Aquarium Backgrounds advice

[Indigoblue12]

New to salt water.
Have a 90 gallon tank
I wanted to take a survey and see
How many people paint the back
Of their tank blue or black
OR if it's nicer just to leave
It clear in the back

 

[thegrun]

I prefer a black or very dark blue background, I feel black shows off corals and fish best

 

[Bhuamani32]

Blue and black both look really nice

 

[snorklr]

blue or black...the only advantage to no background is if the tank is positioned in such a way that you can actually see what the critters are doing behind the rocks...otherwise its just a lovely view of the living room wall and the wires for your lights ,heater,and your plumbing

 

[igot2gats]

If you're going to paint, I would vote blue, as it's closest to the ocean.

But, this is a pretty great background to use, as I have it and love it. It's a great blue 'fade' for a more realistic look:

DB7 is the one I have.

http://www.pennplax.com/pennplax pdf/Aquarium-Thermometers-Bkgds-Plants.pdf

 

[jkdavids121507]

I actually just painted mine this past weekend. I used black acrylic paint and it turned out great IMO. Definitely makes the tank look better. Not to mention that it only cost me about 10 bucks at the most.

 

[cloak]

I prefer black as well, but I like to use those vinyl backgrounds they sell at the LFS, as opposed to painting the back glass.

 

[snorvich]

I prefer black as well, but I like to use those vinyl backgrounds they sell at the LFS, as opposed to painting the back glass.

Either black (my preference) or dark blue work well. The backgrounds are an easy way to go.

 

[toothybugs]

I'm painting my desktop system black on the 3 non-Staphire sides just to change it up, but historically I've let the backside just crust over with algae. It has the benefit of oxygenating the water while consuming junk, and it's natural. Takes a touch to get used to but it's kind of nice otherwise since it has a natural mottling to it.

Not hair algae though, ew.

NJG

 

[Fade2White12]

Black, for sure. Since most overflows and in-tank equipment is black, not to mention the cords that drape over the side of the tank, black is the best way to hide everything unsightly so you can pay more attention to what you're supposed to.

 

[maddmaxx]

I prefer a black or very dark blue background, I feel black shows off corals and fish best

this is why i always chose black. it makes everything inside the tank stand out more...

 

[alb_56]

Corraline covers most of mine but I stayed clear.

 

[reepher315]

I like my black one. Looks much more pro than my last tank with no background at all. But it does show your water inperfections alot more than a clear one.

 

[Waters40]

I painted mine a dark blue. Reminds me of the ocean. As long as you paint it something though....clear shows everything...mostly things you don't want to see.

 

[myofibroblast]

Newbie vote for black.

-"Whoever said orange was the new black was seriously disturbed."

 

[oh207]

I like black or blue

 

[maddmaxx]

I like black or blue

haha this is great. cause your profile pic looks like it doesnt even have a background. looks like straight wall behind the tank...

 

[yusor]

whatever the color you are going to choose.
I also recommend if you just stick a card board at the back instead of painting, I do this in all my tanks so I don't regret painting it.

 

[maddmaxx]

whatever the color you are going to choose.
I also recommend if you just stick a card board at the back instead of painting, I do this in all my tanks so I don't regret painting it.

why painting it doesnt harm it. you could easily just take a razor blade and scrape it off. no harm no foul...

 

[alb_56]

I also recommend if you just stick a card board at the back instead of painting, I do this in all my tanks so I don't regret painting it.

Not a bad idea though. You could try different colors and see what you like best.

haha this is great. cause your profile pic looks like it doesnt even have a background. looks like straight wall behind the tank...

Lol, I thought the same thing.