Paint and commercially manufactured sheets are two common types of backgroundsWhen setting up a new saltwater aquarium, one of the many decisions you’ll need to make is whether you want to put a background on the tank and, if so, what kind you’d prefer to use. The choice of background may seem like an insignificant concern when your mind is swirling with all sorts of equipment and livestock decisions, but don’t sell it short. A background—or lack thereof—can make a big difference in your aquarium’s aesthetic appeal. Not to mention, it won’t be so easy to add or change a background once the system is up and running, so which type of background to use (or not) is a choice you’ll need to make sooner rather than later. Benefits of a background An aquarium background can offer a variety of potential benefits, including: Concealing cords, hoses, and tubes running down the back of the tank Increasing the perception of visual depth—i.e., creating the sense that the aquascape extends beyond the glass or acrylic walls of the tank Giving fish a greater sense of security Either enhancing the naturalistic beauty of the aquascape or introducing a touch of whimsy When a background isn’t your best bet Obviously, there are situations in which putting a background on an aquarium would be counterproductive—for example if you’re using the aquarium as a room divider and want to be able to view it from both sides or, similarly, if the tank is installed in a wall between two rooms and is, thus, viewable in each room. What type of background suits you? Your options for a background are quite varied and can range from exceedingly simple to relatively complicated, depending on your preference. They include: Paint Simply painting the outside back pane of the aquarium is among the most common choices, and black and various shades of blue are the most commonly used colors. I’ve used flat black latex paint on the back of several glass aquariums with very satisfactory results. More: The Basics of Marine Aquarium Backgrounds… More:
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