DIY Vinyl Aquarium Background: An Easy Way to Make Your Tank Look Better!
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- čas přidán 5. 07. 2020
- Hello Everyone,
In this video we show you how to make a vinyl aquarium background for your fish tank.
Here is an Amazon affiliate link for the vinyl mentioned in the video: amzn.to/2VNuXLo
If you want to learn how to paint fish tank backgrounds check out this video: • How to Paint Fish Tank...
If you want more information on different fish tank backgrounds this is a good video: • Fish Tank Background S...
Also, our new shirts can be found at: www.primetimeaquatics.com/merch
For the latest in the fish room check us out on Instagram primetime_aquatics
We would like to thank our channel sponsors for 2020: Flip Aquatics and Fritz Aquatics. For 2020 our fish are being fed Northfin Foods from flipaquatics.com! They help make what we do here possible and are worth checking out!
Thanks for watching!
Here is an Amazon affiliate link for the vinyl mentioned in the video: amzn.to/2VNuXLo
If you want to learn how to paint fish tank backgrounds check out this video: czcams.com/video/9VNWQ0JjvpE/video.html
If you want more information on different fish tank backgrounds this is a good video: czcams.com/video/ohppeg-JoO8/video.html
Also, our new shirts can be found at: www.primetimeaquatics.com/merch
For the latest in the fish room check us out on Instagram primetime_aquatics
I have a small decal making business and I have a tip for you. This vinyl can be applied wet, that means that you can spray some water on the back of the tank so when you apply the vinyl, you can slide it around a bit until you get it right. The water dries and everything looks great!
As much as I’ve worked with it (craft projects) I NEVER knew that!!! ✨🙌✨ thanks for taking the time to comment. 😊
Mrs Prime Time Aquatics As much as I have learned from you, I am happy to help!
@@mrsprimetimeaquatics5497 I know this is 2 years old now, but it's even better to put water in a spray bottle with a FEW drops of dish soap. This will really help it slide around to where you want and get the bubbles out. You can also use a heat gun (on low) to help get rid of bubbles while you squeegee it out.
First thing I do when I get a new tank is spray the back with black Plasti-Dip. It will peel off just like vinyl and it's infinitely less infuriating than trying to smooth the bubbles out of one of those sheets.
I was just thinking plasti-dip could work great.
Could the Plasti-Dip scratch like the "regular" acrylic paint application might? I'm always moving around the HOB filter during cleaning...
@@olivezelm5897 Unfortunately, if you use a hang on back you do have to be careful because it can peel off. Some HOBs I haven't had issues with because they come with very small levelers that only barely touch the tank. But some of the large ones like the Penguins absolutely will peel it off if you drag it across.
Crunkling is a most excellent word
I really like the vinyl frosted backgrounds. I add that and sometimes use white foam board to make another background behind that and use LED lighting strips to creat a blue sky, sunset, or sunset looking background. It’s cheap to do as well. The easiest way to apply it and adjust it is spray water on the glass and put the vinyl on it, use a credit card as a squeegee to get all the bubbles out and when it drys it’s attached well. Water Keeps from getting air bubbles and if you mess up it’s not stuck yet. It’s the wya they tint windows on cars and homes.
That's a cool idea!
I was looking for a good background for my betta tank. I’ve looked at the rolls you put on home windows. Not expensive and large rolls. However they can be removed with water. This is perfect! Thank you so much!
Sweet couple - and thanks for informing me on how the vinyl will look sticky-side, but WOW you could cut back a little on the chatty-ness and get a lot more thumbs up I bet.
I rub a little at a time to attach it with a soft cloth, I've also used a ruler. Push the ruler as you're pulling of the paper. Thanks guys. You make a great team.
Looks like a nice alternative to painting and easier to change if you decide you want a different color.
Always good to hear that "happy Monday"
🙂
Hahahaha you guys are so adorable !!!
Nice tip!
" You've got ORACLE 361 " 😂😂
God Bless You guys!
Keep tanking !!!
🙂 thank you - take care!
Happy Monday!... from the future
Jason, she's just a little cutie with good ideas. She cracks me up too. Great video.
I done something similar by using the window privacy film which comes in various colors and patterns, got it from Amazon. Also when it comes to paint I have also used the Waverly arts and craft paint from Walmart for my smaller tanks, I get the small bottle for less than $2. For medium to large size tanks I just look through all the color patterns from Lowe's paint samples and order up whatever paint I want to try for my tank(s) ^_^ $4 or less per paint sample is cheaper than a whole paint can.
I watched this video the day after I painted the back of my 75 gallon. None the less, I have no regrets. Lol thank yall for ya'lls videos!
I like painting my tanks too.
One option I use on most of my tanks is window tint. I have used the white frost as well as a dark black tint. The best thing, if you have a bubble, you can just lift it back up and lay it down again to get rid of the bubbles.
I have used clear window film on the front and sides of my aquariums, too. The window film blocks UV rays, cuts algae growth.
I usually paint my tanks but not My 53gallon. I really didn’t feel like painting because it’s very time consuming. So I went with a cling on film. But I couldn’t find a long enough film that was actually made for aquariums. I did end up finding one but the price was ridiculous, Upwards of $30. I eventually found a cling on window tint (yup) on amazon for $14. It came in a huge roll. 17.7 inches high by 78.7 inches long. Worked out great
And speaking of backdrops :) Would love to see you guys do a video on doing a plant/moss wall as a backdrop.
I use this background on most of my tanks and for me its the best option. Love the video and your ideas.
Nice to hear! 😊
Just tried something on my just put up and running tank while you were talking and it worked amazingly...I hate tape, so I used small magnets! Can't see them from here, and they are going to allow me to change backgrounds as the mood hits me. Thanks for getting my mind working!!😊
Nice!
My husband used to put decals on for a living. A rubber scraper and soapy water sprayed on the glass (dawn is what we use) helps to make the vinyl placement more forgiving as well as to solidify the placement when ready while the rubber scrapper (or plastic) squeezes all of the water out from in between the glass and vinyl. Hope this helps your process! Good luck! Thanks for all you share!
Thank you!
Joanna, your videos are so helpful! Super ideas. I just love Monday's now! Great job!
Yay! Thank you, Deborah! 😊
You could use paint roller. With the brush on it to press when place it on
Great tip Joanne! I have seen some of these vinyl backgrounds and haven't had time to look at them.. you just made it easy 😁 thank you and thank you for the great tip and tutorial.. I really appreciate the links! You two crack me up... Y'all are dynamic duo and I hope you both have a great day 😁♥️👍🐟🌱🌿
You always make my day! 😊
@@mrsprimetimeaquatics5497 same here.. we love you guys!👍😁❤️🐟🌿🦐✌️
Happy Monday...Another inciteful video from the cutest couple on you tube. I laugh out loud watching your interactions. I like this idea a lot and look forward to your other tips. Have a wonderful week.
😊😊😊 you too Elizabeth!!
Great idea! I just did the background on my new 29 gallon tank. I used the vinyl used for blackout on windows. I've never applied anything like that before but it turned out fine. I'm hoping it will be durable and waterproof. Thanks for the idea. I'm looking forward to the other ideas in your videos.
Did it turn out? Good to hear. That’s another one on my list 😊
Mrs Prime Time Aquatics Yes turned out great. Just a spray bottle of water and a credit card to push the air bubbles out. Keeping it wet made getting the air out easier. Looking forward to your next video!
Happy Monday.😍
I never used backgrounds to my tanks, but this looks interesting...hmm maybe one day i will try ...thanks for the tip.
Wish you both a wonderful new week. 👍👌😍😊
Thank you! You too!
Great idea!
i used to do posterboard too. i switched to vinyl a few months ago. cheap vinyl from ebay works great. Don't skimp on prep work makes life easier lol.
👍
Joanna, (Did I spell your name right?) Excellent idea! A credit card makes an excellent squeegee.
Yes, you most certainly did 😊 - well done! 👍 Thanks for the cc tip!
Love you guys! I'm getting a new 55 and was contemplating what to do with the background. This may be a good solution. I wonder if a credit card would help to push out the air pockets 🤔
I think it would :-)
i use chalkboard vinyl from kmart here in aus.. comes in 18"x60" rolls approx and looks amazing and $3 a roll
Smart thinking! Gives me an idea for using some static cling window privacy/heat screen leftovers I had from applying to windows in my house. You can buy on Amazon and it comes in all kinds of sizes. The size I had bought was 36 inches x 6.5 feet - and it was 17.98 per roll. It's very dark, so good for people who like dark tank backgrounds. To apply you just mist the glass with water, then after aligning, mist the other side with water and use a ruler or something similar to squeegee out the bubbles... then you can use a razor blade to trim the excess... :)
That was first idea I looked into 🤫...have not completely researched options/pros/cons😊. Thank you for taking time to comment. 😊
Great video! Love the "happy monday" videos. I have used contact paper for backgrounds, the rolls are bigger and might be less expensive. I find the use of plastic, wide putty type knives work well for smoothing any air bubbles to the edge of the vinyl.
Thank you! That is a good idea. :-)
I’m still on search for contact paper ..it’s on the list. 😊
Neat idea!!! I’ve seen a frosted vinyl that is put on using water and it looks nice and seems to work. I like the frosted look. But I have to say the best thing I took from this video is my now new favorite word” crunkled “!!!! Lol 🤣It’s great!!! 😉
Thank you :-)
I place the vinyl on my tanks using the wet method and it works so well, That way any error can be fixed before you complete.
Ya I’m hearing that a lot - I had no idea you could apply with water. ✨👍✨
@@mrsprimetimeaquatics5497 All you do is half fill a spray bottle with water and a few drops of dish soap. This way you can position it nicely and it will only fully set once you get a squeegee or ruler and push out all of the water bubbles. The easiest way to apply.
I love your ideas but bouncing between a temporary type background or something more permanent. So glad you posted this video. 😎 🐟
I know! Welcome to the club. 😊
Love this idea, i was thinking of doing the same thing and im glad you did a video about it. i was worried about the glue chemicals leaching through the glass so i found a Brand called VViViD . its Air Release Vinyl so no glues and you can move and reset it as needed. Thank you for the awesome Videos!
Thanks for sharing!
I like to use black poster board, it can come in large sizes and is a bit tougher than paper, is very cheap, and i apply with just a drop of hot glue in the corners
For small applications you can use a credit card or gift card like they do when putting a screen protector on a phone. My dad actually taught me that trick for putting inspection stickers on car windshields.
Fantastic job. 😍
😊 thank you!!
I use a black yoga mat as a background on my 4’ tank, and tape it in place with black electrical tape. As my tank has black silicone you can’t see the tape. The yoga mat is water resistant and has a slight ripple pattern on it, so it looks great, and with it being quite thick it hangs really well.
I like it!
Oracle 631? Sounds like some sort of video game :)
Yes. Centered on a space station.
Love this idea, the fact that it’s not permanent is really good as I like to change the background colours every so often. Does look stressful to put on though, it’s the first video I’ve seen Jason out of this comfort zone 🤓
Ya, I'm not doing that again. Haha
Yes, Mark, he looked truly shaken. My work is done. 👍😂
Some of the facial expressions were priceless 😀
Thanks for the vid. I have a 84" by 26 1/2" tank and I don't see it going well.
Nothing to do with fish, but I love your nail color, Joanne. Great idea about the vinyl. Looking forward to your other suggestions.
Hi to you 2! I had an idea to use (as exterior background option) either a piece of vinyl flooring ou tile imitating rocks. It is easy to find, to cut and available in all kinds of colors. Maybe!
Hi !! Oh, you think like me - I love it!!
My dollar store carries a similar vinyl to oracle. I certainly stocked up on it lol. I then sprayed water on the back of the tank, applied the vinyl, used a credit card to smooth the surface and all done.
Oh boy..I feel the need to put my oracle and the dollar store stuff in a showdown...😏
@@mrsprimetimeaquatics5497 I certainly look forward to that video! I wonder who will come out on top 🤔 lol
Goodmorning you guys 🌞 I was thinking about using the shelf liners , that have adhesive on the back to lay down. I was curious if you have tried that, or is it considered the same as Vinyl? I just dont want to end up with huge slime streaks or any marks on the glass. I'll start with my smaller tanks.
I painted the back of my tank and then was afraid of it getting scratched, so I put the shelf liner over it. It worked fine even over the uneven surface of the paint. It would probably.be even better on flat glass.
I looked into it briefly but most were permanent... it may make my complete list though if I can find one I like. 🙂
Thankyou ladies!
Hi,
Can you do a test if pothos really remove nitrates.
It def helps
Great idea. On my 75 gallon tank I have the window film with two RGB LED light bars behind it. I'll never do anything other than that until something new comes along. It's not very expensive to do. However, I want to add to it and your idea will help me.
I uploaded my tank.
Is that a Low Boy behind you?
The foam poster board works good too. Especially if it's already set up. You can wedge it between the frames.
Nice! I want a look like that on one of my tanks 💙👍
I'd like to make an internal sump but I don't want to see the pump, sponges, bioload ant other technical stuff. So I am interesting, is it safe to use Oracal inside the tank?
I probably wouldn't do it because of the adhesive and the ink used for the coloration.
Different,I like!
😊
Cling blackout Window film is much more economical. I covered two 29 gallon plus a 20 gallon.
I might just paint my backgrounds :P
I know - I still like slapping some paint on the back and calling it done. Haha
Take it as a compliment Please but RoseAnnaDanna ... Should do a skit on that sometime. Perfect resemblance No but I have been trying to figure out where I have seen you before and it is an interesting close match. Please all in fun, you have a likewise comedic talent. I have not taken care of fish since those times but with both of your help I have have success with a Betta now called Sonic due to his amazing blue and red colors. Keep up the great work, regards from Wauconda.
I forgot all about her!
Hi! I tried this and it looks great! There are a few little air bubbles, but you can't see them from the front. Thanks for the video!
Good to hear!
I just tried to paint an aqueon frameless glass aquarium and no matter what I did or how long I gave it, when I went to do the second coat it would pull the first coat off. I ended up taking some sheets of crafting foam and cut to size, then used a hot glue gun to secure the corners to the tank.
Old credit card gently swiped across the piece may_ and I emphasize may, help to take out bubbles. Lightly wetting surface before hand may also be an aid in that endeavor. Multiple tanks? Perhaps a brayer would be worth the cost to eliminate bubbles under the surface? Just sayin'.
Nice idea using the vinyl. U could use a credit card or a ruler for the bubbles also. Just smooth it as u stick it on the glass. Any way u do it should be easy peasy, right? 👍🍄😃
LOL..Stop Moving it! Awesome idea. 😂
Almost lost a finger! Haha
Happy Monday!
✨🙌✨
How do you guys always read my mind on Mondays about what tip I need for my next planned project? 😊I tried a non-adhesive (water spray) vinyl window roll for my 5 foot acrylic and the air bubbles are driving me bonkers (& have to live with how it is unless I want to drain the thing, unless I remove it and tape something up). Do you have any experience with using this product but using the non-adhesive side just taped up? Does it still look as nice? Thanks for brightening my Monday morning, as always!
🙂 yay - glad to hear. We do our best to read your mind 😂👍 the window films I found seemed too pricey, but we haven’t used before and I haven’t thoroughly researched yet. Stay tuned 😊
Mrs Prime Time Aquatics I would say I didn’t like the window film that I bought (not too pricey at $17 for an 8 ft roll but clunky and thick). Just curious if you’d tried your vinyl backing taped up (as I’ve also done for most of my other tanks - I like easy 😉). Also worried about leaving adhesive behind on my acrylic.
I thought Joanna was saying "city slicker", since my speaker volume was low. 😅. Anyway, great video & tips. I have used similar backgrounds, but will have to try your suggestion. Personally, have found that a tiny bit of anti -static spray really reduces the amount of trapped air bubbles when applying. Just squeegee as you are rolling out the background. Also, DO NOT get any chemicals into the aquariums, obviously. Thanks.....📺😎🐟🐸🐬🐋🐳🐠🐍🐲🐉
How funny, David! 😂😂 Nice tip on the spray idea - I will try it 👍
I use vinyl. The only vinyl I had for my first tank was carbon fiber outside and black sticky side.
Happy Monday
🙂
631 is for inside use. It allows you to remove 2 years later and not leave glue residue or tear up the walls like wallpaper.
Yes, exactly! 😊
You guys are cute , thanks for the wonderful videos
😊
I tried a black vinyl and it left this weird grey residue from the inside of the tank despite pushing the bubbles out with a credit card. Not sure why. Not clean enough surface? I did wet the glass before applying
That is odd... I’ve never had an issue with this brand. 🤷🏻♀️🙂
To eliminate air bubbles: Spray the glass with water before application, then smooth out the bubbles after applying the vinyl (a flipper spatula or credit card helps)!
Can I paint the aquarium background with fishes inside the tank. Does it gonna do any harm.
With the paint I use I don't think it's a problem (I usually use an acrylic paint and roller sponge brush). Still, I would probably cover the top of the tank with a damp cloth just to be safe.
The best way to install vinyl on a flat surface is using a mixture of water and J&J baby shampoo (You can google the correct mixture). Professional window tinters use this method to ensure no bubbles or debrit behind the film. It allows you to adust the film once its laid out and you simply squeejee the water and soap solution out and you have a perfect installation every time. A heat gun or hair dryer is great for repairing creases or stretched film.
With the petco $1 per gallon sale coming, this is only encouraging me to get one so I can try this....but I really am trying not to get another tank 😄
The more you resist the tank, the more it will come calling. Haha
It's Sunday today😅
So this is what I do. Clean the glass with rubbing alcohol and micro fibre cloth to get rid of dust and oils.
Then I spray some soapy water ( glass cleaners works well) this allows room for adjustments and errors. Then put the vynil and flatten it out with a credit card to get rid of the air pockets. I rinse the tank with vinegar water to get off any soap that’s potentially harmful for the fish!
I like your way to present things. A bit all over the place, but very entertaining.
And remember "the husband wants to be helpful"😉😉😉😉...
I love your style.
Top tip for putting on vinyl:
1) Clean the glass with alcohol first.
2) Peel back the paper to expose the sticky side. Might be easier to do this a little at a time.
3) Spray the glass with water eg. add a drop of dishwashing soap to the water first.
4) Spray the sticky side with water too. Need more water than you would think on both.
5) Place the vinyl on the glass. The water makes it easy to move around or peel off again to replace it.
6) When the vinyl is in place scrape with a hard rubber scraper, an old credit card, or a soft (not scrachy) sponge, from the middel of the vinyl and out to get the water out underneath. Keep a towel at hand. This way you should be able to get all the air bobbles out.
7) Cut off any excessive vinyl. This can wait a few days to let vinyl stick before cutting the vinyl off.
8) The glue might give a white appearance on the inside of the glass. That's perfectly normal and will disappear in a few days.
NB: Remember that the vinyl goes on the outside of the glass, and not inside the aquarium ;O)
Oh yes, absolutely on outside of glass! 😂 I actually didn’t know you could wet the adhesive first - great to know!! 👍
@@mrsprimetimeaquatics5497 You should try it. It makes it so much easier :O)
Just remember to wet both the glass and the adhesive
I was howling when you said let's look at this on a tank and then we see at 9:53 a shot of plants and rocks with no background in sight. It was a fun video but the application would be much too stressful for me.
I guess that's what happens with a black background. Haha
You guys live in Midwest? Accent is so strong with the wife.
We sure are. Haha
Try this... instead of peeling nearly all of the backing off and leaving the stick vinyl exposed, once you have that inch or so started like you did, you can turn the glass 180 degrees so you are on the opposite end of it, hold the backing and now as you pull down on the backing toward you, the vinyl is being 'rolled' onto the glass a little at a time, with constant, even pressure, so you don't get the bubbles... make sense? in this scenario, you are holding each corner of the backing as you pull evenly down towards you or the ground, as opposed to laying it upwards or away from you as you were doing.
or you can use this same method while using a ruler. Pull backing down with one hand while using the ruler in the other hand to ensure what you are laying down is instantly smoothed out. Both ways aims to create no bubbles that you then have to fix
Nice idea!
Why, thank you, Joe! Great tip for all of us!!!
City sticker?
Around here we have to put a sticker on our window that says we paid the annual city tax on our automobiles. :-(
Use a credit card to "crunckle" the air bubbles out! 🤪
😂😂👍
:)
Umm whats a city sticker on your car???
A stupid sticker that proves you paid your city car tax. :-(
@@PrimeTimeAquatics like the date tag that goes on your plate from your registration?