What Background?

[fishcollector7000]

i have started up a new tank and need an idea for a background that would go with my sand! i dont really want a plastic one that sticks on the back

 

[Tsi_User]

There are alot of different paths to take.

Most people use the sheet-like backgrounds for their tanks. If done right, a "scenery" like background can help tie the tank together, I don't care for these much though. Another option is a solid color background (usually blue or black) which help bring out colors in both fish and plants.

And a third option is building a 3-d background for the tank. Of course this takes more work, but it can look great! I'd suggest googling rate my fishtank and take a look at the different kinds of background people use.

 

[fishcollector7000]

thanks for those suggestions ... i agree i do not care much for the plastic scenery stick on backgrounds either i wanted something abit more unique.

i have looked at that site its very cool! my manly friend has just created his own background using polystyrene and cerment making a cavey effect! it looks awesome and very impressive as he has black sand against it! i want somethig different tho. i have looked at the filter sponge backgrounds with the brightly coloured plants in the lfs has a very impressive one where they chopped off the plants so it looks more natural!

..............would it be possible to make your own spongey background? which was less bulkey?

 

[stang1]

I wanted something different for one of my 4g tanks so I brought some pebbles. I siliconed them to the back of the tank so they overlapped with some bits sticking out more than others. It took me 4 hours but the result was well worth it. Obviously if you have a big tank it could take a little while longer! I've just realised I have too much time on my hands

 

[kev350d]

I bought my trigon second hand and it was fully kitted out with Juwel 3D foam tree bark effect internal background but i soon ripped it off and cleaned the glass of all silicone, what i found was algae loves it (was already on when i bought it) and when you try to clean it off, all the top coating comes off with it leaving an ugly dull grey with only a sponge like texture.

Ive now replaced it with just the external stick on dark blue stuff but dont plan to see much as im going for the dense planting option with raised levels.

You can also use paint but remember once done its done.. Next time im up my mates (scotland) i'll take a pic of his (he's an airbrush artist and has painted a kinda 3D aqua scape including rocks etc on the back and it looks fantastic) i thought it would have lifted but nearly 1 1/2 years down the line its still as bright as ever.

 

[DiscusKeeper403]

Perosnally I would just build my own 3-D background using some styro-foam, abunch of members have made backgrounds using this so you may be abeal to find posts on how to make them.