Tank backgrounds

[michaelcurtis777]

I am currently setting up my first marine tank and cannot decide what's best for the tank,

1) solid black background
2) solid blue background
3) totally clear background

I plan on overtime having the back covered with live rock and corals but in the meantime I don't know what to have,

Does anyone on here have feedback on previous backgrounds and if it matters or just for my preference

Many thanks

 

[killmc]

i use blue background on my 90 gallon

 

[booth2010]

I just have clear because I didn't think about background when I set it up, but black would be best to hide any algae until coralline builds

Edit: I also heard that brighter backgrounds (like blue) can distract your vision from the corals because of the contrast

 

[michaelcurtis777]

So if I keep the background clear it won't cause me problems in the long run, due to sun light or no secure hidden hiding places??


Beginner all advice welcome

 

[booth2010]

Well I too am a beginner only in hobby 8 months, but I've had no problem. My tank is about 4" from the wall and all seem fine

 

[killmc]

main 2 reasons for background is 1 to hide lines behind tank. 2 is to block light from window

 

[michaelcurtis777]

See I have my tank in front of the window as I have no more room for anymore tanks ( every hobbyists nightmare) so maybe I should consider having a background if sun light can become a problem


Beginner all advice welcome

 

[Defect]

IMO, Black just looks good and keeps all the cords and what not out of sight.

 

[michaelcurtis777]

If I go black is there a particular marine paint to use or can I use any aquarium safe paint??


Beginner all advice welcome

 

[mlewandowski61]

I went black. I used Black Out window film from Home Depot. Was a breeze to install. Not sure how it will hold up. But we will see. Sounded like a good Idea.

 

[michaelcurtis777]

I'll have a look for it thank you it's only going to be a temporary background until I have all my live rock


Beginner all advice welcome

 

[Nickel9]

I went black. I used Black Out window film from Home Depot. Was a breeze to install. Not sure how it will hold up. But we will see. Sounded like a good Idea.

I used this on one of my systems. Works great!

 

[PaulKreider]

Its personal preference. I like blue just because black makes it too dark I feel like.

 

[Tradewinds]

I went black, but hung material like a curtain behind the tank. This way it is easy to change if I get tired of black or what to do some crazy holiday themes. (JK on the holiday themes)

 

[stunreefer Verified Sponsor]

Read this Color is personal preference. Unless it's a 'peninsula' style aquarium I always implement backgrounds.

 

[michaelcurtis777]

Thanks all I'm going to go black and for a few months see how it looks thanks again

 

[thormx]

I went blue paint but kinda wish I would have went black. I got the darkest blue I could find, and it's still a little to bright for me.

 

[ravedood]

I have a landscape of a desert.

Just joking.
painted black.

 

[CastAway]

Been debating this myself. Taped some black card stock up to see and compare. I like the black, but hope it will be mute soon, and the back pane will be covered in coralline.

 

[*SENSI*]

i went black on mine, im building 105 rimless, but use latex that way if down the road u decide to take it off its alot easier