Substrate/Background colors

[andyjh]

I'll soon be upgrading my 55 to a 75 and am thinking it might be nice to make the switch from "natural" tan gravel to one of the black substrates. Question for black substrate users: What background color do you use? Black, Blue, other? I'd like to see better contrast coloration of fish such as cardinal tetras, harl. rasboras, etc. My initial thought was black substrate with deep blue (maybe even a shade or two darker than navy blue) as the background. Seeking opinions.
TIA
Andy

 

[Danwise]

I have black substrate with a blue background and it looks far better than a black background!

 

[blue2fyre]

I have black sand with a black background and I love it.

 

[andyjh]

Any tiebreakers out there?....

 

[blue2fyre]

lol

Well maybe if people just post pictures of their backgrounds and you can decide for yourself.

Here's my black sand/black background tank. I used spray paint to paint on the background.

 

[A. Crispus]

I have black flourite sand (best black sand that doesn't go gray over time) with a black background & the contrast is GREAT.

I took a look at using the blue side_ thought it looked too weird.

IMO, blue only really looks ok with light colored substrates (white/sandy) or novelty rainbow gravels. Unless used under these conditions, I find blue to be a very invasive background. It always seems loud & attention grabbing.

 

[A. Crispus]

 

[jpappy789]

It really depends...I prefer black backgrounds over blue and generally like darker substrates but right now I have whiter sand in my 15 and it's nice as long as I keep it clean.

 

[Red 5]

I'm also a fan of black substrate and backgrounds. The picture of the rasboras is a little soft but their color really pops when in front of black.