Though it killed me to do it . . . I sent him a BBM indicating that while I felt very strongly that painting the tank was the best course of action, he could choose the colour.

The response:
"No. You choose."

Problem solved? (unless he's so busy that he didn't think about it before he sent the message)

Perfect time for a quick paint job before he comes around.

Can I paint it before it is drilled?

We cracked this first one when we drilled it. Now we're paying someone to drill the new one. The "leak test" is completed on the new one. I just need to clean it up and mark where the holes need to go.

You can, but you might want to wait until you know you aren't replacing glass :)

I painted mine black this weekend, it looks a lot better caus it hides the powerheads, but my next tank will have blue overflows and a blue background painted on, I like black, but its a little bit dark

An old pro is doing it this time. I'm sure it will be fine.

(I hope)

I think I'll pick up a can of blue and a can of black. That way hubby can choose between the two.

I prefer the black (and the overflow weir is black), but I think he might prefer the blue.

Thinner glass is tough, it's very easy to crack. I'd hold off painting until the hole is done, old pro or not :)

Understood.

If I have one more cracked tank I'm going to have to use my overflow box . . . I am really running out of time.

Oh, forgot to mention, if you spray the paint, don't do it in your kitchen. Trust me on that....

If you've got some patients and a steady hand with a rattle can do the first coat sparsely and evenly then back it with the black paint.

Edit... Maybe practise on the cracked tank first. Lol