Dork Fish Posted June 23, 2023 Share Posted June 23, 2023 What is your preferred method for setting up a background in your tank? Are there any benefits to this method? I.E. vinyl background, black paint, in-tank rock/foam wall, etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xXInkedPhoenixX Posted June 23, 2023 Share Posted June 23, 2023 I like window film. It's easy to apply and easy to remove if you change your mind. Most people just choose black, which I've done but I also like the clear patterns for more light and/or patterns for fun! It's not expensive and usually a roll will do at least 2 tanks (at least when you have nanos or 20 gallons) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dork Fish Posted June 23, 2023 Author Share Posted June 23, 2023 @xXInkedPhoenixX That is the same direction that I was leaning, and for the same reasons. I have a 75 gallon tank, but I am still in the process of setting it up lol Curious what other methods people have used for backgrounds as well. 🙂 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Huckleberry Posted June 23, 2023 Share Posted June 23, 2023 I brush on black paint. Gives a little texture to it instead of solid black look. Next favorite is my kids black construction paper just tape it on. Window film works also but I like it the least. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dork Fish Posted June 23, 2023 Author Share Posted June 23, 2023 @Huckleberry Yeah I was looking into black window film, do you have any experience with that? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JettsPapa Posted June 23, 2023 Share Posted June 23, 2023 I've used black poster board, attached with black electrical tape, on the last half dozen or so tanks I've set up. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dork Fish Posted June 23, 2023 Author Share Posted June 23, 2023 Sounds like a black external background is the most popular 🙂 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jasper5150 Posted June 23, 2023 Share Posted June 23, 2023 So far, I have done the poster board taped to the back and painted the back with black paint. Both look ok. Paint definitely looks better. Wanted to do window film but the expense was off putting for a roll Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Galabar Posted June 23, 2023 Share Posted June 23, 2023 I use black spray paint (make sure you seal off the top of the tank and sides to avoid overspray). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ken Burke Posted June 24, 2023 Share Posted June 24, 2023 5 hours ago, Pepere said: I like rustoleum black paint. It removes easily with a razor blade if you want later. It holds up well to water dripping down on itunlike some other options. 2 coats brushed on. a black background allows black filters, sponges, heaters etc to visually fade away. Algae growing on glass with a black background is invisible. I like spray paint as well. But I use this: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Rust-Oleum-American-Accents-12-oz-Stone-Creations-Pebble-Textured-Finish-Spray-Paint-6-Pack-7995830/202057116 I've used it on a few tanks, but here is my latest build: 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Galabar Posted June 24, 2023 Share Posted June 24, 2023 (edited) I also used Rustoleum (spray paint, black), but probably only because is at eye level at Lowe's and Home Depot? 🙂 Edited June 24, 2023 by Galabar 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dork Fish Posted June 24, 2023 Author Share Posted June 24, 2023 @Ken Burke Wow I have not seen anyone spray the back like that before, very cool looking.@Pepere When my tank grows up, it wants to be like your tank LOL @Pepere In fact, I don't even know what most of the plants are yet but they look cool LOL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dork Fish Posted June 24, 2023 Author Share Posted June 24, 2023 @Pepere That is great, I will have to look around and see what I can find 🙂 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dork Fish Posted June 25, 2023 Author Share Posted June 25, 2023 Found this static cling blackout glass film, will see if it works and let y'all know 🙂 Static Cling Glass Film 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anewbie Posted June 25, 2023 Share Posted June 25, 2023 (edited) Like @PepereI prefer having plants so dense you can't see the back; otherwise i just leave it clear: Edited June 25, 2023 by anewbie 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
madmark285 Posted June 25, 2023 Share Posted June 25, 2023 For my planned 75 gallon Mbuna tank, what I may try... Take a 1/4" thick sheet of PVC (yes, I have a PVC fetish) and cover it with Gorilla glue (polyurethane glue). Pack moist sand (same sand for substrate) on the top of it and let the glue cure. The polyurethane glue will foam up creating an uneven texture depending on how much glue you put on. This will go on the inside of the tank. I will stack large rocks in front of the background. My goal is to create a face face for the Mbunas. This idea needs some more prototyping 🙂 Gorilla glue is inert once it fully cured (a few weeks). 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dork Fish Posted June 25, 2023 Author Share Posted June 25, 2023 So I got the Static Cling Glass Film applied and it went on great, now to see if it stays that way for the next couple weeks. Looks like it was painted on too, very happy with it so far. As a bonus it was only 10 USD, so easy and cheap. LOL @anewbie Wow those tanks look great! I am definitely going to be heavily planting my tank as well, love the way that looks. 🙂 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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