HOW TO: paint an aquarium background

[@lisaliamcole]

I've been watching the newer videos and then randomly clicked on this one... wow changed so much. Well done on the growth of your channel

[@poporingrursus]

I like the old ones

[@noodles74]

His voice and mannerisms changed as well which is odd to see

[@AznTony360]

Hi everybody, Joey here and welcome back. xD

[@jsiqueblue4948]

I've been a subscriber for a very long time and his voice used to be so calm and soothing I can watch his videos all day. now I feel like he's yelling at me but I still watch them , just not as long as I used to. I can only take so much of his voice now.

[@wildbill9919]

After I paint the back of a tank I cover it with contact paper to protect it from scratches.

[@dsmart5044]

Am i the only one here from 2019?

[@LvzFlex]

₦₳Ⱨ

[@wheresthecode]

no, I am here

[@lesjones2193]

I’ve just arrived here!

[@FreckyB]

I've been trapped here since 2012! Send help!!!!!!!

[@ChadwickHorn]

I'm here from the future. 2020.

[@tna420wrestling]

as soon as you said acrylic paint. i instantly thought of ART ATTACK

[@eugkow4959]

their is great product called Plasti dip some people use it to paint cars it a full rubberized spray paint. It comes in all different colures. the best part is when your done with it you can easily peel it off. I have used it on my motorcycle and 3 different fish tanks its matt so I really looks good

[@spooniecamper]

eug kow I like that idea

[@smilingdog54]

Do you roll the Plasti-dip on like Joey said with a sponge roller?

[@teamhex]

They make a version that you can roll on.

[@lacey_luv4011]

Great tutorial! Just did my 20 gallon and it looks awesome. Cost $3.

[@brettcoyle2399]

I did my 75 gallon and gonna do my 125 today

[@lukeb1751]

I still remember watching this video when it came out and I still have to paint my tank

[@francescapatenaude7608]

Just wanted to say thank you for the video after all these years. I ended up painting mine a few minutes ago, took three coats of gloss black used a blow dryer between coats and it looks absolutely incredible. Easier and looks better than any background I've ever purchased. All for less than $5. Thanks again!

[@kilmichael9980]

Thanks again, Joey! I'm painting a tank background for the first time ever; and while I knew much about what I wanted, it was still helpful to find a "king of DIY" guide. The video is now 6 years old, but still holds up.

[@thekingofdiy]

For more videos, pictures and updates: facebook.com/UaruJoey

[@letshaveya]

cant believe I wasted $30 on a black background that looks crap with air bubbles through it. I thought it was stick on until I got it home and had to use double sided tape! guess it will be coming off and a $5 paint job going on lol. I only got it because I thought getting the paint off would be hard if I ever wanted to change it lol.

[@RsChucKSBBQ]

I'm never doing this, but this guy's had my attention for hours. You could be a great teacher.

[@papatotor]

I feel exact same thing!

[@Velspeth]

tank was intended for his discus if anyone was wondering

[@jlhasty07]

dollar menu sponge paint brushes lol

[@HUBBABUBBADOOPYDOOP]

Krylon makes an excellent spray paint called "Looking Glass"- that when applied to a VERY CLEAN (90% Isopropyl alcohol before painting) tank back- it gives the illusion of depth, and the illusion of 2x fish! Yes, some "agressive" fish may flip out at first- but they usually get used to it and calm down. Most animals react to their own reflection- even people :) What you say Joey? Try it for a video? Thanks!

[@mattfufu385]

Gosh, going back to Joey's roots there, I'm glad to be reminded how awesome the King's journey has been, still an amazing teacher even with 10 years old videos of his younger self...

[@osiris_blanche]

You're sweet. But it be super nice if you had the material listings upfront (& it's preferred finishing recommended). e.g., what kind of paint did you use? Latex, Exterior> Any house-hold paint will do?

[@JUGGERNAUSTANG]

Right!

[@chaory2016]

osiris Blanche He said acrylic paint and sponge paint rollers.

[@osiris_blanche]

Thanks Chao, guess I missed it. But eventually, I used Latex/Matte Exterior paint - it worked very nice! :)

[@chaory2016]

You're welcome and sweet, I'm going to try mines this weekend.

[@sleepylari3777]

I like to mix PVA glue with acrylic paint! It makes more of it, and its still the same pigment.

[@KevinsCaninesAndAquatics]

What if I have black fish... I actually want to put black and Blue shrimp in the tank.

[@rexlinkfish]

Hey I have some light blue african cichlids that I want to keep light blue. I don't know what color to use on the background bottom sides and what not. I plan on doing a painted background on a 125 gallon when I get it and after I make the stand. I really want to keep the blue africans light blue. How much would a black aquarium background change their color?

[@sidneywhite749]

Why paint bottom?

[@redjar9166]

Dude! You never showed the fish you are putting in it. What kind are they? Great video btw,except the missing fish part.

[@PhilPattersonJr]

Just gave me the cheap and easy way to do the background for my tank! Thanks!

[@angelarussell566]

Omg Joey! I watch all your current videos and just watched this one from 8 years ago. Look how far you have come! You were a baby. Love ya!

[@c.r.edmister5223]

I once used a textured spray paint from Rustoleum, that was a tealish color with specs of deeper blues and black. It looked infinite and really gave another dimension to the tank as you looked theougg to the texture. It worked VERY well.

[@sneakysnape3425]

*hears like 3 words* Oh my god how old is this video? Oh. Okay. 9 years old. That explains the audio quality 😂

[@emreozen2042]

Superb tips, thank you bro.

[@denimlinar1291]

What type od kind of paint is that ? I want to paint background Black . I have enough of foil . Thank you

[@cesarsantellana1768]

I just finished sanding down the bondo and wet blocking the primer. Whats next?

[@null.dev.]

I know it's been 10 years but isn't it just SOOOO cute when he says 100 billilitres as if that was a thing haha :D

[@EpicPersonIsEpic]

Hes so pure hahaha

[@34SkiLLz14Luck]

i put the return under water - problem solved. so looks like if i want to add a spray bar into the system ill need to submerge it.. Thanks a bunch. now the only thing i can hear is the vibration of the pump itself under the tank (minor vibration) and the AC110. if i silenced the AC110 you wouldnt be able to hear anything at all. My 20 gallon frat tank is louder then my 125 now :) that is a good thing!

[@34SkiLLz14Luck]

The drain pipe is underwater, the return pipe is a few inches above the water, it runs parallel with the top of the water and has a spray bar on the top. im going to remove the spray bar and see what happens.

[@tammylovescats]

Thanks for the Video. I was going to buy a background. But after seeing your video now I can buy the paint myself.

[@tammylovescats]

Now the next time I change my turtle's water I will put some paint on the back

[@GeetaGalaway]

tammy bartelme I myself hate the plastic backgrounds. I just painted mine but wanted to try out colors to see what I would like. Being an artist I already have tons of acrylic paint laying around and brushes. I know how to paint glass so I didn't need a roller. If you don't want to use a roller and you're feeling artistic you can paint something on it and then wait for it to dry and then paint over it and it will build the paint. I like blending mine so I take 2 rounds of it. It can look cool to make the first layer streaking and then paint a darker color over it. Just try and make sure to have smooth brush strokes. When I move mine I'm gonna paint something awesome on the back. But for now I was just trying out colors. I don't think I like blue or teal. I think I may go for Black or a really dark color near black.

[@asiff60000fx]

hi what is the name of that too thing you use to remove the paint?

[@IANT68]

I do like watching your videos but on here you say to start at one end and work across in one direction. But you start in the midle and go diagonally. Hahaha!! Thanks anyway!

[@Ajaxtrippy26]

as far as saltwater it takes about 2-3 yrs of salt creep to start peeling, and even then it only peels where there is continuous moisture, not a problem if you leave space to wipe the back

[@AP-vc7up]

Commenting to your one of the most oldest videos to let you know that u are so famous in future 😂😂 every one loves you

[@drumerjake23]

what to u use for ur big tanks to streestb coat it ? do u use or water for hafe and tape for the rest or all tap with alot of strees coat?

[@MegaPhoenix07]

Walmart sells that exact paint. Hahahaha I have about four different bottles of three different colors of the same paint, though I bought it for a different use. Thanks for this video, Joey, as usual it is very informative.

[@beecee8611]

Great advice, want to paint my 220 gallon tank setting up.

[@reliableride879]

It's good to watch the old Joey explaning 😂😂😍😍

[@anthonym2457]

if you pull your headphones out slightly you can hear both sides.

[@SteventheHorrible]

How young are you here ...Jesus

[@bergi85]

That's true, but i am putting in a sump, so the heaters wouldn't be in the tank anyways.

[@taitemicallef4670]

I have a red dragon flowerhorn would blue or black b better to bring out his colours ??

[@MrJacksMusic]

Why not use spray paint and save the texture left behind by a roller

[@fuffoon]

Can a magnetic scaper be used on the bak glass wth the paint?

[@surejrajeev4462]

i have a tank with one side and bottom made of mirror glass....what can i do?? cant afford a new tank or a new pice of glass.....

[@ellie5786]

surej rajeev This was a long time ago, but if the bottom is a mirror, add sand or gravel.

[@southernsm0ker]

looks good but have you ever tried a two tone or a design????just a thought!!

[@CR4Dan]

Another excellent tutorial I will be doing. Keep the tutorials coming. thanks.

[@reptileboy76]

I have always wondered how to paint a tank and what pant to use! thank you for making this video! :)

[@Crazyhermitcrab]

How do I unpaint the aquarium. I recently bought a 50 gallon and it has blue on all sides accept the front. I want to remove it frome the sides so I can l

[@zero1usaofficial601]

I am using a Rena canister filter and the intake as well as the outflow have suction cups on both sides of the tank. Will the suction cup get suction on the painted side of the tank or will it pull the ppaint off? Thanks a lot

[@shawnthornhill3924]

love the videos man...keep it go in.. good job!!

[@CyanogenEstimate]

Taylor Timothy Brown Jason Hall Scott

[@1987eduedu]

is that an uv sterilizer atached to the eheim canister filter hose?

[@magzire]

Wow he's a completely different person here

[@d.j.crigger9126]

I have a DIY question? I just aquired a used 70 gallon half hex aquarium. They had it up and running full of fish. I noticed that the corner of the frame is separated. How would be a great way to bond it together. I'm worried about having it blow out.

[@Striider2]

I might be mistaken, but I thought that near the beginning of your video you said you were going to show us the fish you were putting into this aquarium, and that we'd then understand why you chose that color of blue. :( Still, thanks a million for your informative video....

[@karennation3580]

I just finished scraping a used aquarium and it took hours, plus I adto use a degreaser. The factthat this scraped off so easily makes me think it will chip and scratch easily as well. I am goin to look for xtra black paint that I did the bottom of my chair rail paint in our music room and If I dont have xtra proably use the plastidip!

[@michaelcarvalho3686]

Great Vide Joey. I bought some Black Acrylic paint to paint my tank using a roller brush. Did you add water to Acrylic paint and how much?How long does Acrylic paint last on the tank?

[@CajunFloridian]

I always use Plastidip spray to paint the back of my tanks because I can just peel it off in the future when needed or to change the color.

[@particular-war-4657]

I also like blue and black backgrounds.

[@AVERAGEGAMERARIJIT]

u r really awesome (y)

[@blackcoalboy]

Hi I was looking for this, Please tell me the paint you showed in the video did you water it down? Because when it was in the try it looked a lot more, Thanks it was a great help.

[@BoY860]

1 more question. my acrylic background is blue. the acrylic itself is blue and its not a paint. im thinking the only way i can paint it black is by painting the inside. im guessing pond paint is the only option is that true? and whats the most cost effective pond paint i can find just to paint 1 wall black?

[@hondagoal]

thx. for the video. Good paint job too.

[@amandamiller3269]

can u post pics of the fish in ur tanks

[@rdytoutube]

Acrylic paint is ok. Unfortunately, it is very water soluble so every water drip or splash will be visible even after it dries. Still looks decent I suppose.

[@YOUSIYC7]

Thanks for the informative video! I have a 55g tank with a background that I just flipped to use the black back side, it's taped at the corners but I don't like the why the middle is not touching the glass. I might just do the paint thing after seeing your video. ;)

[@JKT21232]

Does the acrylic paint will cover the calcium buils up? Are you still able to see it from the inside? Even when you covered the outside

[@BoY860]

great channel. you have videos of everything lol. im looking to paont my acrylic stand and canopy. i aquired a 180 gallon tank and the tank aswell as the stand is all acrylic. the stand and canopy are pretty rough so ill paint them black. its pretty amazong that 2 of those little bottles covered that much area and i guess it makes sense now seeing glass in non porous. how does the finish look on the paint itself? hard to tell but i dont want the stand looking like an art project i want it to look as good as possible and do you have any recommendations on better paint?

[@alemchelth]

I have a 75 glass that I have to hit with black spray paint and let dry first. Then I can paint with acrylic otherwise the paint won't stick. What's up with that?

[@lifewithpugwinkle]

Joey, in your opinion what color would work best with Multifasciautus fish and what was the reasoning for painting the sides and bottom?

[@holliemcneely2624]

Who knew Quarantine tank would have an entirely different meaning starting in 2020. Cheers to the new quarantine tanks being created.

[@Ajemison]

What I have topically done in the past that works best for me is to use spray paint. I have used rust-oleum and the Krylon fusion, both in blue. I prefer blue because I raise angel fish, black angelfish on a black background and you cant see them. I have also painted the bottoms using Rust-Oleum-Multicolor-Textured-Spray-Dessert looks great on bare bottom tanks. Great how to joey, keep up the good work..

[@nicoletiana]

OMG NOW I WANT TO PAINT THE BACK OF MY GLASS AQUARIUMS WHITE 😭

[@marcwayne1981]

i have a few storm glass Windows for a house i want to make a tank how thick should it be do u think or what kind of glass do i need i got to go cheap but i need a 65g or75g tank please help me its for my oscar blood parrot an silver arowana i got the arowana bec i seen your arowana an the one u got u cant have in u.s.a the pet store i got the aro from the aro was almost dead an i have had him for about 2 mouths an he is happy than ever

[@danielwallengren2564]

Hey Joey I was wondering what kind of paint would be okay inside the tank. I want to put some pvc in and I hate the white with all the writing.

[@ralphmitchell2570]

AWESOME !! YOU ARE THE AVERAGE JOE"S BEST SOURCE OF PRACTICAL INFORMATION.... THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR TIME

[@rpimjada1549]

Wow you've come a long way. Newer videos are of higher quality. But the info were top notch then and are top notch now.

[@DiGiTaLM4N]

You didn't show us the fish you promised :(

[@wackawackaboom]

I used blaze blue plasti dip great color for aquarium n can peel.right off if u want to remove

[@andrewkeene4020]

hi joey.i started with a 2 foot tank.got excited and decided to paint the background.i done it in black looks great.next i plan to try a inside background.with underwater waterfall .hope it turns out well. keep up the great videos and tips. andy

[@jonathanyang812]

my left ear enjoyed this video

[@rexlinkfish]

Thanks! I just bought a tube of all purpose acrylic paint. Its the same that you used except its black and its a different brand. I think its the same amount of paint too. How many coats do you think I should do? And I'm going to be doing it with fish inside. Do you think it will still be pretty easy?

[@MikeV607]

I recently did a 10g and used Plasti-dip spray. Looks great and should peel off fine should it ever need to be removed.

[@MustLoveFish]

What color is best black or blue aquarium background I have black domination mollies

[@hufflepuffmagic8386]

he's the bob ross of fishkeeping

[@tomasperanic7695]

Could you plasti dip the background

[@DebtLife_Projects]

Yes, all of my tanks are plasti dipped either blue blaze or black, works great and peels right off if you want to change

[@AlaskanCharlie]

I would use something like Krylon Fusion spray paint. Its made to stick to plastics. Just make sure you give it enough time to fully cure before putting it in the tank.

[@GamerronTv]

hey joey im doing an 75 gallon saltwater with your diy overflow... pvc i want to paint it black the pvc that is what paint do you suggest that is reef safe for painting the pvc.. and im gonna want a acrylic overflow wall around the pipes ... what paint would be reef safe on the acrylic wall as well thanx

[@28mommy]

We have a saltwater tank and have a very dark tint on the back glass which turned out to be awesome. it has a very light glow late at night with the light from the refugium light on underneath showing. looks awesome. The paint you used does work. I found it in a craft store and used it on the tank I thought I would use before this one.

[@downintheshed2449]

Joey meet Joe. Thanks for your video brother im about to do our tank. You hooked me up I was about to use nasty rustoleum

[@zachsoles2876]

just wondering if theres any paint that is safe for painting fish decorations ?i have some that have faded and i want to fix emm up

[@burakk.8934]

What kind of paint did you use for easy removing

[@nekacooper3156]

acrylic

[@markedwards9141]

i have always used pacific blue from a rattle can for all of my tanks. i prefer the painted background over a picture background.

[@coreymoke]

Been contemplating in changing my paint background, or at least removing it. Problem is, it’s setup with fish in it and pushed close to a wall. Any tips for removing the paint near the corner; long handle. Thanx

[@greywolfdelacey9140]

being the bottle says crafter's acrylic i would think you might find that at hobby lobby in the paint crafts section