Want to change background color !!

[Reefguide]

I've have my 29g with the back painted in black for over 2 years. I'M BORED !! I'd like to paint it a nice blue. I could use a razor blade to remove most of it. My worry is the unions of the glass that have silicone exposed. I obviously can't use a blade there, would have a heart attack if it began to leak. Can I use chemicals for those areas? Acetone, Mineral spirits, ect? Might the chemicals seap in through the silicone, or maybe the fumes be harmefull... Obviously I would make sure the room is well ventilated before using chemicals. Any advice?

 

[Anonymous]

hasn't it become encrusted with corraline by now? Opinions differ, but I think blue looks nasty. Sorry, no other advice..

 

[Reefguide]

hasn't it become encrusted with corraline by now?

What exactly are you talking about? The inside glass? If so, no it hasn't. I hate the look of coraline on the back glass, and I razor blade the reachable areas. I'm just bored with the black. I don't know maybe I'll go back to black one day, but I'd like to see it in blue for a while.

 

[Anonymous]

I'd wait for a more educated opinion on this subject, but I don't see how using mineral spirits to remove stuff on the outside of the tank could even remotely be bad for inhabitants inside the tank. Provided you take all neccessary precautions to avoid spilling or dripping it into the tank I mean.

 

[Reefguide]

Yeah, I figured that but one of my LFS guys told me that they had to fumigate his house once and he refused to have them do it. He told me that even using windex like products is a huge no-no ! So wanted to get the opinions of they folks here !!

 

[rikacarl]

I'm in the black group as well, but if you really want it blue, I would be more worried about the chemicals or solvents attacking the integrity of the silicon. I think a razor blade in skillfull hands is the best way to remove it.

 

[Reefguide]

I'm an idiot sorry ! I just realized that the exposed silicone is actually on the sides, not the back and front ! Both the front and the back panes of glass are joined to the sides, not the sides joined to the front and back. Did you guys understand that? :? The silicone isnt a problem !! Thanks for the replys though !!!

 

[bensenvill]

expect to use 5 or 6 razor blades. they dull very quickly (after a small portion of the tanks, get a new one, otherwise its easy to scratch the glass). I cleaned off my 46g last week, and it only took about 15 mintues. I was really easy. Dont use chemicals!

 

[newkie]

hasn't it become encrusted with corraline by now? Opinions differ, but I think blue looks nasty. Sorry, no other advice..

Mine isn't painted but a got a regular background from the LFS... one side a dithered blue the other side black. The blue seemed to bring out more colors and looks kick-arse in "dusk" aka actinic mode. Just my opinion..