blue or black background opinions

[caz]

Alright guys... I know this may seem stupid, but oh well! I painted my tank bg a lighter-medium blue and am having second thoughts. I kind of wish I would have done black. Does anyone have any opinions on what looks better or pics of your tank w/ black background? Not to sound even more corny, but I had my gf hold up a black pillow on one side of the tank so I could look through the other... It just makes the tank look a lot more defined... I want a solid background either way, but I don't know... Should I redo it? Thoughts and opinions are appreciated.

 

[jlem]

I have a darker blue and really like the look. I usd wrapping paper instead of paint though.

 

[reefnut]

Both my tanks have black painted backgrounds... after coralline starts to grow in, I think the black makes it look much better. One day it may completely be covered with coralline and you wont have to worry about it... but until then I would go with the black.

 

[bacffin]

I painted mine flat black and like the way it doesn't distract. I like the coralline algae better though.

 

[monalisa]

Jlem,
wrapping paper, huh? How do you have it fastened?
Thank you,
Lisa :happyfish

 

[larrynews]

i used blue backing the kind you get a the lfs and use scotch tape to hold it

 

[malounsbury]

Originally Posted by MonaLisa
wrapping paper, huh? How do you have it fastened?
Think you just attach it to the outside of the back of the tank with tape.

 

[jlem]

I just used tape to hold it on and then put oak trim to hide the edge of the wrapping paper and the tape

 

[alf]

New here and to the hobby, just wanted to say hi all and wish Iwould have found this forum sooner.... would have saved me a world of headaches. Anyway, what I did on my tank was to attach some velcro to the top and bottom corners of the frame and use a piece of black felt for the background. This gives me the option to change background colors just by getting a different color of felt and sticking it to the tank. Hopefully this helps someone as much as reading some of the great information here has helped me.

 

[monalisa]

I'm definitely there with the removable background color. I guess I just feel like I want to keep my options open...change is good once in a while.
Thanks guys...
Lisa :happyfish

 

[mudplayerx]

I highly recommend the black background for two reasons. Most equipment in the tank is black, so it will be unnoticable against the black background. Secondly, the fish and the inverts should be the focus of color and attention, not the background.

 

[andretti]

I suggest black for two reasons: The first is that it hides powerheads, heaters, overflow boxes, etc. And the second is that is contrasts the fish much better. Think about it, there are very few black fish.

 

[monalisa]

Yeah,
Good thought andretti...
Lisa :happyfish

 

[hopkins6]

adretti, did you come up with that yourself? lol. jk

 

[mudplayerx]

I know this is a small, bad pic... but here is an old pic of my tank (black background)

 

[thomas712]

I used oceanvisions, blue on the 90 and black on the 55 gallon refugium. I much prefer the blue on the main tank, the 55 is setup just behind my 90 gallon. Both look good, but when my halides are on the blue makes it look great. To each there own.
Oceanvisions goes on with soap and water, you use a credit card to wipe bubbles and excess water out, goes on really good, and I've had no problem using a magnetic cleaner on them. Best of all you can change those colors if you choose later on, just peal the old one off.
Thomas

 

[malounsbury]

Sounds like vinyl, like they use for graphics on cars. Does it say what it is on the box?

 

[thomas712]

Came in a roll at my LFS, I just purchased and followed directions. But I'll take a look for ya.

 

[thomas712]

Yep checked the website and came up with this:
Oceanvisions is a vinyl, waterproof, "sticker" background that eliminates water stains, salt/lime build-up, dirt, and other foreign debris from EVER appearing on the rear glass of your aquarium.
* It replaces dull weedy backgrounds with vibrant color...
* It is easy to apply- no tapes or glues...
* It comes in 4 widths to fit almost any size aquarium...
* It is waterproof and will last for years...
* It is easy to remove when you want to redecorate you tank with a new Oceanvisions look...
Fishkeepers love Oceanvisions adhesive system as it achieves the same intense clarity of a solid color acrylic backed aquarium. Since it adheres to the glass, it will always appear clean and new!
Oceanvisions are truly a unique product that is head and tails above all the rest. The mirror style gives an intense, clear image that makes your tank look double in size. The other colors are vivid as well. We have observed them over time and they DO maintain themselves well. They do not breakdown or fade. They will last as long as you need or until you replace one with another to give your tank a brand new look again. Try them out, you will not regret it!
NOTE: You will need 3-4 inches of room to install an Oceanvisions background on an existing setup. If you have a small setup with hang-on filtration you may need to remove these items to install the Oceanvisions.

 

[malounsbury]

Cool, thought so. I'll have to check that stuff out at the LFS and see if they have it.