Background Question

[DAlmond123]

What's the best way to apply a background to a tank?

 

[Sean W.]

tape

 

[blodhi74]

tape

same ... secured black background with tape.

 

[DAlmond123]

I mean how do you put the tape on there without it damaging the glass on your tank?

 

[willsfreshies63]

Tape does not damage glass.

 

[Wills]

If you are just doing a black or blue background I generally just paint it on rather than use the poster roll stuff.

Wills

 

[willsfreshies63]

...Just be careful when using paint that you don't ignore the dabs or drips/runs inside the tank. I use acrylic which is non poisonous but is not the best as far as adhesion to glass even if you paint, let dry for a couple of days and re-coat - it still lifts off the glass - this is the experience I have had with acrylic vs. glass.

 

[AbbeysDad]

The answer to your question depends on what type of background you have in mind.
If poster board, then tape is really the only option. I cut the board to the exact size inside the frame, then use black vinyl electrical tape to secure it.

If it's a glossy commercial background you can use tape OR buy a commercial oil marketed for aquarium backgrounds OR you can just use mineral oil (the same oil used on butcher block counters). DON'T be tempted to use a vegetable oil as it will go rancid and be bad!
You simply coat the glass with a thin layer, (a small sponge roller is best) apply the background, then use a credit card or plastic scraper (from the center outward) to adhere it and push out any air bubbles. This actually yields a much better, more life like look to the background.

Then there is paint. Acrylic is good although most paints can be removed with a single edge razor blade if/when desired. I recently did the back and bottom of a 10g with Plasti-dip (black) spray - which should peel off nicely if/when I want.

In any case, make sure the outside glass is very clean first as smudges can stand out.

For larger tanks there are some amazing 3D backgrounds that are actually siliconed inside the tank (but I suspect this isn't what you have in mind).

Note: If it's a fish only tank, commercial backgrounds can add interest and realism. But plain (poster board - black or blue) or painted tends to be better for a planted tank as your focus is more on the plants than the background. An exception might be a commercial background of rock(s), serving as a backdrop for your plants.