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If you’re like me, then you’re always looking for ways to improve your fish tanks. One way to really enhance the appearance of your tank is by using a aquarium background. In this blog post, I’ll be reviewing 7 of the best aquarium backgrounds on the market today. So whether you’re just starting out with fish tanks or you’re a seasoned veteran, read on to see if one of these backgrounds is right for you!
Our Criteria (How These Backgrounds Made The Cut)
I’ve been involved in aquariums since I was 11. Through my over 25 years of experience setting up various aquariums, there are certain things I look of if I’m going to install a fish tank background. Here is what I’m going to focus on when selecting the best to buy:
- Backlight Features – Backlighting is something that comes from Nature Scape aquascaping. When you have a backlight aquarium background, you can replicate a sky environment in freshwater tanks. You can also change colors with some.
- Static Clings – A backlight aquarium background is usually going to be a plate that you mount. For more traditional backgrounds we want a cling type product. These adhere to the back of your aquarium and won’t peel away like the cheap tape on backgrounds you find in chain pet stores.
- Brand – We want a solid brand that that makes backgrounds for serious hobbyists. A pet store brand fish tank background is usually going to be cheap, be taped on, or fall apart easily. An aquarium background needs to lasts through the life of the tank.
The Fish Tank Background Candidates
That that we have seen what my criteria is, lets see who made the cut. I’ll go in further detail below.
In a hurry? I recommend Serene Background Kits. Use discount code ASD15 at checkout!
| Picture | Name | Features | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
Editor’s Choice  | Serene Backlight Light Kit |
| Click For Best PriceBuy On Amazon |
Best Value  | SPORN Black Aquarium Blackground |
| Buy On AmazonBuy On Chewy |
 | FJARDE Lit Background |
| Buy On Amazon |
 | DUOFIRE Frosted White Background |
| Buy On Amazon |
 | SPORN Coral Background |
| Buy On AmazonBuy On Chewy |
 | SPORN Tropical Background |
| Buy On AmazonBuy On Chewy |
 | Seaview Sea of Green Background |
| Buy On PetcoBuy On Amazon |
7 Best (2023 Reviews)
Let’s look at each product below and see why they made the cut.
1. Serene Backlit Light Kit
The Best Aquarium Background
The Serene kit offers a backlight LED background that is fair cheaper than premium ADA backgrounds. Excellent for aquascapes and fish tanks!
In the aquascaping world, there is a gold standard when it comes to aquarium backgrounds. These are backlit backgrounds that come in a frosted white color. Current USA’s Serene kit meets this standard, is far cheaper than the gold standard ADA kit, and offers more features.
What I love about this kit (aside from the price) is its ability to change colors. You can change it according to the mood you want to set in your fish tank and in your living space. Because the light is backlit, it does not affect your ability to provide lighting to the aquarium plants in your fish tank. You can see the multiple vibrant colors it can display below.
I love how flexible this kit is. You can use this for virtually any type of setup and it’s super easy to install. You can either install it with a static cling or the mounting clips that Current USA provides. This light offers the ultimate balance of looking good for your home and guests while looking great as a fish tank. While it is more expensive than typical backgrounds, it’s features are second to none. Give it a try. You won’t be disappointed. It’s one of the best aquarium backgrounds you can buy today!
Pros and Cons
- Frost default background
- Multiple color options
- Easy to install
- Expensive
- Colors aren’t for everyone
2. SPORN Black
SPORN backgrounds are static cling aquarium backgrounds that are easy to install and look great. Best for saltwater aquariums
Static cling aquarium backgrounds as some of the most reliable backgrounds you can purchase in the hobby. I continue to be surprised to this day that pet stores continue to sell cheap tape on the back backgrounds for new hobbyists.
SPORN offers not only high quality backgrounds, but they also cheap and easy to install. This one showed above is a classic black, which works amazing for saltwater tanks, African cichlid tanks, brackish water tanks, and some betta tank setups.
This is a great buy. You really can’t go wrong with this brand.
Pros and Cons
- Static cling
- Easy to install
- Easy to cut to shape
- Black doesn’t work for all setups
3. FJARDE Background Light
An attempt at an ADA backlight aquarium back clone. It is cheaper than ADA and offers a few extra features.
ADA’s backlight screen is considered the best in the business when it comes to backlit backgrounds. You figure it would be time for someone to make a clone of the product. Here we have FJARDE cloning the ADA screen, but with some additional features.
This screen is designed to fit on rimless aquariums. It offers both gradient and solid vibrant colors. This screen is very easy to install, using a mounting clip that is designed for rimless aquariums.
This is a great alternative if you are shopping for a premium backlit screen. It offers a lot of what ADA offers without the massive price tag. That being said, it’s still the most expensive aquarium background on this list. If you have the budget for it, I would give this fish tank background a look and compare it against the Serene. I personally think the Serene is a better to buy, which is why this one comes at #4 on the list.
Pros and Cons
- Static cling
- Easy to install
- Easy to cut to shape
- Black doesn’t work for all setups
4. DUOfire Frost White
This background is designed for homes, but also works great for aquariums. Frosted backgrounds are ideal for planted aquariums and freshwater tanks
Not everyone wants a backlit aquarium background. For a freshwater fish tank, a frosted white background offers a great aquarium background, especially with planted aquariums.
This aquarium background from DUOFIRE is a product to use on an aquarium. These clings are designed for residential use, but still work for aquariums and are built to last a very long time.
They are more expensive than the SPORE brand, but it is difficult to find this style in an aquarium brand. The premium you spend purchasing these is worth it. They are built for more stressful environments like bathrooms.
Pros and Cons
- Frosted white background
- Easy to install
- Static Cling
- Expensive
- Not ideal for saltwater tanks
5. SPORN Coral
This static cling background offers a coral backdrop for saltwater fish tanks
I understand some fish tank keepers want to have a real picture for their aquarium background. The problem you run into with the traditional tape on back aquarium backgrounds is that they don’t show well and they break over time.
Enter SPORN’s coral aquarium background product. This has a great HD quality picture aquarium background, but it’s a static cling. This means that it adheres to the back of your fish tank, and it will last a very long time. This product is great for saltwater aquariums.
This is a great product if you want an aquarium environment picture. If you have a freshwater tank, check out the other option below.
Pros And Cons
- High quality picture background
- Easy to install
- Static Cling
- Needs a backlight to show well
6. SPORN Tropical
Spoon offers a static cling planted tank background. Great for freshwater aquariums
For those with freshwater tanks, SPORN offers a great background that gives the look of a planted tank. These backgrounds are easy to install, and will last longer than the traditional taped backgrounds you will find in most pet stores.
One thing to caution about this aquarium background is if your fish tank is on the small size, the image will look too big. This fish tank background is best for aquariums 2 feet wide and up.
Pros and Cons
- High quality picture background
- Easy to install
- Static Cling
- Needs a backlight to show well
7. Seaview Sea of Green
Seaview backgrounds offer the traditional stick on the back backgrounds you typically find in pet stores
This aquarium background from Seaview is what you usually see at most pet stores. These are your taped-on backgrounds. While this is of higher quality than what you will find locally. I would still caution against purchasing these types of aquarium backgrounds.
The main issue with taped backgrounds is they do not hold well. The tape will not stick over time, leading the fish tank background to fall down. You also will not have a clean look in the aquarium background as the image is often times washed out. One way to correct the washout effect would be to purchase a mounting and illumination kit.
A mounting kit mean to adhere a traditional aquarium background and enhance the look
Purchasing this kit will properly mount your aquarium background and bring it in line with your lighting. It turns your tape on into a glue on fish tank background that mounts like a cling product. While it is a good upgrade, the combo of this upgrade and the fish tank background itself make it more expensive than the SPORE line.
Therefore, I wouldn’t recommend this product if similar SPORE offerings are available when you are shopping. I feel that SPORE is a much better buy. These tape on backgrounds are only suitable if mounted with a kit.
Pros and Cons
- Cheap
- Easy to find locally and online
- Has to be taped
- Needs upgrades to show better
- Expense when you add the upgrades
How To Install
Installing an aquarium background is easier than you think. Below is a video by SPORN that you exactly how to install your background on your fish tank. I’ll leave some additional tips below.
Avoid Installing On An Empty Tank
Avoid installing these on a running aquarium. If you have to install these on a running aquarium, consider a mounted backlit background or a taped-on aquarium background. Also, always measure your aquarium with a tap measure to ensure you get the correct size prior to ordering or purchasing locally.
Clean The Back Of The Tank Before Mounting
Clings need a clean surface in order to fully adhere to the back of the aquarium. You can use household cleaner for the back, but make sure you do not use an ammonia-based product like Windex. The method brand at Target is good to use if you want an aquarium-safe option.
Use a Squeegee Or Credit Card
When installing, you need to edge out the fish tank background to eliminate the bubbles and to get a proper cling to the aquarium. A credit can work if you have nothing else, however, a squeegee is preferred as it is longer and easier to use.
Use A Straight Edge Razor For Final Cuts
You will need to make initial cuts to fit the background. Once it mounts, you can use a straight-edge razor or x-acto knife to cut the edges of the background for a flush fit. You can use scissors instead, but they aren’t as precise as a blade.
Why Are Static Clings So Good For Tanks?
Cling backgrounds are the best practice solution for aquariums in our industry. Here are several reasons why:
- They can be removed – Don’t like your fish tank background, just remove it and install another
- They are easy to install
- They last longer and are more durable than taped-on backgrounds
- Because they adhere to the surface of the aquarium, they illuminate better
To learn more about how static cling backgrounds work, you can check out this video below by 858 graphics. They explain how cling stickers work. Aquarium backgrounds are designed off white material, giving them a solid look. You shouldn’t purchase clear material clings for aquariums, as they will not show well in a display tank.
FAQS
Are Backgrounds Good For Tanks?
Aquarium backgrounds are great for fish tanks. They look great when installed correctly, hide wires and compliment the scaping you have in the tank. All aquariums should install an aquarium background unless the tank is designed to be viewed from multiple angles (e.g. – a Peninsula style tank)
Are They Tacky?
Some of the cheap backgounds you fish at pet and local fish stores can look tacky. These typically backgrounds that are not black, blue, or white and tape to a fish tank. These backgrounds can crack, fade, or break over them. These are the ones you want to avoid when purchasing an aquarium background.
Is A White Color Good For A Tank?
A pure white background is not the best looking background for an aquarium, however a frosted white background can look amazing. Frosted backgrounds are typically used in planted tanks. Certain styles like Nature Style Aquariums and iwagumi look amazing with these backgrounds.
Can I Put A Mirror Behind A Fish Tank?
You certainty can put a mirror behind a fish tank. This is usually used to keep a fish entertained as they will see their reflection and try to interact with it. It can also be used to curb the hostility of an aggressive fish. However, it’s not a great idea to have a mirror near an aquarium at all time
Can I Paint The Back Of My Tank?
Yes, you can paint the background of your aquarium. There are a few precautions to take when doing so, however. You should never paint the inside of the aquarium, only the back. You also will need to use paint that is safe for aquariums. Spray paint is typically used. Krylon Fusion is a trusted brand that has been used by aquarists for years.
Closing Thoughts
Backgrounds are an important part of any aquarium, and the type of background you choose can make a big difference in the overall look and feel of your tank. Cling backgrounds are our top pick for most hobbyists because they’re affordable, easy to install, and don’t require any special equipment. If you’re looking for something more flashy, backlit backgrounds can give your tank an extra pop. Just be sure to factor in the added cost if you decide to go this route. Taped backgrounds may be tempting because they’re so cheap, but we recommend avoiding them due to their low-quality materials and lack of durability.
Leave a comment below and let us know what kind of aquarium background you ended up choosing for your aquarium!
- About the Author
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I’m thrilled that you found Aquarium Store Depot! Here you’ll find information on fish, aquariums, and all things aquatics related. I’m a hobbyist (being doing this since I was 11) and here to help other hobbyists thrive with their aquariums! I adhere to a high quality Editorial Process and Review products with real life field usage and practical analysis.
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