Is there a safe way to paint decor in my tank?

by **Zambize4899** » Fri May 30, 2008 4:49 am

I've got some artificial driftwood that is a horrendous shade of orange. It is shaped and sized perfectly though and I could get creative with my painting. Is there any safe way to apply paint to this sort of thing?

Z

by **ChristinaBug2890** » Fri May 30, 2008 4:57 am

I just got a job in the paint department at a local hardware store...unfortunately I know nothing about paint yet. I wish I could help. lol i suck.

by **gumbii** » Fri May 30, 2008 5:37 am

nope... i wouldn't trust any kind of paint in any type of tank...

by **Zambize4899** » Fri May 30, 2008 6:41 am

Ok, how about some other creative option. People do put silicone in their tank as well as adhesives and spray foam used to create those beautiful realistic looking rock wall backgrounds. All kinds of stuff...so what could I use to change the color of these ugly driftwood pieces. If you could see the ugly....you'd be motivated.

Bug, yes, you suck. LOL

Zambize

by **a1k8t31524** » Fri May 30, 2008 3:33 pm

there has to be something.......all the artificial decor you buy at the petstore is painted

by **Tmercier834747** » Fri May 30, 2008 5:08 pm

Is there such a thing as non-toxic waterproof acrylic? Acrylic paints are the only thing I think might work...

Is this orange masterpiece you're considering for your 37 gal or 29? Or other? I like the piece you have in your 37, why fix it if it aint broke. =P

PS. nice updated tank photo.

by **gumbii** » Fri May 30, 2008 5:14 pm

the people on the reef forum were talking about using that fusion paint for plastics... just sand it really REALLY good, use the plastic paint primer, then paint...

they tend to do this but they also say that it starts flaking off after some time... hmm...

i would try air brushing because it's so light, then coating it in a thin layer of fiberglass resign... i've seen them coat normal driftwood in resign to keep it from leaking tannin's...

by **Sumthing_Fishy** » Fri May 30, 2008 6:21 pm

I would probably use non-toxic, waterproof, acrylic paint as Tmercier stated. Paint an item and let dry for a couple of days then wash, wash, and wash and throw it in a small tank with 1 fish to see how it responds before adding it to the bigger tank.

I got a ceramic hand-painted log at Wal-mart that was over in the lawn and garden area and rinsed it off good before adding it to the tank, and have had no problems with the fish. It has been in there for about 3 weeks.

by **zambize** » Sat May 31, 2008 12:31 am

T-83,

No, I'm not changing the driftwood in the 37 gallon, that one is really nice. This orange ugly is in a small 6.6 gallon for my Betta. And thanks for the comment on my new pic. :) It's already got 100 or so votes in 2 days and is 18th! Ah, I feel like a proud parent.

Thanks for all of the suggestions, very helpful. I think I'll keep these ideas in mind and check out the kid's section at a local arts and crafts store. Their paints may be a good place to start looking.

Zambize

by **Sumthing_Fishy** » Sat May 31, 2008 12:49 am

I seen several non-toxic acrylic paint at hobbytownusa's online website that would probably work.

Is there a safe way to paint decor in my tank?

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