Background help please

E

elanaran

AC Members
Jan 7, 2005
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Hey, just got a 55 gal for christmas and I also recieved a background.

We are having a little trouble keeping it on. There's no instructions of any kind and all I have heard is to spray water with a little bit of soap and then kinda squeegee it on. We used a drivers license but it's not really wanting to stay on at the sides.

Any kind of tips or what the heck to do would be appreciated. There's nothing to peel or anything like that so I really don't know what to do. Wanting to get it on before putting my substrate and water in. Thanks in advance for any help.
 
You can use tape, I've also heard of people using vegetable oil (I never had any luck with it). If it's a solid color I would reccomend painting the background. It takes some time but it looks much better IMO.
 
See if it is a peel and stick background. This is what folks are refferring too when they say spray some water and soap. there is one brand (Oceanvisions I think) that has an adhesive to it. you have to peel it (Not easily seen) and then stick it too your tank. This also happens to be the only background I'll use these days. Everything else failed to satisfy with me. I have tried paint, and would say that it is my second faviorite option. Paint is a pain to add and remove, but does look very good when in use. The Oceanvisions stuff is easier, cheaper, and looks every bit as good if not better. Run a search in the DIY forum on Oceanvisions backgrounds and you'll get a good bit of info and tips for installation. I use window cleaner rather than saopy water. It seems to be easier to work with overall.
Dave
 
daveedka said:
See if it is a peel and stick background. This is what folks are refferring too when they say spray some water and soap. there is one brand (Oceanvisions I think) that has an adhesive to it. you have to peel it (Not easily seen) and then stick it too your tank. This also happens to be the only background I'll use these days. Everything else failed to satisfy with me. I have tried paint, and would say that it is my second faviorite option. Paint is a pain to add and remove,
Dave
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I've though about trying the Oceanvisions. I would assume the adhasive is similar to what they use for window tint. If that's the case than I doubt it's easier to remove than latex paint having scraped window tint I know that it's a major PITA. Latex paint comes off in sheets, and tint does too, but it leaves all the adhesive behind to be tediously removed. When it comes down to it every method has it's pro's and con's. Also if you choose to use tape, 2" clear box tape works great too.
 
I've though about trying the Oceanvisions. I would assume the adhasive is similar to what they use for window tint. If that's the case than I doubt it's easier to remove than latex paint having scraped window tint I know that it's a major PITA. Latex paint comes off in sheets, and tint does too, but it leaves all the adhesive behind to be tediously removed. When it comes down to it every method has it's pro's and con's. Also if you choose to use tape, 2" clear box tape works great too.
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I've never tried to remove it, so I can't say for sure. I've been told it peels off like a decal might. I've never tried to remove paint either.
The application is where the ocean visions shines. It is not as diffuclt or time consuming as paint. neither one is really that diffuclt, but of the two the oceanvisions stuff is less mess, less hassle.
Dave
 
I definatly agree that paint is time consuming. But you can get it anywhere and it's well worth the effort. Like I said I have thought about trying the oceanvisions, it looks like a nice product. I've seen threads on other forums of people using sheet vinyl (like for graphics) but I have yet to try that either. It looks nice too and it comes in just about every color you can imagine, including gradient shades. I will say there's cheaper methods... that stuff is salty.
 
Are there any pictures of tanks with a painted background?

And thanks for all the help and input.
 
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