Any suggestions?

I painted my last one dark purple with acrylic paint. Looks pretty awesome, IMO. Accentuates the lighter purple and blue coralline algae patches quite nicely.

As for distance from the wall, I'd leave at least enough space to get a hand in between for cleaning. Salt creep can destroy wood or drywall if any splashes or spills aren't cleaned up promptly.

 

Tank is here and painted. Went with flat black paint.
I have two more questions though.
Whats the best way to set up the plumbing in the overflows and the stand has a solid top, can i just cut out the small area under the overflows?

 

I used a black acrylic paint and it has given a awesome look.

 

Thanks