reef safe paint that will stick to acrylic? (ATS light shield )

Devaji

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once again I find myself here will a the smart DIYers...

I have an icecap pro ATS its white (I know stupid choice of color) the light bleed is pretty bad but the scrubber works good.
I am thinking about getting another one for a smaller reef RS 300XL. the tank is close you oue bedroom door and the other half is very sensitive to light spill coming into the room we leave the door open for the cat.

SO my Q is, is there a reef safe paint that would adhere good to acrylic that would block out the glowing lights?

I know fusion spray paint is reef safe, but last time i used it for in water it did flake and scratch off.
that would be the easiest for sure. but dont want to have to repaint it all the time.

my original plan is to glue black sheets of acrylic sheets to the unit. but wanted to ask here for other clever ideas!

here is the ATS I am talking about:

1727798737475.png
 

TX_REEF

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how about super-gluing thin black abs board to the exterior? Wouldn't be full coverage, but would block the bulk of the light bleed.


You could also use vinyl wrap potentially, but most products have an adhesive that may or may not be reef safe.
 

exnisstech

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This is exactly why I went with a Santa Monica surf 4 on my WB 330.7 I wanted to have a cryptic fuge along with an ATS. Since the cryptic fuge requires darkness the surf was the best option I could find for light bleed. I don't know what icecap was thinking when the chose that white translucent housing. The surf 4 works so well I adds a surf 2 to my reefer 170
PXL_20240727_161253879.jpg
 
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Devaji

Devaji

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how about super-gluing thin black abs board to the exterior? Wouldn't be full coverage, but would block the bulk of the light bleed.


You could also use vinyl wrap potentially, but most products have an adhesive that may or may not be reef safe.
that was/is my plan either ABS or acrylic. guessing ABS would be better light shield?
at that thin I dont now what would be better to be honest.

also though about vinyl wrap/ window tint but my thoughts where the same as yours.
 

FUNGI

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Dont spend too much.....glue this:...should be less than $15 bucks

 
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Devaji

Devaji

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This is exactly why I went with a Santa Monica surf 4 on my WB 330.7 I wanted to have a cryptic fuge along with an ATS. Since the cryptic fuge requires darkness the surf was the best option I could find for light bleed. I don't know what icecap was thinking when the chose that white translucent housing. The surf 4 works so well I adds a surf 2 to my reefer 170
PXL_20240727_161253879.jpg
I am not sure why but I am having a hard time buying a SM scrubber. from what I have read on here, ppl say the air tubes clog, the lights dim after a while & the air pump is loud . the last one is determined by what air pump you get.

I have been looking at those for a while know if I could find one used at a reasonable price I would jump on it.
just seems the more ppl have success with water fall scrubbers . guessing that is because more pl use them? IDK
but there is no question yours is working!

thought about DIYing one found an old post with SM talked about it. maybe i'll think about that again.
 
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