Black or Blue Background?

Vanimal

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Oct 2, 2012
935
3
0
Florida
I currently have a greenish/grayish fake stone background on my 220 gallon tank (The kind that's like a poster). I've gotten sick of it and want to switch it out for something new. I have black sand in the tank so I was thinking that a blue background would look nice but I hear a black background along with the sand would really make the fish pop. I was just wondering what most of you guys have or prefer. If you have pictures that would be great as well.
Thanks!


Sent from my iPad using MonsterAquariaNetwork app
 

xraycer

Arapaima
MFK Member
Sep 5, 2013
5,383
2,571
203
Southern NH USA
BLACK!!!!!

I find blue just looks fake for freshwater setups......looks good for saltwater for whatever reason......imho
 

brich999

Jack Dempsey
MFK Member
Jul 3, 2010
4,312
11
38
New Hampshire
I like a black background myself but it is all about preference. I find it doesnt look "fake" makes fish's color pop and filter pipes and stuff can be easily painted black to blend in. Also algea isnt quite as noticable but it is all preference
 

poppalina

Gambusia
MFK Member
Sep 26, 2010
669
27
18
Boston
I think it depends on which would make your fish look better, some fish will change colors to there environment .
 

Vanimal

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Oct 2, 2012
935
3
0
Florida
Thanks for the replies guys. I think I'll probably end up getting black but more opinions are always welcome. Does a black background make the tank look darker though?


Sent from my iPad using MonsterAquariaNetwork app
 

brich999

Jack Dempsey
MFK Member
Jul 3, 2010
4,312
11
38
New Hampshire
20120506_114628.jpg20130809_004911.jpgA bit darker yes. Thats part of what makes it look "natural" is it kinda gives off the look that it isnt the back of the tank but just a darker shadow behind.

Not the best pics but examples of blue and black background

20120506_114628.jpg

20130809_004911.jpg
 

Vanimal

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Oct 2, 2012
935
3
0
Florida

xraycer

Arapaima
MFK Member
Sep 5, 2013
5,383
2,571
203
Southern NH USA
Black adds depth to a tank which other colors can't. I also think that fish natural colors comes out more because they feel secure because they feel hidden
 

brich999

Jack Dempsey
MFK Member
Jul 3, 2010
4,312
11
38
New Hampshire
20120318_002205.jpg20120210_201042.jpg

And I know there are a lot of factors in the color of fish but everything looked a little light and washed out in the blue background with white sand compared to black back and sand made the fish darker. Only exception was my black piranha was almost invisible in an all black tank

20120318_002205.jpg

20120210_201042.jpg
 

xraycer

Arapaima
MFK Member
Sep 5, 2013
5,383
2,571
203
Southern NH USA
View attachment 978923View attachment 978926

And I know there are a lot of factors in the color of fish but everything looked a little light and washed out in the blue background with white sand compared to black back and sand made the fish darker. Only exception was my black piranha was almost invisible in an all black tank
Chocolate cichlids gets lost in black background as well
 
zoomed.com
hikariusa.com
aqaimports.com
Store