Plastic Tank Backgrounds

[Platiesowner]

Are they just decoration and more for people (to finish the aquatic "scene") or do they serve a reqal purpose for the aquarium i.e. making the fish feel more safe?

-Jason

 

[dead_letters]

my tropical tank has no background and they're fine.But i think they're supposed to act like gravel,to stop the glare off the glass on the fish.

 

[Aquascaper]

It can give the fish a sense of security as it provides a 'behind' so they don't have to look over their shoulders (or fins ).

 

[!guppy!]

my 10g has one cos looks gd, but ma big tank looks better without one, the white wall behind it kinda goes with the tank! i shudnt fink the fish really care... i mean u can buy backgrounds wich are like a big shark so as for looking ova shoulders lmao!!!

 

[FishDan]

It has been said that having backgrounds provides a sense of security for the fish. The principle is much the same as a horse wearing blinders. The more restricted it's field of vision, the less that can spook the horse. Same thing with fish. Though, since many people put their tanks up against a wall, there is not likely to be anything moving around to stress the fish back there. So, in most cases it is more for us than for the fish. I just have a blue posterboard cut to size behind my tank. It looks much nicer than a bunch of wires hanging around back there (from my filter, heater, lights, etc).

\Dan

 

[Aquascaper]

I can imagine that would increase the bioload somewhat

My 30g coldwater tank has had aluminium foil, holographic wrapping paper, cardboard and wallpaper as backings so i think it's down to personal taste. Tip: If you've got one and want to get rid of it do it slowly, one of mine fell off one day and the fish freaked and didn't settle for days

 

[Platiesowner]

Thanks all...sounds like a choice of taste.

-Jason

 

[Aquascaper]

A good tip is try before you buy
Get something the colour you think you want and pop it behind the tank for a day to see if you like it before buying backing.

*Looks at the pile of different backings in the bin*