Removable black background for in-wall tank

[LobsterOfJustice]

Hey all,

Posted this here because I figure large reef tanks is probably the target audience...

I am finishing up my 180g in wall installation and I'm trying to figure out what to do about the background. I'd like to have the typical black painted look, but I'd like it to be removable so I can view the tank from the back if I want. At this point the best option I can think of is one of the dinky plastic background sheets taped to the back like this is some 8-year-old's 10g goldfish tank. I feel like anything in more than one piece would result in a seam (posterboard, etc). A single large piece of painted plywood would be heavy and bulky. Maybe a sheet/curtain, but I dont want wrinkles.

Suggestions?

 

[dave.m]

I have used vinyl fabric (as used in upholstery) held on with velcro; quick to remove and replace as required. I found a soft mid-grey to be a good compromise between too-bright blue and overly-dramatic black.

Dave.M

 

[skiwez]

plastic background

plastic background

It's not black, but this is what I used for the back of my tank. It's also an in-wall. It give a bit of dimension to the background. I just cut to size and secure with tape. There is plenty to last several applications, plus it's only $20 to try it.

http://www.partycity.com/product/bl...urPicks&bypass_redirect=1&familyCode=F615656F

 

[Raoul5Duke]

There was a guy on here from the Detroit area that used I think a dark limo tint or something that could be removed and reapplied several times. I am having trouble finding the thread for you though.

 

[skimeister56]

There was a guy on here from the Detroit area that used I think a dark limo tint or something that could be removed and reapplied several times. I am having trouble finding the thread for you though.

I remember a thread about a 93 gallon cube that used window tint. Looked like it came out pretty good

 

[DNA]

Think 3 mm black sheet plexy that covers the whole background.
Then comes 9 mm thin strip of black plexy glued at 90° on the top end.
These two will look sort of like inverted L.
Then you stick those rubber strips that are used for windows on top for the plexy to sit on.
This is to splashprove the side facing the glass.

End result: A removable black background that looks great from all sides.
This was my idea and calling it the perfect solution is an understatement.

 

[TYRYFIN]

I went to the local Jo Ann Fabrics and bought some felt. I then got some Adhesive Hooks that I super glued to the back of the tank. I put a small slit in the felt and hung it on the hooks. This lets me look into the tank and when it get covered in salt I throw it into the washer.

 

[nickjj]

On my 200G I have a 1/4 inch black piece of acrylic the same size as the back of the tank that I mount with a 1x5 screwed into my tank stand. I put a 1/4 inch wood spacer so the acrylic slides into a slot that holds it in place. the acrylic is about 2" into the slot so it hold it firmly against the tank. I guess you could paint it or put anything on it if you don't want it just black.

You can see in the pic on the left the wood strip the black acrylic fits it. I just lift the acrylic out when I am working on the tank.

 

[Tradewinds]

I used a black piece of fabric, which can be attached with Velcro.