Tank Background

[bdobosz]

Does anyone have any suggestions for obtaining or making a background for the tank back. I have a 72"L X 29" tall tank and cant find any backgrounds that size.

 

[Raskolnikov]

I've got black vinyl on a tank very close to said dimensions. It looks sharp and gets the job done.

 

[Blinky]

I'd paint it black, I've tried lots of other things and been happiest with a simple painted background. It adds depth, shows off fish, plants and decor.

 

[Remmy]

i wanted to give my tank a black background but wasnt too keen on the whole painting idea
so i cut a piece of cardboard to size, spraypainted it black and attached it to the back of the tank
looks great

 

[cmmarinelli]

Curious...Do you have to use a special paint to paint a tank?? That is a good idea.

 

[Swimfins]

I used a black trash bag doubled. I decided I may want to change it one day, and this is therefore not permanent, also, if you paint the tank, paint it while empty or you risk poisioning your fish (of course).
I think acrylic would work on glass.

 

[Blinky]

Curious...Do you have to use a special paint to paint a tank?? That is a good idea.

I used a craft spraypaint designed for glass, bought it at Home Depot. Acrylic would probably work, it basically turns into plastic when dry, so it would be waterproof, but may peel off glass.

Remmy, I did exactly what you describe for my 14g. I didn't want to paint the tank background black since I may turn it into a nano reef in future, so I spraypainted a piece of the cardboard box the tank came in black, and slid it behind the tank. Does the trick, if you don't want something permanent

 

[Remmy]

I think a simple black background looks much nicer than a store bought one with pictures of reefs or lake biotopes or whatnot
Just gives you a chance to make your own aquascape instead of trying to keep the same theme as the store bought ones, and if it isnt the same theme it looks out of place

 

[d0nuT]

I bought really cheap black fabric, cut it to size and stuck it on with masking tape Worked out to about £1.50 I agree with Swimfins, if you wanted to change it, a removable background's much easier

D

 

[bdobosz]

fabric

Thanks for the input everyone. I ended up going to the fabric section of Walmart and had them cut me a 6' swatch of black fabric. Cost $8 bucks and looks pretty good.