How do you guys attach backgrounds to your tanks?

[FishmasteR2002]

Just asking because tape is getting on my nerves. TIA. :)

[Dangerdoll]

I apply a thin layer of vaseline to the side I want to show (side that is seen), eliminates the need for the tape all together.

[FishmasteR2002]

Wow that is a great idea. How long does it usually hold up?

[Dangerdoll]

hmmmm.......I've had it up for a little over a year and I think just yesterday I noticed one of the corners being a little loose so I will probably have to touch the corners up. Other than that, I haven't done a thing to it and it looks fantastic. It makes the picture (if it is a picture) look so much brighter and show off it's colors really well.....you're gonna love it when you're done!!

[OrionGirl]

Any kind of oil will work. Veggie oil is easy to use, since it spreads out more easily. Use a ruler to smooth the backing out and get rid of bubbles. It's best to use a new background for this--an older one will have some curls already that won't come out easily.

[FishmasteR2002]

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!! I am going to do this as soon as I get back from Animal Jungle, after I get off work. I never thought of this. My backgrounds aren't that old so I will just clean them off and do this. I will use some veggie oil. Thanks again DD and OG. :) :) :)

[TwoTankAmin]

I just use some double sided scotch tape. I have so many plants and wood th tape doesnt show.

[punkie pishie]

I use a water proof tape, johnson&johnson I think, my mom uses it for when me or my sisters get stitches and such

[RTR]

The big advantage to the oil (and I suppose the vaseline as well but I have not used that as yet) is the difference in brightness. Instead of appearing dark, the background visually brightens quite a lot.

The oil lasts for years for me, with rare corner touch-up as mentioned before.

[Dangerdoll]

I so agree RTR, I don't know about the oil but I would suppose just the same, the vaseline is amazing in the difference of using tape as opposed to it. After I used it for the first time, I don't know how I could've enjoyed the background so much without it.

[Randy]

Thank you for that advice Dangerdoll. I tried vasaline and it works perfect, NO MORE TAPE :D . Shows very well. Again thank you :)

[Tyler718]

I just tried veggie oil on the last backing I put on my 150g. It looked real good. It's just like RTR said. It looks brighter. Like it is in the tank. Also it made it alot easier to work with (aligning & all). That is how I'm going to do all my tanks when I get around to it.

[Dangerdoll]

ah, your welcome Randy....like you I am sold on vaseline.... can't believe the difference and the adherence value... it was a miracle work for me and I see you have found the miracle too ;) that's not such a bad thing, huh...

[superstein61]

Here is another trick to get an even better finished look.

Get a piece of the plastic wallpaper corner protectors (sold in Home Depot or similiar stores for a buck or two). These form a right angle and are about 1/2" or so wide on each side. They have self adhesive strips on them. I put them on the back corner of the tank - so they overlap the tank background on the back and the glass on the side.

you just need to measure and cut one to length. Then you have a complete finished look on the back where your background is.

[Roland]

Bravo! What an excellent thread. Im just going to try the oil on my long, long suffering background! :D

[NJ Devils Fan]

I just used tape on the black construction paper I have as my background. It works fine, I can't see any tape because I did it on the base and the rim, not the glass. Never had a problem with my little tank or the big one.

[125gJoe]

Originally posted by FishmasteR2002
Just asking because tape is getting on my nerves. TIA. :) Quick and simple >>> Pam <<< :)