Easy way to create white background in 55 or 75 g tank

[Dave's Discus]

Few if any local fish stores sell white background for aquariums, yet this color is desirable for some strains of discus. Emptying the tank and painting the back is one solution. A simpler solution is to go to Lowes, Home Depot, or any store that sells fluorescent light fixtures. The plastic inserts that cover the bulbs come in white and make a perfect fit on the back of a 55 or 75 g tank. I'm sure they could also be cut to smaller sizes.
FYI:)

[musicmarn1]

Picture please? Of it before and after you added it to the tank :p

[DiscusLoverJeff]

The plastic pieces are good but they are a pain in the butt to try and cut without cracking it. Even when placing tape over the cut area, it can still crack. It is not the best plastic they use for lighting as it is only a cover.

Paint is easier and cheaper. Good thought though if you don't have to cut it.

[Skip]

I think paint is easiest

[musicmarn1]

I'm not keen on paint :o and I'm over budget for a really good background, so I'm looking for alternatives for right now too

[Dave's Discus]

I'll try to post pics here. New user name. May be too soon to post pics.

[Dave's Discus]

I'll have to make a few more posts before the picture option comes up.

[Dave's Discus]

The lighting is still weak on the back wall. LED hoods from Wally World that came w 55 g kit. If they like medium light this may be good.

[Dave's Discus]

The plastic is fragile. Some were cracked in the box. Cost was $10. Cheaper than lfs background.

[Dave's Discus]

The plastic is really fragile. Some were broke in the box

[Dave's Discus]

If I was setting up a new tank painting would be easier. Didn't want to break it down now.

[Dave's Discus]

Does anyone know if the picture feature automatically comes up after ten posts?

[Dave's Discus]

Two more to go. Here's one.

[Dave's Discus]

This is number ten. I hope the picture feature comes up now.

[Dave's Discus]

One more for good measure

[Dave's Discus]

8031780316
Picture please? Of it before and after you added it to the tank :p

[Dave's Discus]

Not necessarily pretty, but covers up the wires and is lighter than the wall.

[William Palumbo]

I go to the craft stores and use the foam poster board for a few bucks a sheet.. It comes in all colors. I have white on my wild Heckels, and light blue on the rest. Is easy to cut and work with, holds it's shape. and can easily be taken off...or change colors...Bill

[MKD]

that's what i am using. i got some from dollar stores in 24"x24" which is good for my small tanks and HomeDepost sells in 24" x 48" which is good for my big tanks. Most of time it covers bottom and back sides.

[BODYDUB]

I actually bought a piece of plexiglass from lowes and painted one side one color and the other side a different. The first link is of the "install" or what have you, the second is just some pics of after I painted it later down the road.............


http://forum.simplydiscus.com/showthread.php?84403-5-minute-background-install

http://forum.simplydiscus.com/showthread.php?105951-Some-new-guys

[Dave's Discus]

I didn't think about Hobby Lobby. Do the sheets come in 48"?

[du3ce]

plastidip if u dont like it u can rip it off in under 5 min

[Dave's Discus]

What is plastidip? Where do you get it?


plastidip if u dont like it u can rip it off in under 5 min

[BODYDUB]

What is plastidip? Where do you get it?

Search it on youtube, but it's basically vinyl wrap in a spray can............

[du3ce]

plastic spray in a can, u can find it any hardware store comes in a variety of color also