[VeeSe]

My tank currently has no background. The easiest way to set one up, imo, would be to just spend $2 to get the usual black paper or whatever that Petco/Petsmart have for the backdrop and just stick it on the back. But I know you all have nice solutions that I should think about! Has anybody ever done a black cloth background? Maybe you could just velcro it onto the back rim, and when/if it gets dirty you can just wash it?

 

[green_valley]

I did some research and what I found is a very easy solution. Some people use Oil and some use Soapy water. So I spent $18 for my 140G black background. I have a spray bottle with soapy water, then spay the back of my tank. Then I apply the background, and you will see those ugly looking air bubbles. I use those thingy for wiping out windows (squizzy or whatever you call it), wipe it so you will get those bubbles out. It's been a month, it's not moved and look amazing. Hope it helps.

 

[Riiz]

I painted the back of my 25gal black, and my 150gal acrylic tank came that way too.

 

[michaelxbarton]

black krylon fusion

 

[Jim Miller]

Black sign vinyl.

 

[Razorworm]

+1 to black krylon fusion:icon_cool

 

[5BodyBlade]

I just used the black background from any LFS. Put some cooking spray on it and smoothed it out with a squeegee. Hasn't moved or peeled anywhere for years.

 

[Robse]

I personally haven't done this, but have seen people use the window tint available at an auto parts store or even walmart. It looks really nice, cheap, easy to install, and removable.

 

[junko]

I am REALLY dating myself, but does anyone remember those cool crystaltek (I think that was the name) liquids you poured on the back of your tank and they made awesome crystal formations when they dried? They came in lots of different colors and you could buy them at the pet store.

 

[JimG]

I did the same thing as Greenvalley, using mineral oil instead of soapy water.

 

[Elrodg]

Y not just paint it? Two coats of black work wonders.
I just covered my back wall with marble

---
I am here: http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=36.615614,-88.302813

 

[vespers_]

i bought a 50 cent bristol board at the dollar store and taped it up.

 

[sink]

I cut a piece of brown cardboard (from a box in neighbors recycling) to fit the back of tank and stretched black fabric over one side ($2 from the remnants bin at the fabric store). Affixed to back of tank using clear packing tape at edges. Looks awesome and doesn't reflect light like the other options.

 

[Eviltwist]

I have used Black Krylon Fusion too. You can check my journal for the outcome

 

[green_valley]

I did the same thing as Greenvalley, using mineral oil instead of soapy water.

Yup (mineral oil), and I know some people also used Cooking oil, which I would not recommend. A friend of mine did, and when he was trying to replace it, the oil actually went bad. So you know how the smells like:icon_lol::icon_lol:

 

[somewhatshocked]

+1 on the sign vinyl!

It's not permanent like paint, you don't have to vent the room you're in and it's easy to add to an existing tank.

Helps that it's also cheaper than many of the readily available backgrounds at your LFS.

 

[zergling]

I like not having a background, shows off the open space of my scape and the crystal clear water (for now LOL).

Having said that, I plan to get black vinyl. Will put it at the back of the tank when I want a change of mood/look.

 

[SpeedKilz]

I've done vinyl and tint backgrounds. Both have the same installation process. You may be able to see through a tinted background depending how dark the tint is. I like both equally.

 

[NatCh]

I have a store-bought background with that SeaClear gel stuff -- prowly just overpriced mineral oil.

Next tank I'm seriously considering getting some of this stuff to line the inside of the back wall.

 

[NWA-Planted]

Paint on a glass surface really isn't permanent. scrape off with a razor or wipe off with paint thinner. especially if you use anacrylic stuff just kinda peels off.