Hello And A Question About Backgrounds

[Malachite]

Hello, my name is Michelle and I'm located in Los Angeles, CA. I had several fresh water tanks about 15 years ago when I lived in Memphis (a 55g, 2x 20g and 2x 10g) and had a lot of fun/success with it. Then the freak ice storm happened in the late 90s and we were unable to get a generator and I lost everything.

Getting back into it now. Just started a 20g and following the guides here for fishless cycling (tank all set up, just have to find the ammonia now)

Would like to put some kind of background on the tank to hide the power cords....just curious what people tend to like best? I have white/grey substrate and don't want anything too crazy ...I like a more natural look. Should I go for a solid color? I don't think I used backgrounds all those years ago, power cords must bug me more now

Thanks for any help!

Michelle

 

[Corleone]

I use plain black backgrounds that just tape on the back of the tank. It's a nice neutral color that won't detract from fish (even my black tetras show up well in front of it) or plants.

I don't like the scenery backgrounds because they either look fake, or don't match what you have at all, unless you take pains to match the rocks and plants in the scene (which only serves to make them look more fake, IMO). A lot of stores also have mirrored or reflective backgrounds that look more like christmas wrapping paper than something I'd want on my tank. If you don't want power cords taking away from the look of the tank, you probably definitely don't want a gaudy or out of place background doing the same, eh?

There are some very nice textured internal backgrounds, usually shaped like a rock wall, but these have to be installed into the tank with silicone and take time to set up. These look a lot less fake (Some of them look very real, in fact), and you can anchor java moss on them to soften any fake look.

 

[susankat]

I usually just paint the backs of my tanks black or a dark blue. No worries of it falling off or seeing space between the glass and the background.

 

[waterdrop]

I am in the exact same position as you. I call myself a "re-beginner" because I had lots of tanks and was really into the hobby but it was years ago and I'm amazed at how significantly things have advanced since that time.

Also like you, most of my tanks, as a kid, didn't have backgrounds and I was probably -proud- of all the equipment, including its ugly power cords, lol. Although I must say that one of my 10g little tanks had a beautiful all-rock (real rock!) background the likes of which I've never again seen.

When I started up my son's recent tank I was worried about the background and so I bought a tank with the back glass being actually a mirror. That tank broke, but before that happened I realized that having a mirror back wasn't so great because you're own reflection looking in is distracting.. I don't know, may have worked better with more plants and driftwood etc.

Now, I'm like Corleone and have a plain black background. I went to a nearby art supply shop and found some wonderful, very cheap "foamboard" that was very light in weight, very straight and stiff and completely flat black. This stuff, after I cut it the right size just sat right there between the top and bottom trim on the tank back and stayed there all by itself (I eventually added a tiny bit of tape on the outside just in case) and I agree with Corleone, its great, completely non-distracting from the scene. Of course, the more plants, rocks and wood, the better it will get.

~~waterdrop~~

 

[Malachite]

Thanks Corleone. Black had been what I was considering, just didn't know if it would make things too dark or if the fish (if dark) would show up well, but you have answered that question for me with the black tetras. You are correct that I did not want anything with foil or those printed backgrounds....

I noticed some posts this morning where people are using vegetable oil or vaseline to apply the backgrounds. Do you find that necessary?

Thanks for the reply!

Michelle

 

[Malachite]

Hi susankat,

That's an interesting idea. What type of paint do you find works well? I have 4 cats here so don't want to have anything too toxic in the house for them to sniff.

....love your avatar!

Michelle

 

[Malachite]

Hi Waterdrop,

Yes, back when I was doing this before, there was no fishless cycling. Very interesting to see that now and feel bad for what I must have done to my fish in the past. I think I must have been super lucky to not lose any back then.

I wonder if Michaels (an arts and crafts store here) will carry the foamboard, I will have to check this friday. Thanks for the idea!

Michelle

 

[minxfishy]

Ive used various backgrounds in the past, usually rock looking ones (that stick to the back of the tank) as well as the more colourful backgrounds with the plants on them, Ive recently changed alot of tanks around and have gone with plain black on them and I must say, I do prefer it, I too thought it would wash out the fish, but it actually brings out the colours more, I can even see my BGKF better on a plain black background! I just got some stiff black card and attached to the back with double sided tape

 

[Truck]

i have a bacground on my tank with a light substrate it matches my tank and gives it a more realistic depth it has a few plants and roman style pillars for subtleness

 

[susankat]

Hi susankat,

That's an interesting idea. What type of paint do you find works well? I have 4 cats here so don't want to have anything too toxic in the house for them to sniff.

....love your avatar!

Michelle

What I use is a flat black can of spray paint most of the time. I just tape off all the trim and tape paper to the top of the tank. Spray a coat of paint on glass let dry for about 30 minutes, then add a second coat. Drys in about an hour and your ready to go. If you want it textured all you would have to do is use wall paint and a roller. Just pour a little on the back of the tank and start rolling.

Thanks for the comment on the avatar. I love cats also.