what do you guys think of aquarium backings? (the ones you stick on) I want to set up my chiclid tank but hate using the backing, do any of you all use a backing? what are your thoughts on using them?? I feel that it darkens the tank and besides the wall behind my tank is white, should I go with one or not?? :huh:
backing
- Thread starter iangangoo
- Start date
shadow box behind tank
I built a lighted shadowbox with branches, silk plants, and a photo backing. The effect is incredible. the depth of the tank looks much bigger, the plants stay clean and the photo of the back is bright and greatly enhanced. I have live plants in the tank and some even match the silk varieties in the shadowbox. The only negative is that the backside of the tank must be kept clean of algae on the inside and waterspots on the outside or the illusion is diminished.
I built a lighted shadowbox with branches, silk plants, and a photo backing. The effect is incredible. the depth of the tank looks much bigger, the plants stay clean and the photo of the back is bright and greatly enhanced. I have live plants in the tank and some even match the silk varieties in the shadowbox. The only negative is that the backside of the tank must be kept clean of algae on the inside and waterspots on the outside or the illusion is diminished.
coverings on the backs (and sides) of tanks help to reduce stress. They provide a finite depth to the tank permitting the fish to have some closure. And, they limit the areas of the tank that fish worry about. Just avoid the reflective sort.
mostlycichlids
Cichlid Specialist
I hate seeing the cords I have back grounds on all of my tanks I perfer backgrounds but in my opinion it is personal prefrence.
I like my backgrounds it makes the tank look bigger. I dont just want to look at cords and tubes and the wall I like to see something nice. I use Petroleum Jelly to stick mine to the glass so they really stand out.
mostlycichlids
Cichlid Specialist
Just smear a thin layer of petroleum jelly on the back of the glass and stick the background to it. Use a credit card or some other straight edge and run it from the middle to the edge to take out the bubbles and remove any excess petroluem jelly. With mine Im not all that picky and if you look at an angle you can see some of the tiny bubbles and imperfactions but it looks great stright on and if your not scutinizeing it. For people who much have it perfect Ive heard that you can use a blow dryer to heat it up and work out the bubbles that way. I may try the blow dryer technique when I have more time.
mostlycichlids
Cichlid Specialist
sweet thanks I will have to try this it sounds like the background would be a lot more visable and brighter this way and probabally add mo depth. Thanks.
I have seen some home made interior 3D backgrounds carved out of foam and painted. I wish I had the talent to make one the look quite amazeing.rbishop said: