Thinking about going barebottom with the bottom painted. Have a few questions!

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fear101

Registered Member
Nov 26, 2008
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Hey guys,
So I've really been annoyed of the gunk and poop being stuck between my gravel and have had the thought of going bare bottom, but I hate the reflective mirror look.

As I saw some youtube videos, I've seen some people whose bottom is straight black, and I'd love that on my tank, but I've wondered, if I paint the outside bottom of my tank black, then wouldn't my tank still have the reflective mirror look when it is filled with water?

I just can't get my mind around this.
Would love some more info on this topic from you guys!
Thanks in advance.
 
1-If you paint it you will see the color you paint, nor the mirror effect. This is why I suggest painting the sides of a tank if they will not be visible (such as a tank in a corner).

2-Sand is just as clean, much more natural, better for the fish, and looks a lot better (IMO). I would just do sand.
 
I like the way this turned out, painted bottom that looks like sand. http://www.fishyreview.com/fake_sand.html

Or maybe try some matte black or white ceramic tiles at the bottom to cut reflection? Just a thought.
 
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Great link, that looks great. I still prefer actual sand in the tank for the sake of the fish, but that is a great second option.

I have thought about using black silicone to seal some natural tiles from the hardware store to the bottom of a tank or using it as a background. I think this would look very natural.
 
I grew out discus in a bare bottom tank with plain cardboard underneath to block light & I liked the look. BUT the glass still has to be cleaned (wiped) regularly especially with all the feeding & discus slime. I'm 5'8" & could barely reach the bottom of a 55g on a standard height stand, to reach the back I had to stand on stool, a year long PITA. I have done BB hospital tanks but they are temporary & cleaned after use. Algae can also grow on bare glass.

I think a thin layer, 1/4 inch or so, of pool filter sand is actually easier because it can be vacuumed.

I do like both of the colors & textures in the link, might be nice for a background too.
 
I'm not sure if painting the back would have fixed this problem, but I did get reflection of the bottom off the back and sides of the tank walls.

Picture531.jpg
 
reptileguy2727 said:
1-If you paint it you will see the color you paint, nor the mirror effect. This is why I suggest painting the sides of a tank if they will not be visible (such as a tank in a corner).

2-Sand is just as clean, much more natural, better for the fish, and looks a lot better (IMO). I would just do sand.
Click to expand...

I'm guessing you mean *not* the mirror effect? Does this have to do with lighting?
 
Correct, no mirror effect if painted.

No, lighting doesn't matter. The fact that the paint is touching the glass is what makes it show instead of the mirror effect.
 
reptileguy2727 said:
Correct, no mirror effect if painted.

No, lighting doesn't matter. The fact that the paint is touching the glass is what makes it show instead of the mirror effect.
Click to expand...

Oh gotcha. Thank you so much for the help! Gladly appreciate it!
I would totally do sand, but the fact that the tank contains fancy goldies that would enjoy sifting through the sand might just wreck the propellers on my hobs.
 
Honestly, I've never found sand to be a problem with impeller driven filters...I always keep the intake up high though, and don't use the extenders if they are provided. I've had impellers get messed up more due to MTS (Malaysian trumpet snails) breeding within the filter, or at least that is my theory. Even so a thorough cleaning and lubing of the ceramic shaft will generally fix the problem.
 
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