How to black out a tank

[shelby9189]

I have A tank I am going to put my new bp in, was wondering how I should "black out" 3 sides of the tank to keep him/her feeling more secure? Any ideas please

Thank You

[wolfy-hound]

You can paint the OUTSIDE of the tank sides, or tape construction paper in place. I normally use taped dark construction paper, but I've also spray painted the outside of a few tanks and it's pretty convenient to not have to worry about paper tearing or getting wet. Just paint the outside or tape the outside, not the inside. Allow time to air out if you paint too.

[shelby9189]

Ok thanks so just use black paper to tape outside? do you have to do 3 sides?

[05kas05]

i blacked out my tank using the black foam board in the school supply section at wal-mart it also helps insulate the glass a little, i did both sides, 3/4 of the bottom and the top and used an aquarium background on the back. on the front glass i made a black curtain that has magnets to attach it to the screen top
it is not necessary but it helps keep them calm down while they settle into their new surroundings .

[Ihaveworms]

http://www.plastidip.com/home_solutions/Plasti_Dip
This is the only thing you should use to black out your tank. tape it off like ur using spary paint and then let it dry it's a spray on rubber coating and you can always peel it off later if u want to take it off.

[shelby9189]

Ok thanks ill look into the foam board and into the backgroung.. Was the foam board very expensive?

[05kas05]

no its like 2.88 a sheet and if i remember right i think i used three or four sheets to do two 20 long tanks. the backgrounds vary on price i got mine for 6.99 on sale at petsmart.

[shelby9189]

OK lol thanks.. Def going to do that before i get him/her. Just trying to lower unwanted stress lol

[RestlessRobie]

I used aquarium background from a pet store just for the look but just about anything will work

[Argentra]

I used scrapbooking 12x12 sheets (lots of choice) for background, then house insulation foam board over that to help with heat retention. Cheap and works very well.

Whatever you use, make sure you totally cover the back and both sides of the glass on the outside. Also look into foil treatment for the screen top to keep heat and humidity stable.