Background For New Tank

[Liv15]

So, here's my new 125L aquarium so far. I'll probably end up rearranging things & adding more plants etc. but I was wondering what kind of background might suit it? I've been thinking maybe a plain black background, which would help to hide/blend in the filter? Any ideas?
http/i327.photobucket.com/albums/k448/Tilly15/image.jpg1_zpsxmfplsud.jpg

 

[BiggTexx]

Solid dark backgrounds are excellent for helping to hide things, but also help the colors of the fish to stand out in front of them.  I have never been a fan of the backgrounds that are sold at the LFS, so I tend to either have no background, or an easily changeable background.
 
On my 60 gal, I purchased what we call a Project Board.  It is a trifold type of cardboard normally used by school grade kids for science projects, etc.  I cut the cardboard to size to fit behind my tank and painted each side a different color. Depending on my mood, I can have a black background, or a dark (sparkling colored) blue just by flipping the cutout over.  Take literally 30 seconds to do flip around and no hassles.
 
Just an idea anyways.

 

[Akasha72]

I'm also a fan of a plain black background. As Texx says, it makes the fish colours and plants colours stand out.
 
I watched a video online recently of a guy who paints them with acrylic paint instead of the shop bought backgrounds. If you want the paint off all you need to is get a blade and it comes off easily. I shall see if I can find the video if you like?

 

[BiggTexx]

...paints them with acrylic paint instead of the shop bought backgrounds.

 
I did this with my Nano tank recently.  Since it is inset in the wall, I was struggling with what to do until Lyra and Nick suggested the painting.  It turned out nice, was easy to accomplish.

 

[betta fish]

I've just recently had this dilemma on a 200l tank that is 100cm long so I placed two black bin liners behind it and it looks surprisingly good! kind of like a textured slate wall 

may still get a proper back ground but for now this will do, I'm sure the fish appreciate it too as the wall behind it is brilliant white which I don't think they like much!

 

[Byron]

I agree with others.  One very inexpensive background that I use on all my smaller (under 3 feet) tanks is plain black construction paper.  Tape it together and tape it to the tank frame, and you will hardly see the back wall.  The flat or matte finish, not shiny, helps to increase the perception of depth front to back.
 
Byron.

 

[Akasha72]

here's the video ... you might wanna skip bits of it cos he dun't half waffle on but it's the best vid I've seen
 
http/www.youtube.com/watch?v=EqWAl5TpzY0

 

[Gvilleguy]

It depends on the tank for me. On my smaller tanks I prefer the underwater, rocky look, so I actually buy 3D foam backgrounds. They only take out maybe a half inch of tank depth. But on my main 40 gallon I simply bought two black poster boards from the drug store and cut and taped them on the back.
 
Here is my cherry shrimp tank background. The java moss is starting to grow up the foam, which I like, and the shrimp seem to love crawling on the foam to eat biofilm.
 

 

[Ch4rlie]

Black backgrounds are extremely popular in this hobby.
 
One thing that may help, if you have black substrate, having a black background can make the tank look a little darker but the green of plants and colours of fish do indeed 'pop' if the fish stocking in question are not dark coloured themselves.
 
 
However, in your tank, you have a more lighter sand, quite similar to what I have in main tank, really does make a big difference and personally i much prefer a black background to make a stark contrast to the substrate and plants.
 

 
 
See my sig for dark substrate and black background.
 
It all depends on what kind of effect and mood you want to achieve

 

[Akasha72]

I went for dark substrate aswell as black background for that reason Ch4rlie - I wanted plants and fish to 'pop'. My substrate was supposed to be black but it's more of a washed out grey. I was disappointed when it arrived and if it hadn't of been so heavy I'd have sent it back

 

[Munroco]

I agree with others.  One very inexpensive background that I use on all my smaller (under 3 feet) tanks is plain black construction paper.  Tape it together and tape it to the tank frame, and you will hardly see the back wall.  The flat or matte finish, not shiny, helps to increase the perception of depth front to back.
 
Byron.

Have you tried crumpling it up then flattening it again to give a 3d effect?

 

[Byron]

 

I agree with others.  One very inexpensive background that I use on all my smaller (under 3 feet) tanks is plain black construction paper.  Tape it together and tape it to the tank frame, and you will hardly see the back wall.  The flat or matte finish, not shiny, helps to increase the perception of depth front to back.
 
Byron.

Have you tried crumpling it up then flattening it again to give a 3d effect?
 

No, but I will.  Thanks.

 

[Gvilleguy]

Here is my main 40 gallon with black poster taped to the back. I think it provides nice contrast to the green plants as others have said.
 

 

[fishmanphil]

I used a black bin bag on mine, really shows off the green of the plants and the orange of my platys.

 

[Liv15]

Thanks for all of the suggestions everyone I've got a roll of black sticky back plastic which will hopefully do the tank. I think black will look good because my tank is quite deep/tall... I'll post a pic when its finally done!