backgrounds for tanks

[carl p]

can mirrors be use for backgrounds on tanks eg. on a 1.2 what will the fishes reactions be?

black or blue vinyl sheeting any other ideas....

[veegal]

I've thought of putting a mirror as a background but I went against the idea as the fish would probably knock themselves out on the back glass. :) I've seen a number of DIY backgrounds made from styrofoam (google), vinyl sheeting, paper and more. Another option is to paint the outside of glass in your prefered colour, however this shouldn't be done with fish inside the tank due to fumes etc.

[Asgar]

I prefer a natural background like those in Juwel Tanks.

[solex69]

black or blue vinyl sheeting any other ideas....

...yeah, plants :) have a solid colour and cover the back with plants.
You could go the DIY rock-background (made with polystyrene...think that method is somewhere here on the forum)

Chiao
D

[theosmit]

Read Sailing Derick's thread here... http://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/showthread.php?t=559

Quite a neat job. I'm considering doing a similar thing. :hmmmm: I have loads of packing material at work which can do the job. BTW it was Sailing Derick's fault that I joined TASA - article came up in my google search and here I am :bigsmile:

This oak was one of the better backgrounds and descriptions that I found...Quite in depth and taking you through step by step.
http://westerncichlids.com.au/diy-aquarium-background-part-1/
http://westerncichlids.com.au/diy-aquarium-background-part-2/

[chas84]

I have a 3Ft all glass on home made wood cabinet. I used black spray paint to paint the outside of the back glass. Inside I have lots of big plants which gives a nice finish. Best thing is the spray paint will come off quite easily if you decide to change it in future.

[Slojo]

I bought a secondhand tank and what the previuos guy did was he stuck on some slate pieces .Gives it a natural looking rock background.

[veegal]

I bought a secondhand tank and what the previuos guy did was he stuck on some slate pieces .Gives it a natural looking rock background.

Have you got any pictures of it? Sounds interesting - I'd love to see what it looks like?

[Slojo]

Have you got any pictures of it? Sounds interesting - I'd love to see what it looks like?

Will take some tomorrow nigth and post it here

[veegal]

Cool - thanks Slojo :D

[Slojo]

Here is 2 pics of the slate effect.



http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs082.snc1/4881_1139487818123_1555255410_334864_5684226_n.jpg (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=334862&id=1555255410)

http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs102.snc1/4881_1139487778122_1555255410_334863_2054882_n.jpg (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=334862&id=1555255410)

[LanceP]

That actually looks pretty cool.

Any risk in making the tank "back" heavy? Wouldn't this put strain on the back corners?

[Slojo]

No if you look carefully you'll see that it actually slate "chips"
About 3-6 mm thick.

[veegal]

That is quite a nice effect - very different. Nice one :)

[Risen]

it really does look natural

[Henk Hugo]

mmmmmm....... maybe do that in the new 1.6

[Fish Fantasy]

How did the guy stick the slate to the back, Marine silicone?

[Slojo]

Yes but use it sparingly and let the chips overlap.Do not press too hard otherwise the chips will break.

[theosmit]

Very nice! It really looks good and it does not take up any sygnificant space/water volume.

Does the slate affect water quality - leaching? And if so, how bad.

[carl p]

very very good idea

[solex69]

Turning that into a moss wall would be a nice little challenge (nevermind about the fish there). Imagine that entire background covered in flame moss ........ *drools*