[xingumike]

I was just wondering when looking through the pictures in this months contest submissions and the freshwater pics why so many of you choose to not have a background on your tank?

From both an aesthetic point of view and creating a better environment for fish i can't see the reasoning behind it, can anyone explain?

 

[Brandon]

The reson i don't have one is because right now i have almost no money. I need to buy a gravle vac and maby bloodworms then im getting background.

 

[Daz]

It's a choice thing. I have a piece of hard board cos my tanks near a window no other reason, unless I would go commando.

 

[Lupin]

Lol...There are cheaper alternatives.:wink2: Use large paper materials and tape them.:mrgreen:

 

[love_my_fish]

I was surprised also about the missing backgrounds, however I know how overpriced they are and maybe other folks are kind of like me -- always looking for the right one. I would really love to replace my blue background, but can never find somthing I like in the right size.

You've got a great background btw, xingumike, which is a key piece to the unique look of your setup.

 

[crazie.eddie]

My backgrounds cost me less than $1 (USD). I paint the back of all my tanks.

 

[girlofgod]

lol eddie...i don't have a background cuz the only ones i've seen around here are so tacky...and then there's the problem of the size/shape of my tall tank. none of the cool backgrounds (rocks, grecian themes, etc) will fit on it unless i run it top to bottom, and then it looks stupid. i hadnt thought about painting a piece of hard board or something...i really dont want to paint the tank itself...is it really a big deal? does it do damage to the fish if there is no BG? i provide plenty of plants, etc in the tank itself, so i just thought until i found the perfect BG that it wasnt really neccessary.


btw mike - where did you get your BG? cuz i LOVE it...=)

bri

 

[Lupin]

i really dont want to paint the tank itself...is it really a big deal?

Nope. It's all about personal taste.:wink2:

does it do damage to the fish if there is no BG?

Nope. However, it reduces stress as the fish feels more at home with a background. I prefer black background myself.:thumbsup:

i provide plenty of plants, etc in the tank itself, so i just thought until i found the perfect BG that it wasnt really neccessary.

It's not necessary at all. Even tall plants will serve as a good background.

 

[crazie.eddie]

Solid color backgrounds give depth.

Black backgrounds are supposed to make photos turn out better.

If you use non-glossy paint, you don't get allot of reflection as you would if you used those common black aquarium backgrounds.

Iwagami tanks appear to be the latest craze. I don't know too much about them, except they appear to be aquascaped tanks that look like a typical landscape, using white backgrounds.

 

[Tracy]

I would be afraid to paint a background; what if you got tired of it? I like to use black backgrounds because it hides all the wires hanging down the back of the tank and you can see the fish better (especially if they are small fish). A few years ago when I put neon tetras in my 25 gallon I found that they did not show up because the green "planted" background was so busy. Black is best!

 

[Lupin]

I would be afraid to paint a background; what if you got tired of it? I like to use black backgrounds because it hides all the wires hanging down the back of the tank and you can see the fish better (especially if they are small fish). A few years ago when I put neon tetras in my 25 gallon I found that they did not show up because the green "planted" background was so busy. Black is best!

There are paints that can be removed easily. Remember those paints in window shops especially on Halloween events? That one would be a good option as it is easy to remove than those carpentry paints.:mrgreen:

 

[crazie.eddie]

I bought some regular spray paint from my local home improvement store, which costs less than $1. I used to use those aquarium backings, but never ever changed them at all. The only time I really would is if I took down the hole tank. Now since I spray paint the tanks, the spray paint held on well and can easily be removed by scraping it off. I used a razor once to remove it and it wasn't that difficult. If you use something that flakes off too easy, then it will probably come off if something rubs on it.

 

[tophat665]

I have black backgrounds on most of my tanks. I even have one for the loach motel, but I haven't gotten around to hanging it. It's a pain in the fundament - half an hour with an exacto knife and black electric tape.

 

[xingumike]

Thanks for the replies guys!

Yes i dropped lucky with my bg, found it in an LFS that i go to once a week or so, had a similar one before this that was too dark and not effective so i was pleased when i stuck that one on. Im considering doing the sides of the tank as well to reduce stress on the fish... but may lose photos opportunities if i do so im undecided... hmmmm :?

 

[Lupin]

Yes i dropped lucky with my bg, found it in an LFS that i go to once a week or so, had a similar one before this that was too dark and not effective so i was pleased when i stuck that one on. Im considering doing the sides of the tank as well to reduce stress on the fish... but may lose photos opportunities if i do so im undecided... hmmmm :?

I used black background at the back and sides of my tank.:mrgreen: Problem is when you take a picture, my reflection is visible on the background.:shake: I should get more vallisneria I guess.