How to apply a background?

[mtnhomedude]

Hi AC
I have a 55g community tank that is well established! I replaced my old background with a new one. The new one is a bright blue that came off the roll at the lfs! In the past I used vegetable cooking oil, but it failed, it was messy and it attracted roaches!! This time I tried a spray bottle with about 4 drops of dish washing liquid, but after 5 days its starting to become spotty with air bubbles. I dont want to tear down the tank or paint it!!

Did I not use enough soap??
What have yall used?

:help:

 

[NickD]

I've used Vaseline jelly instead of the oil and it has worked pretty well. It's held well except a little curling in the corners.

There is also some product which is made just for this purpose.

An alternative to the background rolls is spray painting. One one tank I spray painted the back (outside) of the tank it it turned out well. Just had to do a couple of coats. Of course you can only do this if your tank is empty.

 

[Rollinondubz200]

they make this stuf called seaview ive used it and it works killer it realllly makes it look like its the back glass and the glass isnt there

cound be found here
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=18280

i found it at petco or petsmart locally, so check there to see if u can find it locallly

i added a 30 gallon and a 55 gallon background on and i still have some left

 

[ChrisK]

Vegetable oil works well.

 

[dirtydawg10]

I know you said you don't want to paint but IME that is the best way.

 

[mtnhomedude]

Thanks for the tips! I think I'll try the Vaeline method and if that doesnt work I'll go get some of that seaview!!

Thanks and may your fish stay wet!!

 

[BoCoMo]

I know you said you don't want to paint but IME that is the best way.

+1

 

[mtnhomedude]

Well I dont have any Vaseline but my last girlfriend left a almost full bottle of personal lubricant! Wonder if that will work?

 

[Bubbles2112]

Euweeeeey. Icky and yech!

 

[A. Nonymous]

I just tape one side, stretch it taut and tape the other. It's always worked for me.