Do I need a backlground for my fishes wellbeing?

i wouldn't really think so... i have seen this done before and the fish seem ok with it. i don't use backgrounds on a few of my tanks either and everyone seems to survive ok........
 
I cover all 3 sides of my tanks. I leave only the front glass open for viewing.

A cheap way to do this is either paint the three sides. Or better yet just use some black contact paper.

I find the fish are more secure and are less stressed.
 
I'd say it depends on the fish. The two successful Discus breeders I know both have three sides covered. For my goldfish I have backgrounds, not so much for them, but for me to hide the cords and cables that are on the back of the tank.

On a related note, it always amazes me that fish don't bump into the sides of the tank more often. I always figured that the backgrounds gave them something to see and wouldn't hit the sides...

Val
 
I usually cover only the back. I don't like to see cords and things hanging off the back through the tank so it is more for me, not the fish. I have never heard of covering the sides but I see how that would work for breeding purposes or with delicate fish. I on the other hand prefer to see my fish from all viewable directions because I take a lot of pictures of my fish. It all depends on you and if it is worth to you. If you have a spare 3 to 4 dollars on your pocket next time you are at your LFS, get a background and you will like your tank much better. Did I mention it looks really good.


This is just a thought but wouldn't it be better to have a background to trap more light inside the tank? I guess it depends on what you are keeping in the tank and its requirements. Good Luck. :)
 
If you don't provide adequate cover for your fish within the tanks (caves, logs, plants), and notice them ebing skittish, it might be worth it to cover three sides, or at least the back. My tank is a jungle, with lots of places to hide, and I've never noticed my fish being stressed by this.

Val--fish don't use thier eyes to detect the glass--they can sense it using their lateral line. They've documented blind fish have no problem avoiding obstacles such as glass.
 
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