Backgrounds...

[puffster]

Looking to put a "2 way mirrored" background on the tank....Seen it and it seemed legit. What are your thoughts? The background would be reflective silver from the front, letting you see the back reflection of the rock work/coral. Also it would let you do maintenance from behind letting you view what you are doing inside the tank as well as view of corals from behind. (I have space to get myself behind my tank, 220 gal.). What are the Pros and Cons in having a 'Mirrored" background as far as nuance Algae? I was thinking about this due to having a total black/blue background would not let me do the maintenance from behind the tank (in tank) without obstruction of view. Open for suggestions.....

 

[Pistol Peet]

the reflection from the silver color could help with shadowing in the tank. Interesting. Act like a light reflector

 

[count krunk]

How would the fish respond to that? I know they can see their reflection pretty well at times but a mirror would straight up be there reflection all the time.

I like black painted backgrounds for the look and I feel it helps my fish destress.

 

[puffster]

That's what I was thinking but it is the nuance algae I am concerned with.

 

[Pistol Peet]

might make them aggressive some fish don't like there own kind

 

[puffster]

How would the fish respond to that? I know they can see their reflection pretty well at times but a mirror would straight up be there reflection all the time.

I like black painted backgrounds for the look and I feel it helps my fish destress.

I was thinking if a solid background like before for that reason too....will they get used to it?

 

[count krunk]

You can clean the algae off. I use a mag float over my painted back with no issue

 

[puffster]

might make them aggressive some fish don't like there own kind

 

[Pistol Peet]

I was thinking if a solid background like before for that reason too....will they get used to it?

Possible yes dont see why not...

 

[puffster]

I like the "No background" look but the light pollution overtakes the room.

 

[CanuckReefer]

This seems like a pretty cool idea.... following...

 

[puffster]

I guess if it doesn't work as far as the fish, I could always peel it off...

 

[puffster]

Ordering and will let everyone know how it goes....fish and otherwise. Why not ?

 

[DaneGer21]

If anyone is interested in another idea, and doesn’t need a “2-way”, for reflective properties I would go with a 4-6mil Mylar. Usually rolls are 4ft by 10/25/50/100ft. Mylar is 92+% reflective. If not, flat white actually reflects more light than a standard mirror; believe it or not.

 

[Dal-Reef]

Interesting idea.. I think it would work but man that would be lots of glass cleaning... Do it so we can all follow along

 

[snorklr]

you could probably do this with mirrored limo window tint from an auto parts store

 

[puffster]

I was/am looking for a background that I could do the maintenance from the back and be able to see into the tank while doing it, but not having the light bleed through the back reflecting off of the wall behind the tank. DIY experiment....

 

[MartinWaite]

Seems a great way to upset some fish to me but I wish you all the good fortune in the world.

 

[Grallster]

I’d be a little leery of the reflective side possibly rusting/corroding—not a problem for the tank but might cut down on the longevity. Also keep in mind that it won’t be reflective when the lights in the tank are off or turned down lower than the room lighting. Personally, I’d go with a colored, removable background. Maybe a piece of colored plexiglass?

 

[garbled]

I know mirrors are used alot to curb tang aggression, because they attack the glass instead of eachother. I'd be curious if a permanent one would overall lower aggression in the tank, or if they would just get used to it and ignore it after awhile? Or maybe it would just permanently anger them like some people mention. Might be interesting.