Backgrounds on tanks

[McPhenius]

Being rather new to backgrounds on tanks, I figured I post it here.

I've never used a background (scenic or plain) on my tank. However, I decided to put one on the 25 gallon in our living room. I went to the LFS and cut the size sheet I needed to fit my tank. Came out to about $6. I simply asked the clerk, "what do you do with it to put it on?" His reply was to use scotch tape and tape it to the back corners on the tank.

I did that and noticed with the tank light on, it wasn't very bright. I picked a blue background with plants on it. But I noticed in one spot, where it was bright. Where my wet hands were on it.

So I guessed, maybe I need to wet the back of the glass (outside) and put on the background. I did that and not only did it seem to stick well, but it was nice and bright looking with the tank light on.

But I had a ton of "air bubbles" on the background, so I used a damp rag and tried my best to press them out the sides or top. I got it where it looked nice and left it be.

A week later, I notice what looks like air bubbles, but they don't press out. It's more like it's dark patches all over the background.

I have raised the temperature to treat the beginning signs of ick, but I can't seem to get the background to look as nice with all the "spots" of darkness on it.

So my question is....

1) Did I put it on right in the first place?

2) If not, how do you normally put on backgrounds?

3) What can I do to make mine look nice again? It's not peeling up and still stuck on good.

 

[fish_keeper2]

all i do is make sure that the back of the tank and the background are tottaly dry. then i just tape the the corners of the background to the corners of the tank

 

[vik_luvs_fish]

I would guess that when you made the background wet it has started to go mouldy, hence the dark patches.

My backgrounds are either taped on from the sides and tops corners or on my bigger tank it was 2nd hand and the backgroud came with clips that hold the background on by the top of it.

 

[McPhenius]

I would guess that when you made the background wet it has started to go mouldy, hence the dark patches.

My backgrounds are either taped on from the sides and tops corners or on my bigger tank it was 2nd hand and the backgroud came with clips that hold the background on by the top of it.

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What I don't understand is (maybe I didn't give it a chance) is it was so dark looking when it was taped. When I wet the back and it stuck on, it was so vibrant with color looking through the tank.

 

[yvez9]

the best way i found to stick backgrounds is to use petroleum jelly (vaseline)

just put a thin layer all over the glass and stick the background to it. use a credit card to remove air bubbles. to make it permanent, tape all along the edges with electric tape and it will always look good!

 

[tishygirl]

vaseline, thats a good idea!!! I have the same trouble with mine not looking real nice, and have a hard time getting bubbles out when taping... the vaseline makes perfect sense..

*runs off to redo her background*