Sysiphus wrote:

1. Some adventursome tank inhabitant "might" find its way behind and
foul the water, (you know a year or two from now when the silicone
has a spot that gets a bit loose) and;
2. It creates a potential for water to foul from lack of curculation -
just a dead mass of moisture with no circulation between the glass and
the laminate.

I have already thought of this, concluding that it may well lead to stagnant
areas, and decided it probably isn't a Good Idea.

As to the painted back - IMO nothing works better than a straight edge
razor blade. I have removed many painted backs from tanks and the
only caution is to avoid cutting the silicone at the edges where the
glass is joined. Even cutting the silicone flush with the glass can
cause a leak to develop so I suggest just leaving the paint on the
edges.

Methylated spirits should remove any remaining bits.

So I am a vote for cleaning the glass and placing it on the outside.
I paint all the backs on my tanks now, but when I used a "scene" on
the back I always reverse rolled the stuff to get it flat, and then
ran clear tape around the top and sides. I left the bottom open for
what reason I really can't remember now, but it seemed important at
the time! Even if there was a small "ripple" in the scene, it was
undetectable by the time you look through the tank.

I wonder if it's because i sealed the entire perimeter of the sheet that it
developed bubbles? Perhaps i'll leave the bottom open as you have done and
see if that stops it.

Thanks for your help



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