Black backgrounds are definitely popular in planted aquaria! I wouldn't worry about it.

 

If you check out the Tank Journal section of the forum, you'll find that most backgrounds are black or really dark. Makes plants really pop and helps even the most common-looking fish stand out a bit.

 

Just adding to the chorus, I paint the back of every planted tank black. Hides cords and equipment and makes everything that you want seen pop.

 

Black backgrounds make taking pictures nice for those viewing your plants and fish. Make colors pop.
Personally, for my own viewing, I do not like black backgrounds, I prefer them to be lighter. This also follows for my substrates. Aesthetically, do not like darker substrates except in very specialized cases.
That is why 1/2 of my tanks have the black background and the other have window film. None of my tanks have black substrate.

 

Well if it’s paint it can be cleaned/scraped off of glass.

Black use to be the go to treatment but in recent years nature/iwagumi type have gotten away from that as much. But you can still find those styles with black backgrounds. Like in this pic, even the little Rasboras pop out more with black behind them. I’d just go with what you have and not worry about it.

 

Thanks, everyone for your input. The reason I wanted the black background in the first place was that I wanted the coral and fish colors to pop, to stand out more. Why I did not think it (black background) would do the same for plants and freshwater fish I don't know. I tend to view other planted tanks on Utube i.e., George Farmer, Green Aqua, etc. I don't think I've seen a tank with a black background on any of those videos. So, thanks again everyone for reminding me why I had the black background in the first place and forgive me for the da moment.

 

I like the frosted backgrounds for my planted tanks as it looks more open.
I would just go with the black if you don’t want to go thru the trouble of removing the background of the tank. I have removed them before when the backgrounds got scratches in them. Not a big deal. Many now are just plastic sheets on manufactured tanks. Some paint remover and it comes right off.

 

Thanks, EdWiser, I put a frosted background on my 56-gallon planted tank and really like that look also. It does make the tank look more open, more depth.

 

I on the other hand have done the taboo and have one of those printed backgrounds with pictures of plants on it... I just like the tank to look green even before my plants have filled in!

 

I used to use black background on everything but too many people are too. I don’t use black anymore because you can have a much more natural look with a white background. You can also use background lights to pair other colors with white to mimic themes like sunset.

 

 

Custom Backdrop

Since I am a photographer, I made a custom backdrop from a fountain!

 

I do like how the black background contrast to the plants. Makes things look beautiful.