Backgrounds- Black or Blue? What to Do??

Sorry if this is not the right place for this, but I need some aesthetic advice. The more I keep looking up fish tank ideas, the more indecisive I become.

I had thought I wanted to do a painted black background with black sand. I do like how that looks. But I also like white sand. And now I kinda like dark blue background, but I see that is mostly with reef or cichlid tanks.

I'm pretty certain that I'm going to go with black sand. I'd like to have driftwood, light colored rocks, and light/ moderate plants. I'm looking into brightly colored fish (not africans) but I'm still toying with stocking ideas.

Should I go black on black, or blue with black sand? Maybe *really* dark blue, so it's almost black?? The trim and stand on my tank is all black, and nearly all of my furniture is black (with 2 pieces dark brown). My walls are a light beige, and I wasn't planning on covering the sides of the tank. I do love the black on black look, but I'd like my tank to stand out. I was also considering some blue fish (cardinals, or maybe eb acra) but I'm not sure if that would work with a blue background.

Any tips or suggestions? Pics are also appreciated!

 

Wonder if you could go out and grab a couple pieces of Bristol board in either colour and tape them onto the tank, just to get a feel for how it looks set up? And make your decision based on how it looks?

 

There was a thread recently that might be helpful.


I have black sand, black background, plants and rocks. You can see my tank in the thread too (was still cycling at the time).
I think fish stand out! When the lights are on, everything pops. I think the bright blue looks artificial. I used a privacy film from Home Depot. Easy to remove if I ever change my mind.

 

I may have to. I was hoping to paint and be done with it, but being now I'm having commitment issues lol. I keep looking at pictures for tank ideas but it's just not helping. There are just so many lovely tanks out there!

 

Black poster board with black sand. Will house an albino. I like the idea mentioned about getting different colors and taping them on to see what grabs your eye.

 

Another reason I went with black sand is that I read that a lot of fish feel safer.

 

There was a thread recently that might be helpful.


I have black sand, black background, plants and rocks. You can see my tank in the thread too (was still cycling at the time).
I think fish stand out! When the lights are on, everything pops. I think the bright blue looks artificial. I used a privacy film from Home Depot. Easy to remove if I ever change my mind.

Thanks! First few pics there's a tank with black sand, no background.. but the light gives it a slightly blueish hue and that looks nice. Don't have a light yet, so it'd be hard to get a real idea.

 

Black poster board with black sand. Will house an albino. I like the idea mentioned about getting different colors and taping them on to see what grabs your eye.

What kind of lighting are you using?? I like how it really brightens up your tank. I've been eyeballing a Finnex Stingray or a strip light from Home Depot, but I think that would have more of a white light than blue?

 

Want to know a secret trick??

Black garbage bag cut to size!!

It actually looks pretty fancy

it's a little bit gray from the water that got in between, but it dries off

 

Sooooo you guys seem to favor the black, then?

 

Here is the link to the blueish light you like

 

Here is the link to the blueish light you like

Awesome!

 

Came in for background advice, walked away with lights! Just ordered. I'll go black on black, and the lights will give me that bit of blue. I'm super excited! Other than substrate, plants, and decor, I should have what I need to finally set up!

 

Considering what you said in the initial post/question, me and my OCD vote black on black

 

black, most of the filter pipes and other equipment is black.

 

I favor the black on black, all my tanks have that. I'd paint it on, never have to worry about air bubbles