Best Way To Attach Aquarium Background?

[Yeved]

So how does everyone attach this. In the past I have used scotch tape? Was wondering if there are better options? Thanks.

 

[elmo666]

Well, there may be. I've always cut it to the size of the inside size of the back, so if you have 6mm glass I subtract 14mm from the width and say 25 /30mm from the height because of the substrate. If you have a plastic trim at the top it quite often slides neatly underneath. Then it's just a case of securing it with a clear tape, tho if you have cut it accurately any strong tape can be used as long as you don't fold it around the corners. There are various spray adhesives that will do the job but can be tricky to use and there's no second chances. Also makes it messy if you decide you want to change it. If the tanks new and you want a plain blue or black back there are vinyls they use that are fix inside. I opted for black on mine. Very neat and tidy.

 

[Ninjouzata]

If you want something that is a little more..closer? Then you might want the spray time elmo refers to or an oil like THIS. Instead of buying that though you can also use vegetable or baby oil.
 
This can make it appear brighter than the backgrounds that are just taped on.
You do want something to scrape the background with to get the excess oil out and sometimes the oil just does not work out and can make the background look..not so great.
 
So it is up to you if you want to try it. Be sure to post pics

 

[squidneh]

I used plastidip on mine. It costs about $3 a can at walmart, and for my 75g I used one and a half cans. It peels off whenever you feel like changing it, with no damage or residue. I chose black but it comes in almost every color. It says to do one layer at a time and allow dry time, but to be honest I just sprayed mine til looking through the front it was a nice solid black and let it dry overnight. There are few small ripples on the back, but they aren't visible at all through the front. I just tapes some bags on the sides to prevent over spray, but I wasn't too worried as it peels off anyways

 

[Yeved]

Got it in. Cut it about a 1/2 shorter than the back and was able to tuck it up. Used a small piece of tape on the top on both sides. Done think it really needed tape. Can't post pic file to big?

 

[Ninjouzata]

You may need to upload it to a photo sharing website like photobucket and then link it here. Or you can resize it using paint or one of those websites.

 

[Yeved]

 

[Ninjouzata]

Looks good!

 

[Yeved]

Thanks. Its coming along.