Show off Your Aquariums with clear backgrounds!

[Joke]

^ Perfect execution. This is probably the only tank without a background I actually like the look of (sorry others). I don't think peninsula tanks apply here since obviously you wouldn't have a background on that type of tank.

While I'm not saying a black, blue, or natural reef picture background is better than the other, I am a firm believer that a background > no background. Seeing wires, equipment, wood paneling, wall paper etc is distracting and I don't see why anyone would want to look at that.

Also, to the OP... you're not going crazy, a background does hide equipment and they do make corals "pop" by focusing your attention to what's inside the tank not what's behind it. In most cases a tank without the background looks unfinished in my opinion.

When I said "All this talk that black backgrounds are better, they hide equipment, make coral pop, bla bla blaaaa...
I swear they're Crazy!"
I was just having a bit of fun poking those that defend their painted backgrounds so dearly.
To be Honest though, black and blue give no sense of depth and makes the aquarium feel less premium.
When people run into algae issues, the algae 'POP's' just like your corals will and to me, actually looks just as bad...
...if not worse.
Black and blue also look less natural and can create a very dark looking tank.

When you say "This is probably the only tank without a background I actually like the look of" it makes me believe you have not seen many tanks, as there are hundreds all over the net equal as beautiful that do the same job of hiding the equipment.
But that's just my opinion!

 

[Joke]

Ok, but not really the same thing...

What do you mean?
Blue backed tanks look horrible with algae build up.

 

[albano]

What do you mean?
Blue backed tanks look horrible with algae build up.

I don't like algae build up on any tanks but, IMO, there is a big difference between tanks with a background and a tank that you should be able to "˜see thru'...