Black vs Blue background for the reef tank?

[ssunthar]

Hi Experts,

Black vs Blue background for the reef tank, any science to be considered here? Thanks.

 

[CMMorgan]

Theoretically, black has zero light reflective value (LRV). Black absorbs all light, so it provides no benefit beyond aesthetics. Black vinyl advocates appreciate that it makes colors pop in contrast to the background.
Blue would have a higher LRV but not significant enough to impact coral growth. White would have a high LRV and reflect light back into the tank .... but it would be a nightmare to keep clean.
Personally. I hate black. I also hate TVs on walls .... it's a void into the abyss. I am an interior designer and it's just my pet peeve. No disrespect to the black tank lovers out there, just my opinion.
My tank is blue. (pics in my build thread)

 

[PeterZammetti]

Theoretically, black has zero light reflective value (LRV). Black absorbs all light, so it provides no benefit beyond aesthetics. Black vinyl advocates appreciate that it makes colors pop in contrast to the background.
Blue would have a higher LRV but not significant enough to impact coral growth. White would have a high LRV and reflect light back into the tank .... but it would be a nightmare to keep clean.
Personally. I hate black. I also hate TVs on walls .... it's a void into the abyss. I am an interior designer and it's just my pet peeve. No disrespect to the black tank lovers out there, just my opinion.
My tank is blue. (pics in my build thread)

Home Depot Behr paint ask for wet cement. Gray (Like battleship grey) Makes UV amazing at night and cuts down on fish fighting themselves in the glass reflection. Water based so if you don't like you can scrape off.

 

[Jedi1199]

I had black on my 180 when I first filled it.. Then I added a couple Domino Damsels and all I could see was 2 white dots moving around.. lol I reversed the background film to the blue side and it really shows off the fish!!

 

[Superlightman]

will blue promote more alga growth than black or no?

 

[Jedi1199]

will blue promote more alga growth than black or no?

Not in my experience.

The lighting promotes the algae. The 2 tanks I have with the strongest lights both have black and they get the most algae. The one with the blue has a fairly weak light and has very little algae.

 

[HudsonReefer2.0]

My system has a black back which I enjoyed but it’s purple now. More joy.

 

[Superlightman]

Not in my experience.

The lighting promotes the algae. The 2 tanks I have with the strongest lights both have black and they get the most algae. The one with the blue has a fairly weak light and has very little algae.

it is dark blue or light blue? maybe you have a picture?

 

[billyocean]

it is dark blue or light blue? maybe you have a picture?

Here was the blue used for my 125. Krylon fusion and I think it was called patriotic blue...can't remember

 

[Thumbster]

I used dark window tint on the back of my tank this time around. I don’t have a sump and the dark color hides the HOB filter and power heads. It hides them really well surprisingly.

I used blue on the tank I had ten years ago that had a sump. I don’t recall any problems with it but powerheads and such were more noticeable.

I do remember that the “dark” blue looked a lot lighter inside the tank when the lights were on for some reason.