Ok guys, after spectating the reef hobby for the last 7 months, I've finally decided to start playing along as well... wish me luck. I'm in the collecting, planning, tinkering stage right now. So far, I have inherited some things from a friend, and have picked up some things on my own. I won't bore you with all the details now, there is time for that when I actually get started! I want to paint the back of a tank black. First of all, what is the best type of paint to use? Second, if I want to eventually drill the tank, is it ok to paint now, or should I wait until drilling is finished? Thanks.
Also, I'm thinking about maybe not drilling, and just doing an overvflow. Are there any simple, affordable, and effective designs out there? Let me know any opinions on overflows. Thanks again.
I've read and pondered and repeated a few times about the drill or overflow idea over the past year. It seems to me that drilling, if an option, is the better way to go. Seemingly, the worst case scenario with an overflow is that if and when the siphon fails, the return pump still works and floods your display. If you're using a J or U tube and a snail or other invert decides to check out your tube, you get the same effect. Return pump failure shouldn't be an issue if your sump is set up correctly. What size tank are you going to use? I'm planning on an upgrade soon and expect to use a calfo style overflow instead of a corner overflow. To me, either one would be safer or more reliable than a siphon or weir. This is my opinion from reading the troubles of others over the past year, I have no practical experience with this yet. Some of the other members will definitely have better insight than I. One other thing regarding drilling, if you're a member of RRMAS, the club has drill bits and members experienced in drilling a tank. Membership has it's privileges. Regarding 'painting the tank', have you thought about a window tint on the back or covering it with a thin black plastic similar to how NSA covers the areas around their display tanks. I'm assuming you are speaking of the external surface when you mention the back of the tank.
I agree you have the worry of the "U" tube flow failing. I have one on my 30 cube sps tank and had problems but are all worked out. still the chance of failing though. If you do not have a tempered glass tank, I would recomend the simplest srilling, which is just drilling two 1 1/2" hole in the top right and left corners of your tank. These work great and take up virtually no space. One for the return and one for the overflow of course. I used to run these all the time I love them, you can see them! Then theres th e option of the pro overflow where you install corner blockers and drill the tank from the bottom. this is a little bit more strenuous, but also pays off.
I'm intrigued by the Caflo overflow. Anyone know the easiest place to read up on it, and learn how to make one?
As far has hang on overflows go I would recommend Lifereef. Keep a eye on the for sale forums here and on Reef Central for a used one. They can't really ever go bad unless you break it. They are not supposed to lose their prime even in a power outage. Just be sure to get one rated larger than the size return pump you are going to use. Other wise it may overflow your tank, if you don't throttle down your pump.
Thanks Joe, good link! I think I might try to do this. I wonder how long you should make one on the back of a 24" tank. Back to painting the back of a tank. Come on, hasn't anyone in this whole club ever done it? I think you are supposed to use Krylon Fusion, but am not sure...
IDK about the paint. but y do u want to do this? I guess its just personal preference. I would just use a background, and wait until the back is covered with coraline algae. Almost makes it kind of pointless. Don't mean to be a neysay, just trying to help out!
I have to agree with camn55ive on this one. I never put anything on the back of my tank and from the pic I posted yesterday you can see that after a year most of the back is now a purple background.
I would paint the back if I was to get a new tank. I believe your right with the Krylon Fusion. Do a little research on RC. I am sure there are several people who have painted their tank backs. Be sure to mask off all other areas of the tank so no over spray get s on it. Here is an interesting article. http://www.liquid-medium.com/1_2/backgrounds.htm
One more on the tint type application http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_searchItem.aspx?IdCategory=&SearchText=backgrounds&parsed=1
my best advice after having done it serveral times..... cover the top.... paper off the spot you want to paint.... PAINT IT~ move on to work on way more harder tank related problems.... like exactly how many $2 fittings does it take to plumb a reef ?
