Amnagrla

I have a 10 gallon tank... (the one in my avatar). In it, I have a pretty big colliseum decoration. It takes up the whole tank. The fish have really grown to love it! They go in and out of the collums...

That being said, it does block the back of the tank somewhat. I was thinking... maybe I'll put a mirror as a background. That way, a) I think it'll look awesome, b) it'll be something hardier than a piece of paper background and c) I can see the back of the colliseum.

What do you think? Is there any reason I shouldn't do this?

ecnaj143

It may look cool. I painted the back of my tank black.

armadillo

That sounds like a great idea. I think I'm going to be a copy cat (plagiarism is the greatest flattery)!

Howeyg

wont the fish get scared by there reflections and chase them, thats what mine do..

cress10

I think that it is worth trying... I might try it some time too!

Jacko

It is a good idea, though it will mean more maintainance on the back of the tank. If you have any algae growth on it I swear you will notice it right away. I think that it would be great and add to the lighting affect plus give some pretty cool shadows and the wall opposite the tank (kinda like a silhoute tv show).

Butterfly

I've seen tanks done this way and it makes it look deeper. The only fish I would not put in a mirrored tank is a betta because they will just about batter themselves to death trying to get to the other Betta. good Idea!
You are going to attach the mirror on the outside of the tank right?
Carol

cress10

I think is a good idea to attach it to the back on the outside, and not on the inside. Like Carol asked...

Shrimpy

that should work really good

COBettaCouple

this isn't a funhouse mirror, is it? really, sounds like it outta be cool.

Amnagrla

hahaha wow.. I didn't think this post would get any responses! i came back from work and BAM!

Yeah, of course I would put it on the outside of the tank. Which also means I need to find something good to secure it with...

I'll have to take some measurements.

COBettaCouple

I would suggest llama spit.. it's quite the adhesive!

Amnagrla

You would.

I don't know, I was thinking apoxy or something. I'll ask at the hardware store. I love Home Depot!!

COBettaCouple

you know me.. always helpful.. but nails would work better than camel spit really.

i'd ask timg too.. if anyone here would know the best way to do it, it would be him i think.

Amnagrla

I'm sure Home Depot will help me.

It's so strange... every time I go in, there are always PLENTY of old, pot bellied men in back braces and orange smocks willing to help lil' ol' me!

COBettaCouple

lol.. yea, funny how they're happy to help a pretty, young woman.. i have NOOO idea why.

Amnagrla

hahahaha yeah, I have no clue, either.

Sometimes I get more dressed up to go to home depot then to go out!!

Okay. I'm going to sleep finally.

Amanda, OUT!

COBettaCouple

lol.. yea, the home depot bikini.

armadillo

Amnagria, let us know what you use to stick it with. Am definitely going to do the same. I love that idea. Ooooh, just thought of a potential drawback. Condensation outside the aquarium between the glass and the mirror?

COBettaCouple

i'd recommend against condensation.

armadillo

Waaaarf!!!

Amnagrla

are as much of a wise-guy in "real" life?

Yeah, I'll ask H.Depot about condensation, too.

armadillo

Hey Anagria. I've just thought of something. Could be nothing but... If we (humans) get fooled into thinking a space is bigger because it has a mirror (and I've had a few close calls nearly bumping into some thinking it was just a very big shop), won't fish have the same issue, and keep bumping against that side, thinking the tank goes on?

Amnagrla

hmmm... maybe at first.

I don't know, now I might have to do a non-secure test run.

armadillo

Amnagrla

lol oh man... I'm in trouble...

http://www.make-stuff.com/formulas/mirrors.html

I just found it online. I'm pretty sure there is an easier way, especially since I don't need the mirror to be perfect, you know?!

Maybe I'll just paint the back of the tank a mirror!!

**sing-songy** Ooohhh home DEPOT guys!!

armadillo

Blimey! That stuff looks seriously complicated. They're MAKING their own mirrors! I mean from scratch? Not just going to Home Depot and saying what size you want cut?

How are you going to attach it? Are you going to ask them too (about the glue).

Amnagrla

well if I make my own mirror, I'll just do it to the back of the tank.. and just make that a mirror!

But I'll still ask about adhesive.

armadillo

You'd really make it? I thought these people on the website did, and you just say what size you need. Man, am impressed! Am doing it the lazy way and asking for this sized mirror to be cut at my hardware store (that happens to sell bettas too. I might just about nip there for a quick look!)

Amnagrla

your hardware store sells bettas?!