Mirror as background??????

[sjp_30188]

Introduction first. I'm new to Tennessee, new to Cookeville, but not new to SW, I had a tank in Atlanta for about 2+ years I guess.
Hi! Looks like the SW scene in Nville is alive and well, Ive been shadowing this group for a couple of months! I hvent joined the MTRC cuz with my schedule and distance fron Nashville it would be hard to attend meetings.

Figured I would take advantage of yalls friendliness and ask a question though.
Im presently setting up a 115 in a space between my living room and garage, so I have access to the back of the tank really easily. I was thinking of painting the back of the tank (Krykon Patriotic Blue) but then the wife suggested maybe using an old mirror as a backstop, wtih the intent being that I could remove the mirror if I needed to view into the tank from the back.......

What do yall think, is this a dumb idea? I know the mirror would bounce a lot of light into the tank so thats a good thing,,,,,I know Id have to landscape from two sides, but that sh0uldnt be a problem.....
Any netadvice?
Steve

 

[carman9941]

I have no experience with this but I read that the mirror changes the light sprectum to yellows and red, not what you want

 

[Sk8r]

It's liable to give some of your more territorial or spooky fish a heart attack. Seriously, I had a rabbitfish get ich due to the stress.

 

[TitansFan]

Yes, I would agree that some fish would not appreciate it. They don't know they are looking at their own reflection.

 

[foggy54]

[welcome]

 

[Angela Short]

They may fight with themselves to death! Like a betta will attack his own reflection in a mirror. It would look cool but you would sure have to keep the back glass clean or it would look bad. I also wonder if the light would reflect back at such a angle as to blind the fish all the time... Just a thought. ANd welcome to MTRC!!

 

[fish tanked]

I agree that the mirror idea probably isnt the best choice. It will drive your fish nuts... I used this stuff that I bought at the aquatic critter here in nashville that works good( Im sure you can find it elsewhere though ). It is a background paper that is kinda sticky that seals itself good giving you the same look and easy cleaning as painting but you can easily peel it off later if you want. Just my two cents...

 

[Sk8r]

Foamcore with a couple of dots of velcro here and there makes a nice backdrop.

 

[sjp_30188]

sk8r,,,,you make an interesting point, as anyone ever used a velcro'ed backddrop, whether painted or (just thinking here, maybe with coral stickers, kids painting it etc) that is removeable?