Mirror on back of tank...

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?

 

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

 

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

 

wont the fish get scared by there reflections and chase them, that's what mine do.. ;D

 

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

 

It is a good idea, though it will mean more maintenance 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).

 

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

 

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

 

that should work really good

 

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

 

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.

 

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

 

You would.

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

 

You would.

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

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.

 

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!

 

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!

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

 

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!

 

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!

lol.. yea, the home depot bikini.

 

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?

 

i'd recommend against condensation. :;a :;a2

 

Waaaarf!!! :;rab

 

i'd recommend against condensation. :;a :;a2

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

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

 

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?

 

hmmm... maybe at first.

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

 

;D

 

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



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!!

 

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).

 

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.

 

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!)

 

your hardware store sells bettas?!

 

Yep, and they give the fish worst advice EVER, as you can imagine. They also sell other fish like your usual selection of livebearers and plecos and goldfish. They're totally useless. One of them sold me 3 COMMON plecos + 3 mollies + 2 angels for a 10G tank. She insisted I take another pleco and I said no. That's back when I started and all the problems that ensued got me on the forum! But they sell great looking fish, though. Very original colours.

 

Home depot makes a mirror that is acrylic and is sold in sheets that can be cut to size. Cut, fit and secure outside of tank to the top and bottom tank trim with something like duct tape.

 

thanks for the advice but I think I want to attach it with something other than duct tape.

 

i'd recommend against condensation. :;a :;a2

are as much of a wise-guy in "real" life?
Yeah, I'll ask H.Depot about condensation, too.

come on over and visit us and you'll probably wonder how I stay so serious on fishlore. lol

 

hahaha

I'm so tired. I'm staying in tonight... lol to talk with my fishlore friends.

 

thanks for the advice but I think I want to attach it with something other than duct tape.

and we return to llama spit.. actually what about that putty-like stuff that you can put on the walls to hang stuff but it comes off nice & clean?

 

I'm not sure it would be strong enough. I mirror can be kind of heavy.

There has to be glass adhesive out there.. or I could line the outline with a glue gun...

 

if it's an acrylic mirror, the weight should be low I think.. but i'm not sure.. they might even have sheet mirror material that could do the mirror thing for you with the weight and flexibility of heavy paper?

 

lol can't wait!!

 

then why are you waiting? :;a2