Options for backgrounds

[legacyxboo]

I have a 60g that is currently empty and before I start cycling it I want some sort of background. In my option those tape on back wallpapers look tacky (or at least the ones I have seen) but Im also not sure about painting the back of it. I really love the look of the 3D backgrounds but I was wondering if there is any cheaper options?
If I was to paint the back of it, what color would show off my discus the best?

[bluelagoon]

I agree,when you tape those backgrounds on,they don't look great.But if you smear mineral oil or olive oil on the tank and background and adhere it with a credit card to push the bubbles out;they look much better and clearer.You can even use a solid colored background(blue or black) instead of paint.If you don't like the colors later on down the road;it'll be much more easily removed than paint.

[bluelagoon]

Lighter backgrounds would be best for discus.

[legacyxboo]

Lighter backgrounds would be best for discus.

I might have to try that! Thank you! I always see people paint their tanks black but I've heard that absorbs to much light. I might try a light grey.

[rellik]

So I have been testing out colors to see what looks best and bought a few sheets of poster board. Nice and cheap, then put it behind the tank for a few days and see what I like. So far a white is winning :)

[Ryan925]

So I have been testing out colors to see what looks best and bought a few sheets of poster board. Nice and cheap, then put it behind the tank for a few days and see what I like. So far a white is winning :)

I did a similar thing but with sheets from tap plastics. They have some really thin sheets that you can cut easily with scissors in a variety of colors. I actually cut it so it fits perfectly between the upper and lower rim and looks great.

It's nice because it's not permanent like paint.

I think when I finally get my sump going I am going to just frost the back

[Mapet]

I really love the look of the 3D backgrounds but I was wondering if there is any cheaper options?

I do it for free - price : my time. ;) Everythink i got at home. My background its outside the tank.
http://forum.simplydiscus.com/showthread.php?115662-My-Small-Wild-Amazon/page4

[Jenene]

I really love the frosted look as well. I have a built in the wall tank between two rooms so I don't have a background but I did a coat on the QT tank and it is really pretty when you put a light through the back as kind of ambient light. I have also seen people shine a light through some manzanita branches so you just see the silhouette of the branches through the frost. This is a very cool simple, clean look that I think would look gorgeous with discus. Just a thought though. You have so many options. Have fun and let us know what you go with.

[jadren]

I like to paint the back of my tanks with Plasti Dip, it is a rubber paint so when ever you get tired of it all you have to do it peel it right off. Color selection is pretty small but they do have a gray.
https://www.amazon.com/Performix-11221-Multi-Purpose-Coating-Aerosol/dp/B008J20R1S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1493479202&sr=8-1&keywords=plasti+dip+gray

[Willie]

I paint my tanks with a light blue color, which makes most colors pop. The problem with black is that it's essentially impossible to photograph the tank.

Willie

[cjvdhx]

I used plastidip for mine worked great!