What type of background do you have?

[Beeba]

When I first started up my tank I bought a plastic background in a dark blue. After several attempts of putting it on using different methods it still had bubbles in it. It would look good for a week or two then it would start getting bubbles that would come out. Some have told me that I should try the window sign material and others have suggested paint. I'm open for suggestions on background material as well as ideas for applying it. The problem is that my tank is only about 5" from the wall so I have very little room to work.

Also, what color is preferred?

 

[Witfull]

kick up the calcium and get the coraline growing,,, soon you will have a natural background.

 

[NaH2O]

Beeba - on the background color...it would be what appeals to you. Personally, I favor black, but some prefer blue. I'm not sure if you checked out this thread, but here is one on painting: Painting back of tank?. Another thing you can do to get your coralline to spread is scratch a coralline encrusted area to release the spores. Hopefully that will get the growth to go to other places. In time, the back will be covered in purple if you'd like.

 

[Beeba]

I have started getting quite a bit of coralline algae on the back but not enough to hide the striped wallpaper. I think I like the deep blue background. I'll check out the tread on painting. That may be the best way to go.

Thanks for the help.

 

[MtnDewMan]

My tank is black on the back, I prefer the black over the blue as well.

 

[Schottman]

I prefer black also.....and short of getting the right color acrylic when your tank is made the absolute easiest and most permanent way of doing a background is the sign material......cheaper than paint and a whole lot easier to get uniform coverage bubbles scrap out with a spatuala. I use it on all my freshwater tanks!

 

[Angelscrx]

I have the black. I tried the blue but I like the black better. The black seems to attract more feather dusters and sponges so the back glass is covered in them.

 

[the mad reefer]

old ford blue spray paint. works great and looks nice besides the coraline will just cover it anyway.

 

[kimoyo]

Hey,
Where can you get the sign material and is there a specific name? Thanks.
Paul

 

[Schottman]

go to any sign shop and ask them for the self sticking sign material in the width you need it!

 

[Elmo18]

My current tank has a black acrylic backing. I like it better than blue as it gives a better contrast to the colors. However, as others have said, most of the back will be covered in coralline unless you clean it often.

Black is my choice. If a tank is originally clear glass or clear acrylic, i'd also just tape a black backing on it. On a small glass tank, i'd just spray paint the back with gloss black enamel.

- Elmo