New Fish Room Vlog #10 - How to Add a Black Background to an Aquarium

[@BenOchart]

For more fish keeping videos with tricks, tips and hacks, check out these playlists: For "My Best Fish Keeping Tips" click here: kzbin.info/aero/PLr8ew8o8WXoDLeItfzOiRG8DV-1W9qNX4 For tips and tricks with Fluval FX canister filters go here: kzbin.info/aero/PLr8ew8o8WXoC8gSuqdG1c4nOzlAMFTmiD For tips and tricks with SunSun canister filters go here: kzbin.info/aero/PLr8ew8o8WXoCiMWEpBFJFJGxTqJH_MdMg For videos on water changes and controlling nitrates, click here: kzbin.info/aero/PLr8ew8o8WXoCdEYkD0rQa0OWejFk5-bHD For videos on general canister filter maintenance, click here: kzbin.info/aero/PLr8ew8o8WXoA-6pu7lFTc_D6idLKGCE2j My Top 10 most popular videos of all time: kzbin.info/aero/PLr8ew8o8WXoBdSWOkNg1Roe2M47dP9Mva

[@kristenwinter8157]

I started using this background on my tanks a few weeks ago. I like having the option to take it off.

[@lincolnroad3]

Looks great. Black background Makes your fish pop!

[@716Flat4]

I have a similar removable solution that I use. I normally use the pour out plasti-dip. I roll it on to the back using several thin layers. Creates a flawless background that can be peeled off, especially using multiple thin layers. I have worked with this stuff for a long time with many various projects with cars, motorcycles, tanks and others. Works very well and surprisingly durable.

[@BenOchart]

Many have mentioned how well that approach works 😀👍🏻

[@160sura]

Looks great Ben! Thanks for sharing. Happy new year!

[@ttables2007]

Always great videos! Thanks Ben!

[@rickbarg3980]

Exactly the way I apply graphics.Great job.🇨🇦👍🏻

[@WorldAquariumSingapore]

Nice cant wait for the tank to be filled up with fishes and plants cheers friends

[@davidsamsell2031]

Really enjoy the "how-to" videos, Ben. Few of the things I do is put a glaze of mineral oil on the tougher to remove label adhesives during the prep-work, if needed, & let it sit for an hour or so. Much easier to scrape off, etc, without scratching. Then I clean it off with glass cleaner to remove the residue. Also, when trying to get the backing off of the covering, I sometimes poke it with something in one corner, just to get the backing to "pucker", for easier removal. Lastly, when rolling out the covering, I tried spraying water as I rolled. Seemed to help hold down the covering & also reduced the static charge, as well.

[@BenOchart]

All good tips, thanks David😀👍🏻

[@CascadianExotics]

Keep us posted on how this film holds up. I used a adhesive product for the BG on my 55 which now has vertical streaks galore across the back. So, I'm hesitant on anything like this. In the meantime, I'm going to PlastiDip my next tank, as that stuff just peels right off when you want to remove it.

[@patriziabeaucage258]

Always enjoy your videos!

[@BenOchart]

Thank you Pat

[@brianp6180]

Cool product! I wish I knew about it last summer. I painted a 125g tank. It came out great except for a spot of dirt or something was on the glass when painted it. Didn’t notice it until the tank was set up. Very small but it drives me crazy! Lol. I covered with a plant

[@BenOchart]

Hate when I miss something like that. It happens to all of us.

[@marypaigeflynn4512]

BEN really been enjoying all your videos on setting up all your new tanks for your fish room!! Great info and how-to's!!! Really nice background for sure!!You're the best!!♥️🌿🐟🌿🙏

[@danielcoleman6608]

Love your videos even if it's a project I'd never do I still watch such calming Passion about the hobby happy holidays all the best for 2021

[@BenOchart]

Thank Daniel 😀👍🏻

[@farmerbrown1978]

Thanks Ben! Good info.

[@davidriddick4905]

Love it. Thank you for the tips!

[@BenOchart]

You’re welcome

[@DonaldHill87]

A couple coats of a good black latex paint using a cotton paint roller works great as well...

[@BenOchart]

It does😀👍🏻

[@martroger5063]

Happy New Year Ben. Love your vids, keep them coming.

[@KingAdams90]

Very interesting and informative Ben thank you and Happy New years buddy!. 🤙

[@BenOchart]

Thank Adam and Happy New Year to you as well 😀

[@wasimchachoo6869]

Nice to see u back sir🤩

[@calum6304]

Happy New Year to you and yours Ben!🐠🐟🐠 And thank you for your informative and uplifting videos through a difficult 2020. Keep up the great work!🤠.....Calum, Stirling, Scotland

[@BenOchart]

Thank you for the support and encouragement 😀👍🏻

[@FishTankMonsters]

Wow I really like that product I have a 220 I used latex blue paint it has a pea size missing piece of paint it drives me nuts I wished I new about that stuff 2 yrs ago you sir are brilliant always a pleasure ben👍

[@BenOchart]

Thank you. I did scratch out a small hole in the black Velimax but you can’t tell since I darkened it in with a magic marker 🤣😀👍🏻

[@FishTankMonsters]

@@BenOchart lol nice trick you took a chapter out of my book sir god bless you and your family rank on my friend you are doing an outstanding job and you strive me to be a better fish keeper even though my standards are already set high you go over and above

[@JustMyFish]

Cool thanks Ben 👍🏻

[@freddievara8117]

Beautiful job Ben, I just got a 50 gallon Eheim rimless aquarium love it. Great tutorial video👍

[@BenOchart]

Thank you Freddie

[@freddievara8117]

@@BenOchart Saw that bombing thought of you🙏🏻 scary

[@BenOchart]

We’re all good, miles away from the explosion... crazy stuff. Thank you for thinking of me😀

[@Jeffdoeswhat]

Heat will also help on it. That’s basically the same way we wrap cars at my shop.

[@richardslomkowski1689]

You're awesome bro hope the move has been a smooth transition jealous jealous that you got out of Cali I need to make the same move somewhere other than here happy holidays to you and your family I love your Channel!

[@BenOchart]

Thank you Richard. Seriously consider Nashville. If you’re willing to be a few miles outside the city you can still get 3 times the house for a third the price in Calif. Plus things like utilities and auto reg are half to a third the cost😀

[@Edward-rw3kq]

Looks fab...

[@joec2174]

Happy new year! I usually use spray paint and then when dry cover it with contact paper for protection. However, I may try this on a second 55 gallon I’m preparing for use. All the best !!!

[@BenOchart]

Let me know how it turns out

[@joec2174]

@@BenOchart I have a salt water tank so I’m afraid the salt will eventually dry out and lift the film backing. The spray paint and contact covering is safe for salt water . But I’m tempted to go back to fresh water. Doing salt for 50 years. Maintaining a protein skimmer is the biggest headache with salt water. Really enjoy your videos . I’m most stuck in the house due to copd. So thank you !!

[@BenOchart]

Salt is king but certainly challenging. I’m glad videos helped with such a crazy year. Certainly creating content has helped me remain sane, so it’s a win-win for both of us 😀👍🏻

[@gazyg1973]

First all the best Ben 👍

[@WorldAquariumSingapore]

cheers yes 2nd that Ben

[@dennisruedel]

Great video Ben, I did manage to pickup some of that product from your store for my new 40 Breeder. I’m going to put some small Tanganyikans in it next week. Happy New Year to you and your family

[@BenOchart]

Hi Denny, Back to tangs, awesome. Are you still considering TN?

[@jiro7446]

Tank looking good Ben keep it up one team one fight ... Have a Happy New Year ....

[@BenOchart]

Happy New Year buddy!

[@jdssurf]

dang, my 125 is against the wall with like 8 inch gap, gonna have to paint mine

[@milliecox4346]

Wanted some thing like this but not with a shine more matt for my betta fish tank

[@Jerry-lj3cf]

Hey do you have a link for the velimax that you used on your tank. I am thinking about it for my 75 gallon new setup from Christmas present 🎁 🤔. Thanks for for your help 😊.

[@BenOchart]

Should be in the description under the video. Or go here: www.Amazon.com/shop/benochart and go into the “New Fish Room” store.

[@tastyfishsauce4410]

Nice vid Ben. The Supa Condensation Trays are "Supa" expensive! @ $63 on Amazon. A link where you got yours would be nice, thanks and happy new years.

[@BenOchart]

“Supra expensive”🤣 How about $14.95? Go here: www.ebay.com/itm/Aquarium-Condensation-Tray-18-Inch-Long-Plastic-Keep-Hood-and-Wires-Protected/283656830124?_trkparms=aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.SEED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20160908105057%26meid%3Dd6eeec90fb164b5cb525bebe97cde33f%26pid%3D100675%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D15%26mehot%3Dnone%26sd%3D283656830124%26itm%3D283656830124%26pmt%3D0%26noa%3D1%26pg%3D2380057%26brand%3DSupa&_trksid=p2380057.c100675.m4236&_trkparms=pageci%3Ac4704d19-4bc0-11eb-af4c-66c76eb4dbfa%7Cparentrq%3Abb2758461760acc3f443125ffffe6fda%7Ciid%3A1

[@JustMyFish]

Back to wish you a very happy new year in advance 😀👍🏻💞

[@BenOchart]

Same to you my friend!

[@JustMyFish]

@@BenOchart let’s hope the new year is better than the last 👍🏻

[@terryw1945]

When do you think you have some fish again Ben. Awesome video

[@BenOchart]

Tune in Sat Terry 😉😀👍🏻

[@terryw1945]

@@BenOchart cichlids and coffee is missed. I’ll be tuning in thanks Ben

[@christ806]

Looks good ben,,, what made yoi choose this product over using black vinyl ?

[@BenOchart]

Mostly the easy application

[@frankiefingerz8047]

I think im gonna try this cuz my looks greyish cuz its painted black but i like how deep dark black ur background looks

[@kasperaquatics]

Please show us how the tank looks once you have it completed. Thank you.

[@BenOchart]

Upcoming videos will certainly show it. I'll also talk about it in my upcoming live stream.

[@ernapichry7429]

Happy newyear everybody

[@susanah.6672]

Ben, I usually paint the back of the aquarium with acrylic paints that I get very cheaply at Walmart. I have changed the color when I want to refresh the look of the tank by just removing it very easily with a blade. What would be the benefit of using this product?

[@BenOchart]

Both are good. I guess one advantage would be no chipping which is an issue I had with acrylics after a hang-on-back took off some of the paint. The other advantage would be not having mess with paint, brushes and rollers.

[@sourdough6800]

Who remembers that liquid you put on the back of a tank, let it dry and it turns into a crystalline pattern? Going back 55 years.

[@BenOchart]

I remember🤣

[@dianewhite9871]

Oh yeah! I had yellow! Loved it!

[@dgrant591]

I go back about 50. Don't remember that but I remember using crunched up tin foil or colored gift wrap foil taped to the back.

[@PULAG]

I want some crystals where is it at boys??

[@blanco36]

Hey Ben where did you get the trays from?

[@ensendio809]

Hey! Ben would you ever try to resealed a huge tank like a 220g?

[@BenOchart]

Yes. Actually it was a 135 and I resealed it twice. Pretty simple actually. Lots of good videos on YT helped.

[@sethellsworth9546]

Good video. I, personally, just can't handle the film and squeegee method (with any product... Cell phone screen protectors, backgrounds, etc.). I can never get all of the bubbles out, and it ends up driving me nuts. So, I paint mine. However, for those who can do it well, it is a nice look. I do love the Supa condensation tray idea, though. I've only been in the hobby about four years, so this is the first I've seen it. I have a 20L in my living room that I've been using greenhouse siding for the lid. It does the job, but it's a bit bulky, and I'd like something with a lower profile. The Supa is the same idea but lower profile, so I think it'd work perfectly. I looked on Google, and all of the retailers are overseas, mostly UK. Ben, or anyone, do you know where I can get this stateside?

[@fishmanc5357]

I'm from UK so I don't know about US but on Amazon I get 2 sheets of 2 mm thick clear acrylic at A3 size. I use these as lids. They're easy to cut too just score with a sharp blade knife and snap and sand if required. This costs about £10 so for US you would be looking at a much lower price I'd expect. 👍🏻

[@BenOchart]

These guys are in NJ: www.aquariumh2o.com/36-condensation-tray/

[@BenOchart]

Does it sag over time?

[@fishmanc5357]

@@BenOchart not sure if you mean him or me but mine doesn't sag at all.

[@sethellsworth9546]

@@BenOchart If you meant me, the greenhouse siding is about a half an inch taller than the rim of the tank, so it provides more space than I'd like for evaporation, unfortunately. It's the same product Joey Mullens uses on his 2000 gallon tank, but his rim is taller, so no venting. It's clear and rugged. It doesn't sag, but it's only a 20L, so... I wouldn't expect it'd sag on a 55. I know from watching Corey and Bob on the Co-op videos that there's a thinner version of greenhouse panels, but they're not clear, and I think they're more expensive. Too opaque for me. If I could control it, I'd have no lids at all to block the light. The fish look way better, and the plants benefit greatly. However, evaporation can become a problem, and I've had enough fish jump to their deaths, that I don't risk it anymore except for the rest of the evening after a water change so I can enjoy that look at least once a week with the nice clean water. :)

[@SantosGarcia-q8s]

Hi Ben can any African cichlids go with a fire mouth

[@1stexecutiveconstruction]

I painted the back and one side wall of my 125 gallon. It was easy but time consuming. Would vinyl wrapping better than painting? Thank you

[@BenOchart]

I prefer it because it’s easy, not messy and if you ever want a change you just peel it off.

[@1stexecutiveconstruction]

@@BenOchart thank you. Painting was a mess!

[@JohnSMITH-ig4rr]

How does that backing work with a magnetic algae scraper...like a Mag-Float or Fl!pper?

[@BenOchart]

Good question. Never tried that (I usually leave algae on the back of the tank alone). If I did I would spray a little water on the magnet so it would glide over the material easily.

[@malkstakerei3137]

Have you applied while fish in tsnk

[@robertjohnston25]

I'd like to use this on my 210g, do you think it would still be easy to apply with the tank standing upright? I cant lay it down given how heavy it is lol

[@BenOchart]

Yes. I’ve done it that way and it works! Let me know how it turns out 😀👍🏻

[@robertjohnston25]

@@BenOchart thanks for the quick reply :D I’ll be ordering some up now!

[@Jerry-lj3cf]

How much shrinking takes place for the drying of the material and how much overall it is laid over the edges.

[@BenOchart]

Haven’t noticed much shrinking and I cut it as close to the edge as possible.

[@frankiefingerz8047]

But does it look deeper black than if it was painted once the water is in there

[@dgrant591]

Does anyone know if this material works on acrylic tanks?

[@justincampbell4614]

Ben I have Ben watching two years but via Xbox so was never able to subscribe.. thank you.. thank you for all the tips.. I keep a mixture of cichlids and in last 5 days have lost 16 from juveniles to 2 years. My tank is 300 ltr with a 80!sump.. I do two week 20% water change .. I don’t know what happened..!fish where breathing heavy then upside??

[@BenOchart]

Something either got into your water (like super high ammonia or nitrite from the water source) or something like a parasite has gotten into your tank and is attacking the gills. Without seeing the fish it’s a guess. Test your tap water first.

[@justincampbell4614]

@@BenOchart thank you Ben.. will test tap water ASAP when home from work

[@lincolnroad3]

Rule one of keeping rift Cichlids...... get a black background!👍🏻

[@BenOchart]

Love how it really makes the colors pop.

[@CJBlack265]

💕👍

[@stevenmoomey2115]

Before you use a Razor Blade on glass, lay a File down, and drag the corners of the Razor Blade across the file. Do not hold the File in your hand! This will reduce the possibility of scratching the glass.

[@usposse]

why you guys fighting vinyl though it cant be much simpler and easier then that ?!?!?

[@BenOchart]

Fighting vinyl🤷🏼‍♂️🤷🏼‍♂️🤷🏼‍♂️

[@RobsAquariumRoom]

It's best to put the background on before you setting up the tank. 😂😂😂

[@BenOchart]

Huh 🤔

[@RobsAquariumRoom]

I have all my tanks up and running with no background on them for mouths and my wife want a background on the two 75 gallon and the 55 gallon tanks. I would like to say that the background is on the tanks. it was not easy to do.

[@BenOchart]

Now I get what you mean😀👍🏻