iisfaq Posted October 21, 2005 Report Share Posted October 21, 2005 I am trying to decide what I should do on the back walls of my aquarium (I am getting an Aqua one 880 Corner Tank) It is 650mm high and 750mm wide on each side. Some thoughts I have had: Buy expensive aquarium scene backing (although I do not like most of them) Stick black paper over the back Stick black plastic over the back Place black weed map over the back (has a small weave pattern) Place black fabric over the back (could maybe then be washed) Does anyone have any thoughts on any of these options or any other options? Chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dally Posted October 21, 2005 Report Share Posted October 21, 2005 I use black paper. Just tape it onto the back... its pretty cheep :bounce: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jude Posted October 21, 2005 Report Share Posted October 21, 2005 I've used paper before - black paper on one tank and an aqua coloured wrapping paper on another. I covered them with clear duraseal first to waterproof them Cheers Jude Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iisfaq Posted October 21, 2005 Author Report Share Posted October 21, 2005 I've used paper before - black paper on one tank and an aqua coloured wrapping paper on another. I covered them with clear duraseal first to waterproof them Thanks Jude I will have a look see and see what I can find that I like.. I just want to get my tank and then I will know more..... Chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
suphew Posted October 22, 2005 Report Share Posted October 22, 2005 Paint it, check you the marine section most are painted looks far better then anything stick on which almost always ends up with water between the backing and the tank. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ira Posted October 22, 2005 Report Share Posted October 22, 2005 I've always thought that the backing was only a concern if the tank's contents are too boring to keep your attention. So, most of my tanks have no backing at all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jude Posted October 22, 2005 Report Share Posted October 22, 2005 But Ira, you have beautiful green walls which you can see through the tank - no need for a backing .......... :lol: :lol: :lol: Cheers Judy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ira Posted October 22, 2005 Report Share Posted October 22, 2005 And no green at all in my tanks. Weird :-? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caryl Posted October 22, 2005 Report Share Posted October 22, 2005 Cellophane can look good too. Crinkle it up first. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shelley Posted October 23, 2005 Report Share Posted October 23, 2005 For one of my tanks I have a sheet of light weight board painted black on one side and light blue on the other....it is really nice to have a change now and again...for one f my small tanks I have some of the fishy backing paper pinned to the wall (to avoid the inevitable dribbles and condensation) I had thought of buying some test pots in different colours and just painting on paper to create different backgrounds which can be alternated either by pinning to the wall or blu-tacking to a piece of board to put behind the tank...you could try different painting techniques (sponging/rag rolling whatever) currently my main tank has just the yellow wall behind it....it had been 'black' for a month or so...I am ready for the light blue/sky blue background when we shift next week :-)...it really shows the colours of the fish up better than the black (though the black is good for showing up the plants.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HummingBird Posted October 23, 2005 Report Share Posted October 23, 2005 Like Ira, I've got black wallpaper so I don't need any backing handy that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iisfaq Posted October 23, 2005 Author Report Share Posted October 23, 2005 I went into Animates today and their tanks have a blue painted background and it looks very nice. I spoke to a lady Katy and she said it was painted with a water based paint and most tanks had 4 coats. It does make it look very nice - so I may take this option. I suppose it also depends on what colour I could use - I am not sure I would want to use black but it may be the best. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jude Posted October 23, 2005 Report Share Posted October 23, 2005 I had black but decided it looked too heavy. I've experimented with different colours and found a fairly pale blue looks nicest (to my eyes anyway). What I am using now is one of the blue foam camping mats you can buy for the warehouse. I cut it to size and taped it to the back of the tank - I figure it will also provide some insulation. I am very pleased with the colour of it. Cheers Jude Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kat Posted October 24, 2005 Report Share Posted October 24, 2005 I once saw a well planted tank that had a mirror as backing. The mirror reflected back the plants and fish nicely. Made it look like there was much more width to the tank than there really was. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ira Posted October 24, 2005 Report Share Posted October 24, 2005 And some ugly person on the other side of the tank staring at you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brianemone Posted October 24, 2005 Report Share Posted October 24, 2005 i really like the mirror idea for heavily planted tanks, but in a noremal tank it would look a bit nappy imo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
suphew Posted October 24, 2005 Report Share Posted October 24, 2005 I tried a mirror behind my discus tank once but it really spooked the fish they might have gottem used to it or perhaps would have reacted better if I'd put it in when I set the tank up. I guess they were used to going to the back for security and then suddenly there were 'other' fish back there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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