Tank background to hide wires and filters

So I was looking at my tank the other day and I really like how well the plants and driftwood have turned out. I just hate that I can see through my tank at all the wires for the heater and filter. I saw at Petco the other day (when I was getting my new amazing hikarI betta food!) that they had rolls of printed background. Was wondering if anyone has used them and if they have any benefits to the tank, other than the obvious cosmetic look. Thanks!

 

I think the benefit of those is purely cosmetic, hence the wide variety of prints available

If you wanted others you can attach a sheet of rigid foam insulation to the back to also limit the amount of surface area the tank can lose heat through which might make a small dent in your electrical bill!

 

It's just aesthetic. One problem I've run into with the nice printed backgrounds is that my betta can see his reflection against them and would consistently flare at himself. I think it's either because of the glazed finished or the bright blue color of water my background had. I changed it to some extra matte wallpaper we had around and it worked much better for him.

 

I have a green wall in my room so It looks nature with the green plants. I would say that the paper would work but I personally don't like the look of it. I think it reminds me of petco and petsmart too much.... I don't very care for the big chain stores. But in reality its ur decision do what you think looks good on ur tank. All tanks are different and none of them are the same

Sent from my KFTHWI using Fish Lore Aquarium Fish Forum mobile app

 

The wall behind my tank is an off white color and doesn't work well with my tank at all. I also have a male betta and didn't think about the reflection causing him to flare up. I will have to look into options that don't carry too much of a glossy look then!

 

My background isn't just cosmetic, it also blocks some late afternoon sunlight that might otherwise cause an algae bloom. However, I do think blocking the view of the wires and filter is important to the overall beauty of your tank. I prefer to use a piece of printed fabric for my backgrounds. Fabric designs are limitless,, just go to a fabric store and buy a piece. I tape the cloth to the back (and or sides) of my tank.

 

You can also just paint the back.