Background

[mikedelo]

Hello all!

What does everyone use for a background in their tank? Outside the tank I have a black background, not painted. But I was told about adding a fake wall background, Reef Ceramics, for better effects. Does anyone have any experience with this? Is it worth it? What do the more advanced hobbiest do?

 

[Scottyrock]

build up some rock against that badboy!

 

[ds4x4]

on the outside of the tank i used a blue background from Foster/Smith that is actually sticky so now water can get behind it and what can be seen through the rocks looks great

 

[Jcurry@wesketch]

I used blue latex paint on the outside of tank.

 

[ds4x4]

mine was suppose to say water can't get in between the background and the tank.

 

[SirFragalot]

I used blue latex paint on the outside of tank.

Same here but I used black.

 

[Danw]

i also used black latex paint on one tank and navy blue on another, think the blue looks alittle better but personal preference

 

[steamman]

I have heard that painting the glass reduces par from your lights. Something about not having the air space that you would have if you just taped on a background. This is only something I heard from one of the sponsors/merchants on this site.

 

[Nickjr000]

I just let mine be and let stuff grow on it

 

[ds4x4]

steamman that thought is about using black as a background. They think that the black will absorb the light instead of reflect it like blue or just glass would

 

[Nickjr000]

What about a mirrored background? Would be sweet! Or would it freak out the fish?

 

[steamman]

You can get mirrored acrylic. I always thought about that. It would make your tank look huge.

 

[Nickjr000]

I wonder if the fish would get stressed out from it like some birds do?

 

[steamman]

You are probably correct about the fish stressing. Especially the species that you would only normally keep one of. Or maybe they would crash into the glass injuring themselves.

 

[shipwrecked]

I agree with steamman,about the fish stressing with mirror,Ive always painted the backs,and eventually inside the tank various coraline algea will grow ie,purples and pinks. Or if you pile rocks that will cover the back.Someone here used magnets on rocks too...

 

[mnat]

Certain fish (especially tangs) will attack a mirrored image of themselves and can easily stress themselves out leading to not so much fun stuff (ich). You can buy a background to put in the back of your tank which some people do because it can be easily taken out and cleaned. Some people like a very clean look to their tank so this works for them. Most will paint the back wall (usually black) again it is just for looks. We have one painted, one clear, and one is a nano with a plastic back wall. It really comes down to taste and cleaning.