No Backgrounds...

[Magnum Man]

I didn't want to clutter up the TOM thread, but interesting that these are all "bigger" tanks, & none have backgrounds... mine included... this tank, & my Nano tank, are the only tanks I have, with no background on them.. actually this tank sticks out into the room, where it's viewable from both big sides, or it would have a background...

just curious, if that is the trend to have clear tank backs??? I try to cover up all the cords hoses & hardware... my tank pictured in TOM this month, has everything on one of the small sides, & open clear glass on the other 3... I guess technically I have background material on one small side, to hide that stuff

 

[connorlindeman]

I've never understood why some choose the no background look. It quick enough to throw a black garbage bag on the back and call it a day. Helps the fish look 10x better and makes the whole scape pop.

 

[MaloK]

My shrimp tank has a light grey rock print out and I'm going to change it for something darker.

It's the only one I have that is not black. But the others are filled with plants and the back almost all covered. And it gives a better look.

I also think that dark background causes less light reflection back into the tanks and helps with algae development.

 

[GaryE]

For me, it's all fish habitat. Open backs are stressful, and you see a big behaviour change when that open view of the entire room becomes a river bank with shelter. Most of our aquarium fish don't run in the open flow but stay close to the banks and safety.

 

[Fishfunn]

I paint the outside backs of my tanks with acrylic paint, which is water-soluble and easily removed in the future. I paint with black or tourqouise blue.

 

[Fishkeeper123]

I didn't want to clutter up the TOM thread, but interesting that these are all "bigger" tanks, & none have backgrounds... mine included... this tank, & my Nano tank, are the only tanks I have, with no background on them.. actually this tank sticks out into the room, where it's viewable from both big sides, or it would have a background...

just curious, if that is the trend to have clear tank backs??? I try to cover up all the cords hoses & hardware... my tank pictured in TOM this month, has everything on one of the small sides, & open clear glass on the other 3... I guess technically I have background material on one small side, to hide that stuff

To be honest as it’s a new tank I haven’t really thought about it much, would you recommend a background, and if so what?(I want something removable.)

 

[MaloK]

The black garbage bags like Connor suggested is very easy to install, it sticks on it's own.

 

[Magnum Man]

I use the printed vinyl backgrounds, & I have some sticky dots I put along the top, when needed... but honestly. almost all my tanks have 2 HOB filters, one on each end of the back of the tank, & I just slide the backgrounds under the filters, & friction holds the backgrounds in place... I like doing it this way, on my tanks that have a work area behind them, as I can just slide them out of the way, to see, while I'm working on them...

 

[emeraldking]

I've got tanks with a background and tanks without one... It really depends on what someone prefers...
For when it comes to the fish themselves... do they need a background? Not particularly...

 

[CassCats]

Mine sorta has a background. I have pieces of wood and dried ferns behind the tank to add further depth to it. Normally I do backgrounds, but that tank didn't look great with one. So I went with an alternative approach with adding decor to the back. That said, I've been considering painting some canvas to place on the back.

Can see the stuff behind the tank in this water change photo

The photo from the contest:

My other tanks, with exception of my betta tank, are all painted black on the back. This time round i had wanted to try out something different, though I did preview a black background with poster board and didn't like it for this particular setup. Tank is against a wall, so this helps with security. It's only our bedroom dresser so it's also a quieter spot. There's another tank on one side and another taller dresser on the other side, so there's also no side traffic to stress the fish.

I don't think it would work in a less planted setup nor in a busier area of the house.

 

[FranciscoB]

I don’t paint. I attach black, non-gloss construction paper. Rovable and lasts for decades.
I do have one tank for which I used branches similar to Casscats, and black construction paper behind.

 

[gwand]

I use self adhesive black vinyl as a background. Simple to apply. Adds a degree of insulation.

 

[Back in the fold]

Nothing . I use nothing . All my aquariums are pretty close to the wall and in a room that only I go in and the lighting is dim . The fish don’t seem to mind . Some of them gaze at each other across the void .

 

[connorlindeman]

Nothing . I use nothing . All my aquariums are pretty close to the wall and in a room that only I go in and the lighting is dim . The fish don’t seem to mind . Some of them gaze at each other across the void .

I wonder if the fish really comprehend that there are other fish outside of their world...

 

[Back in the fold]

I wonder if the fish really comprehend that there are other fish outside of their world...

You know what ? I’ve tried to figure that out but they all have such a poker face that I can’t tell what they’re thinking .