With or without a black background?

by **Biulu** Mon Oct 28, 2013 2:36 pm

I will be setting up a 20 gallon long as a spawning tank initially for cories, but eventually also for other fish. The tank will be in the fish room/closet where it will be dark unless the lights that are on a timer, are on. The substrate will be (whitish) sand.

Should I make the back of the tank black or not? Would it be easier to spot fry with a black background?

by **hello_rockview12** Mon Oct 28, 2013 3:32 pm

I personally find it significantly more attractive for display tanks. Seeing as how yours won't be display tanks, it's not as important but I'd think it would help you to spot the little ones.

by Starfish Mon Oct 28, 2013 8:00 pm

I agree. Fish definately show up better against a dark or black background.

by **CAAIndie** Mon Oct 28, 2013 8:17 pm

I really like having the black background on my tank. Everything really just pops, and I have an easier time seeing the occupants.

by **Sbenson11** Mon Nov 04, 2013 3:54 am

I have to agree on the black as well.

When I eventually get my new SW tank completed it will have a black background. The light blue that some people use just looks odd to me.

Steve

by GaryE Mon Nov 04, 2013 4:05 am

I prefer black or a deep purple toned blue. The advantage to the blue is that it throws back some light. The disadvantage is that under a camera flash, it looks very light compared to how it looks when you see the tank.

I am busily scraping blue off tanks as I'm selling a bunch of 10s. The acrylic comes off so easily. It's great.

by JayB Mon Nov 04, 2013 12:27 pm

Being a spawning tank, it'll definitely be easier to spot fry with a solid color background. Cories, of course will hang out on the bottom, so the white sand will make it easy for you spot them. I have found a black background is great for photos (for everything except black or dark red fish), so I'd say black is a good choice.