Aquarium Background

costa13

Member
I was thinking of putting a black or blue background on my 20 gallon aquarium. I was thinking are the fish affected differently by each color? If so how?
 

eaglewonj

Member
Originally Posted by costa13
I was thinking of putting a black or blue background on my 20 gallon aquarium. I was thinking are the fish affected differently by each color? If so how?
I've heard I think black brings out the fish colors. I have a background on mine for a different reason. The tank is on a chest of drawers with a mirror behind it. The background is there to protect the fish from seeing the "other" fish in the mirror and picking a fight with the glass.
 

mandarin w

Member
I've never heard of any thing like that. I don't know if anyone has ever done a study. I think it is mostly just a matter of preference. Some like Black, it tends to add depth to the tank. And some like blue it seems a bit more natural, I like both, To me it depends on the tank. If you have a black and a blue shirt or towel, hang them on the back of the tank one at a time, and see what you like better.
I've seen one tank where the guy hand painted the Titanic scence. He is a pretty good artist though. It was awesome.
 

eaglewonj

Member
Originally Posted by mandarin w
I've never heard of any thing like that. I don't know if anyone has ever done a study. I think it is mostly just a matter of preference. Some like Black, it tends to add depth to the tank. And some like blue it seems a bit more natural, I like both, To me it depends on the tank. If you have a black and a blue shirt or towel, hang them on the back of the tank one at a time, and see what you like better.
I've seen one tank where the guy hand painted the Titanic scence. He is a pretty good artist though. It was awesome.
Well it was in reference to a non colored back of tank. Black made the fish stand out more than no color at all.
 

mandarin w

Member
Originally Posted by eaglewonj
Well it was in reference to a non colored back of tank. Black made the fish stand out more than no color at all.
I wasn't refereing to your post, I was meaning in general, that some like the put backgrounds on the back of the tank, I have mine covered as well. We have beautiful tank and while looking at them there is a zillion cords, wires and what not running down the back of the tank. Most people choose to cover the back of the tank for apperance sake. As for the colors they choose, it is a matter of preference what they like. I don't think colors makes the fish happier, calmer, or more sexy, I don't think they care less.
 

eaglewonj

Member
Originally Posted by mandarin w
I wasn't refereing to your post, I was meaning in general, that some like the put backgrounds on the back of the tank, I have mine covered as well. We have beautiful tank and while looking at them there is a zillion cords, wires and what not running down the back of the tank. Most people choose to cover the back of the tank for apperance sake. As for the colors they choose, it is a matter of preference what they like. I don't think colors makes the fish happier, calmer, or more sexy, I don't think they care less.
Oh, in that case I agree. I have the background only to prevent them from seeing themselves...
 

mandarin w

Member
Originally Posted by eaglewonj
Oh, in that case I agree. I have the background only to prevent them from seeing themselves...
Yea, nothing sadder than watching a fish bash itself against the glass trying to go after it own reflection
 

eaglewonj

Member
Originally Posted by mandarin w
Yea, nothing sadder than watching a fish bash itself against the glass trying to go after it own reflection

Used to have an iguana tank in the same spot....that's how I learned I gotta cover the mirror or it gets ugly.
sorry costa, don't mean to hijack, I'm done now.
 

xdave

Active Member
Fish emulate their surroundings. The darker the background, as well as the substrate, the more intense the fishes colors will be. This is a scientific fact that has been well known for many decades. Every book I've read that discusses background color mentions it.
 

eaglewonj

Member
Originally Posted by xDave
Fish emulate their surroundings. The darker the background, as well as the substrate, the more intense the fishes colors will be. This is a scientific fact that has been well known for many decades. Every book I've read that discusses background color mentions it.
One place I saw black sand substrate available.....imagine that with a black background.
 

1knight164

Member
I went and got the double sided stuff, dark blue and black, and tried each side out. Chose black. There are those that just spray paint it to prevent water spots because it's tough to clean if it's against a wall. I just ran clear packaging tape around the top and sides so no water can get in. And then there are others who let the coralline algae cover up the back. I don't have that much coralline yet so went with the background.
 
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