DIY Backdrop

HI folks - we've been lurking here few a few weeks now and enjoying reading other people's experience.

While setting up our tank we contemplated purchasing a backdrop but were running low on budget and decided to revisit it later as it was a low priority. Besides, we weren't enamoured with the choices from the LFS. I was hoping for a big head-on photo from Jaws, or a nice photo of a fishing lure in action underwater!

In the meantime the Lady Of The House, tired of looking at the wall behind the tank, came up with the following as a cheap and ready to use back drop. We have a huge stock of seasonal, special event and generic gift wrap so experimented with a few and were pleased with some of the results.

Our favourite so far is a sheet of thin, reflective, mylar type paper with no pattern. It needs to be purchased on a roll rather than as a folded package to avoid seams. Regular paper can be ironed with very low dry heat to remove wrinkles which all but disappear once the paper is in place.

We are still awaiting an opinion from the boys and girls though.

 

It should look great! I was considering using a 'mirrored window tint' that you'd normally use on a car window to the same effect... the only thing is that some fish (especially bettas!) aren't very fond of their own reflection since they think it's another fish invading their territory. My advice would be: Consider the fish you're going to have, if you want a betta (aka siamese fighting fish) then you'd be best to change the backdrop before bringing him home... otherwise I still think it's a great way to give the illusion of a bigger tank!

 

You could also laminate such a background if you can find a place that will do it for you. This might add to the cost a bit, but would probably extend the life of a home made background by waterproofing it. I can see some very creative backgrounds being made exactly like this! Kind of like a combo of fishkeeping and scrapbooking.

 

Laminating -- what for -- at a nickle or two per let it get wet. We'll just put some more up.

Re - fish types and reflective backgrounds - gotcha. No bettas have been rescued from the LFS yet.

Right now we are trying a non-reflective black sheet with random art deco neony stripes. The effect of the darker paper has been calmer neons and more confident tetras. Perhaps they have more of a sense of cover and protection. Security gift-wrap?

Wonder how they'll react to Santa Clause at Chistmas time?

 

ROFL there's still halloween to come yet!

 

I have used plastic garbage bags taped to the back as temporary backgrounds.
Carol

 

I have used plastic garbage bags taped to the back as temporary backgrounds.
Carol

lol.. speaking of trash, I have a chocolate bar wrapper hiding the filter from one of our Bettas who loves to flare at it.

 

lol, were you a little hungry at the time and had to find something really quick ???

 

lol, were you a little hungry at the time and had to find something really quick ???

lol.. I wasn't hungry anymore since I ate the bar. it works, but he likes to swim by and look at the white paper because he remembers that filter box is behind it.