I am doing a build in project and noticed that most people paint the backs of the tank blue. I ran into a website that sells colored window tint. Had anyone used this to cover the back of the tank?? I'm wondering if you would be able to see though the tank from the back with the lights on, but not be able to see the room behind from the front.---did that make any sense??
Colored window tint
- Thread starter iseeweed
- Start date
Yes you good see in with the lights on, but do not know about not seeing the wall, I bought mine for my window in the living room from a big box home center, they had about 5 different tints an one was mirrowed, go to on and the have a sample and you look up to the lights , I am thinking mirrowed, with the rock the fish will not go nuts looking at yhemselves and you can look thru it.
I just so happen to be planning a tank like this myself. 
I would not use any type of roll on film. You will inevitably get salt running down the back glass and it will eat it up. You'll also probably scratch it off while working behind the tank.
There is a glass manufacturer called SolarCool that makes glass with the tint embedded. They make windows for skyscrapers, the type that is mirrored on the outside but semi-transparent from the inside. It is safe to use in saltwater, and they make a wide variety of glass of different reflectance and color. If the area behind your tank is dark it should create the effect you are looking for perfectly. I am planning on using the Arctic Blue Eclipse style. A good glass shop near you should be able to order you samples.
Hope this helps.
I would not use any type of roll on film. You will inevitably get salt running down the back glass and it will eat it up. You'll also probably scratch it off while working behind the tank.
There is a glass manufacturer called SolarCool that makes glass with the tint embedded. They make windows for skyscrapers, the type that is mirrored on the outside but semi-transparent from the inside. It is safe to use in saltwater, and they make a wide variety of glass of different reflectance and color. If the area behind your tank is dark it should create the effect you are looking for perfectly. I am planning on using the Arctic Blue Eclipse style. A good glass shop near you should be able to order you samples.
Hope this helps.
As you can see from my user name this is right up my alley!!!
I have always used window film to give my tank a black back(glass tanks). I have never had a problem with scratching or peeling of the window film. One thing you didnt mention was if your tank is glass or acrylic? You CAN NOT tint acrylic with window film. Although Im sure someone has done it here with success I would not recommend it because over time it will bubble and good luck removing the film and glue. If your tank is glass-GO FOR IT!! It can be removed easy if you dont like it. As far as seeing thru the film (back wall) this does depend on the color of film you chose and the amount of light that is behind your tank. For the black look I would always use a Limo film or a black out film. If it is blue you are looking for then I can reccomend a specific product. It is called Llumar and the type is R15 Blue. It does have a mirrored blue finish (like the sky scrapers) infact this is the film we use to match buildings built with that glass. Just look in your phone book for a windowtint shop that carries Llumar and by a piece from them. It should cost about a $1.50 a square foot(or less). I would also ask (if your tank can be moved)how much they would charge to install it. Hope this helps.
I have always used window film to give my tank a black back(glass tanks). I have never had a problem with scratching or peeling of the window film. One thing you didnt mention was if your tank is glass or acrylic? You CAN NOT tint acrylic with window film. Although Im sure someone has done it here with success I would not recommend it because over time it will bubble and good luck removing the film and glue. If your tank is glass-GO FOR IT!! It can be removed easy if you dont like it. As far as seeing thru the film (back wall) this does depend on the color of film you chose and the amount of light that is behind your tank. For the black look I would always use a Limo film or a black out film. If it is blue you are looking for then I can reccomend a specific product. It is called Llumar and the type is R15 Blue. It does have a mirrored blue finish (like the sky scrapers) infact this is the film we use to match buildings built with that glass. Just look in your phone book for a windowtint shop that carries Llumar and by a piece from them. It should cost about a $1.50 a square foot(or less). I would also ask (if your tank can be moved)how much they would charge to install it. Hope this helps.
Hey Dave,
Keep in mind this film (commercial film)is a little different then what you are use to. It has a dry adhesive-which simply means when you peel the clear release liner (protective backing) the glue on the film is not sticky. It is a water activated glue that is slow bonding. Apply it with baby shampoo and water or dish soap and water(ivory,dawn what ever is under your sink) put about a teaspoon of soap (more if your using baby shampoo) in a 32 oz spray bottle of water. You dont need to measure-you just need enough soap to give the film a little slip for positioning on the glass. once inplace squeegee out all the water then take a paper towel and wrap the squeegee in the towel and squeegee agin-this allows you to push extra water out at the same time it will soak it up when you get to the edge. After your done it will look good but when it starts to dry it will appear as if it is bubbling. This is normal and will dry out but may take several weeks because it will not be getting any direct sunlight.
Keep in mind this film (commercial film)is a little different then what you are use to. It has a dry adhesive-which simply means when you peel the clear release liner (protective backing) the glue on the film is not sticky. It is a water activated glue that is slow bonding. Apply it with baby shampoo and water or dish soap and water(ivory,dawn what ever is under your sink) put about a teaspoon of soap (more if your using baby shampoo) in a 32 oz spray bottle of water. You dont need to measure-you just need enough soap to give the film a little slip for positioning on the glass. once inplace squeegee out all the water then take a paper towel and wrap the squeegee in the towel and squeegee agin-this allows you to push extra water out at the same time it will soak it up when you get to the edge. After your done it will look good but when it starts to dry it will appear as if it is bubbling. This is normal and will dry out but may take several weeks because it will not be getting any direct sunlight.
i've used very dark blue tint on my last tank with success. no salt or anything degraded it in a year.
you could not see through it to the back wall, since all of the light was inside the tank. it's like looking through a tinted window outside- you can see out well, but they can't see in.
you could not see through it to the back wall, since all of the light was inside the tank. it's like looking through a tinted window outside- you can see out well, but they can't see in.
I visited a proffesional window tinter for some advice. He offered me this incredible blue mirrored tint for $12 a foot(I need 5 feet)......nooo way. I went to Auto Zone and got a whole roll of this cheapo blue tint for $10.
For 10 bucks I will take the chance and see how it looks.
For 10 bucks I will take the chance and see how it looks.
Attachments
Sponsor Reefs
We're a FREE website, and we exist because of hobbyists like YOU who help us run this community.
Click here to sponsor $10:
