[@Jaden_32]

5 gal for goldfish? Are you dumb?

[@vaughnrpruess1]

fellow, 50 not five , its a typo, sry you couldn't figure that out.. your just plain rude

[@vaughnrpruess1]

fintastic, its a typo not 5.... thanks for pointing it out... its a 50

[@pdiehm]

Joey - What is the link to this? I'm looking for a white to finish off my sump (it's got red baffles), just trying to make it look sharp. I am trying to find 18" x 48" long but striking out. Needs to be removable.

[@wasilkhan1687]

Good sir very nice video good n All the best for other future videos 👌👍👍👍 ,,, Sir which paint we can use for painting inside of Aquarium fish tank ,,,?????? Please reply me sir its very important for me 🤕🤕🤕🤕

[@hoffguitar]

If an acrylic tank has a permanent blue acrylic background panel, is there a way to make it black? Th tank has 18"x 8" inch openings on top.

[@woaimeishi]

how do you trim the edge off without scratching the tank surface?

[@rejanmeherbajracharya2636]

U r jst awesome u r born for this

[@FishPapeBrad]

Hi king whats the name of that background? Is that vinyl?

[@ANAS-px1nv]

Did you found it?

[@stormzz3782]

Good video! I thought we would get a sneek peak on the planted tank with plants in there lol :) But its oké, keep it up!

[@aidengiovanni5155]

I'm not sure why I never thought of using film before. I even used that stuff on the windows of my house, so I feel a bit stupid lol. I'm definitely doing this to all of my tanks. Thanks, man! Great video as always :)

[@VernDediccio9021]

Hey Joey, I'm thinking about making an internal sump in my next 60+ Gallon planted tank, & chances are i'll have to go with glass instead of acrylic (as you showed in your built video), can i apply this film thingy on the sump wall? i mean is it aquarium safe to use this film inside a tank? Update: Oh boy....Half way through the video...Saw a sneak peak of the office tank built. It's very similar to what i have in mind...I think i'll wait till that built series comes out. 90% of my aquarium builds & set up are based & inspired by your videos. Was bit set backed as you don't have much in the Planted section but i'm glad i'll be getting that too. Hope it comes out before Christmas... ^_^

[@gragle21]

loved the editing

[@scsi_joe]

How do you get rid of the reflection from the inside of the aquarium, so the fish don't see themselves?

[@TheBrentfleming]

Just get pretty fish so they dont mind seeing themselfs.

[@stafonvoncamron]

You put square mirrors at the bottom of the tank.

[@chriscapps2045]

Your a beast I'd love to show you my fish room I've done manyyyyy diy you have done which I've learned from you

[@HUNTCs]

Hi. First of all, love your videos. Keep it up. Second, english isn't my native language. About painting acryl. Have you ever tried Plastidip? Its easy to remove in certain thickness (like 3 layers) from almost every material. I don't know how is it looks like as a painted background, but it might worth a try.

[@XC2long4u]

I might give that a shot. I need to black out my emblems on my car so I'll have some.

[@stovepipe671]

thinkin about putting a mirror on the back of my 22 long is thgis a good idea lot of people say it meeses with the fish and they go crazy is this true

[@silkqueen8498]

That's a good question but I think it's beautiful

[@Xavier_915]

That's office tank looks awesome! I can't wait to see that video! good job dude!

[@isaacmoody3517]

Are the black mores common black mores

[@whocare9942]

a moor is just the ganeral term for a black butterfly tail telescope. Most of them are not as bulky as other butterflys because of the breeding stock they come from.