backgrounds

[blaster]

what does everyone use,and do people think that it enhances appearance of the corAls

[Aquattro]

I painted the back of my tank black. It hides things behind the tank, like wires and plumbing.

[littleboyblue16]

i used black aswell, it makes the fish and everything pop out too, and like reef_raf said it does hide the wires and all that

[Chad]

I have a picture back ground... its alright.. makes it look like I have more in my tank than I do.


Chad

[clowntrigger]

i got mirrored backs on both of mine, so all i really see is me kinda scary ehh

[kari]

I used no backing so that I can watch TV thru the tank when I'm in the fish room. When I'm on the other side it looks like my wife's birds in the fish room are flying thru the reef. It helps me relax and get a better perspective on the real world.

[Bob I]

I use a black background I bought at the LFS. I forget who makes those. At one time I used a picture of a reef tank by the same maker, but now it hangs on my wall. :biggrin:

[Quinn]

I just took a big piece of paper and spray-painted it black. Worked pretty well, although the back of my tank is green with algae now anyways.

[sumpfinfishe]

I use a black plastic board that can be purchased at most home improvement stores.

I use a black background because:

>gives the fish a sense of security, darker at back for hiding and sleeping

>helps prevent algae growth

>and again, yes it hides all the cords and things

[Beverly]

I don't use any backgrounds for my reefs.

My 42 gal hex is located in the dining room with three windows around it. The 72 gal bowfront is in front of a large window in the living room. All windows are facing east. In summer, I keep the blinds closed in the morning but open them in the afternoon. Spring, winter and fall, the blinds are open all the time.

Love that free light :cool:

72 gal with blinds closed:

http://www.lostmymarblz.com/72gal-tank-4.jpg

72 gal with blinds open:

http://www.lostmymarblz.com/72gal-tank-5.jpg

[Son Of Skyline]

Don't you guys find that a black background absorbs alot of light? I once used black cardboard for a background on my 27gal. The moment I removed it (exposing the light coloured wall) the tank looked much brighter.

Right now my background is a light blue but I'm thinking of switching to a darker blue.

[kuatto]

I kinda like the different kind of algae that grows on the back wall,as long as the viewing area is clean :biggrin:
Bev do you find a problem with algae from the sunlight ?

Jim

[Beverly]

Jim,

Used to have the blinds closed all day every day for months. Then one day I thought of opening the blinds when the direct sunlight had passed so the sunlight wouldn't heat up the tanks but would still catch the natural light. Did not notice any additional algae problems.

Both the 42 gal and the 72 are under a year old. Am hoping the additional indirect light will promote coraline growth on the back walls, which, unfortunately, will also block the extra light going into the tanks :neutral: