Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

So is blue better to paint or black?

It'll get a layer of bio film in a few months either way, and the fish don't care.

Go with what you like.

There are other more knowledgeable than I, but my theory is that the paint is just to keep light from getting in and aiding the growth of algae.

So paint a mural, a solid color, or trim it to match the house it is really your preference.

Ya it's not as important than I thought

My fish tank has had fish in it for about 18 months now. Most of the base is a light sandstone/yellowish sort of colour but the seal between the sides and base and the outside perimeter of the base are painted with black rubberised paint.

There's biofilm all over both surfaces no doubt... but I can clearly see the fish and also any solids against the still very light coloured part of the base. But I can see very little over the still very black looking rest of the base... the fish seem to hide there quite a bit... or maybe they just like tucking themselves into the corners.

Maybe not so relevant to the OP because blue and black are probably much the same in this context. And maybe the above is because the tank is very well shaded so biofilm is thin and there's no algae... I don't have a point of comparison.

Earn brownie points, ask "her in doors" what colour she's like them to be, because it makes little difference in the scheme of things.

a light colour will allow you to see the fish and wastes much better as stated above.

Ya the wife said doesn't matter but was thini I ng like a Aqua blue help see inside better