Spiceweasel69
Fish Crazy
Okay so here goes on the issue of backgrounds.
Alot of people like the idea of a plain background, something simple that will make the fish, plants and other aquatic flora and fauna stand out. The most effective way to do this is to buy some black film, (some LFS will stock a black background) and slap it on the back of your tank.
However:
Do not use tape, as its a bugger to scrape off, it will cause the background to crease and kink, but mostly..IT WILL NOT LOOK WHAT YOU WANT IT TO LOOK LIKE!! This is because there is a layer of air trapped between the outer layer of glass and the background. If you know about physics, then the reason it looks crap is because youre vieving the background through 5 layers (air, glass, water, glass, air) all of different refractive indexes, and you get some total internal reflection, yaddy yaddy ya....... However, to get the desired effect, use a THIN layer of vaseline, or other oil based product, even cooking oil, to coat the glass before appliction of background. This will not only make the background loook as if its IN the tank, it will bring out the colour of it, especially in blacks and blues. Another advantage is that it will stick to your tank FLAT which eliminates waves and creases. Tape is not needed.
Here is an example of an effective black background
Alternatively, you can paint the tank, normally if you want a black effect.
PLEASE REMEMBER to paint the OUTSIDE of the tank
It will take a few coats, and can be a bugger if youre always changing. I use a vinyl as it gives a good effect and peels off easily when its time to change.
If its a natural looking background you want, then you should go for a 3D. They are unrivalled in thier naturalism, and though they may detract from your fish a little, they will turn your tank into a showcase.
Here is an example of what im harpin' on about...
Both are equally effective, just depends on your tastes. Hope you had fun readin this. Ill edit again soon when i think of more stuff. Im too tired now.
Have fun
Scot
Alot of people like the idea of a plain background, something simple that will make the fish, plants and other aquatic flora and fauna stand out. The most effective way to do this is to buy some black film, (some LFS will stock a black background) and slap it on the back of your tank.
However:
Do not use tape, as its a bugger to scrape off, it will cause the background to crease and kink, but mostly..IT WILL NOT LOOK WHAT YOU WANT IT TO LOOK LIKE!! This is because there is a layer of air trapped between the outer layer of glass and the background. If you know about physics, then the reason it looks crap is because youre vieving the background through 5 layers (air, glass, water, glass, air) all of different refractive indexes, and you get some total internal reflection, yaddy yaddy ya....... However, to get the desired effect, use a THIN layer of vaseline, or other oil based product, even cooking oil, to coat the glass before appliction of background. This will not only make the background loook as if its IN the tank, it will bring out the colour of it, especially in blacks and blues. Another advantage is that it will stick to your tank FLAT which eliminates waves and creases. Tape is not needed.
Here is an example of an effective black background
Alternatively, you can paint the tank, normally if you want a black effect.
PLEASE REMEMBER to paint the OUTSIDE of the tank
It will take a few coats, and can be a bugger if youre always changing. I use a vinyl as it gives a good effect and peels off easily when its time to change.
If its a natural looking background you want, then you should go for a 3D. They are unrivalled in thier naturalism, and though they may detract from your fish a little, they will turn your tank into a showcase.
Here is an example of what im harpin' on about...
Both are equally effective, just depends on your tastes. Hope you had fun readin this. Ill edit again soon when i think of more stuff. Im too tired now.
Have fun
Scot
PLEASE TELL ME!
