A Question For Those With Painted Backgrounds

[littlewangzfan]

Do you clean the back of your tanks? I will be setting up a 220 pretty soon and was thinking if it will be a PITA to clean the back then I won't clean it at all. Just wondering how it will look like when algae starts to build up compared to tanks with 3d or diy backgrounds which look more natural with algae on it. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy doing maintenance on my tanks but I hate cleaning the back.

 

[screaminleeman]

I only have backing on one of my 20 or so tanks. It came with the tank I bought on E-bay. I personally hate backgrounds, but find that it is acceptable (to the point that I do not rip in off) only if I keep the back ultra clean. I do not have the same major issue with algea forming on the back of my non-lined tanks.

 

[JML1997]

I clean the back of my tank, though i've been considering the thought of not...

 

[bbortko]

I clean mine occasionally. Backgrounds are painted black and the algae looks splotchy, can't really see the color. One has a lot of driftwood and the other is planted so there is enough gong on in the tank that you don't really notice what is going on in the back unless you are looking for it. On my 125g with the driftwood I clean the front and sides every 2-3 weeks(based on need not laziness) and the background every 3-4 months.

 

[screaminleeman]

I prefer to have the back, or side bordering a wall with a very slight algea coat. I am exactly opposite and feel a dire need to clean the algea from the front glass or viewable side glass daily.. What is even worse (Totally neurotic) I am the single laziest and find myself totally unconcerned about water streakage on the exterior of the same two surfaces that drive me crazy on the interior.

 

[Redearsunfish]

Algae magnets solve all MY laziness problems.

 

[screaminleeman]

Algae magnets solve all MY laziness problems.

I have had these things in hand about a dozen times and always wound up putting them back on the shelf. I see them in pet chains and notice a rather large difference in price between similar sized units. Petsmart has Topfin (way cheaper than the name brand they carry).

Sounds like this is absolutely right up my alley, but with something like 20 tanks running, I would like to make the onetime investment wisely and not purchase 20 units of one brand and wish I had done more research and gone with a different one.

Have you noticed major "differences" between brands? What brand(s) do you prefer? As a rule of thumb, what is the most "appropriate" magnet size for tank size?
There I assume is a "formula" to be most "appropriate" for a tank size. While the largest may always be the "quickest" it probably is "inappropriate" to use in a 5 gallon tank.

 

[skillzizzo]

This thread makes no sence. It isnt any harder to clean the back then the other parts of the tank. Takes 2 minutes during water changes. Just my two sence the answer being looks like crap just the same as on any color back ground. Do a google search of tank algea im sure you will find plenty of pics. Sence most tank with plain color back grounds are usually either black, or blue.

 

[Dan F]

I never clean the back or left side of my tank (both are painted black). As the tank is built-in, it would be very, very difficult. Algae Magnets only work if you can get behind your tank, which isn't really possible with most really big tanks.

 

[Egon]

I have had these things in hand about a dozen times and always wound up putting them back on the shelf. I see them in pet chains and notice a rather large difference in price between similar sized units. Petsmart has Topfin (way cheaper than the name brand they carry).

Sounds like this is absolutely right up my alley, but with something like 20 tanks running, I would like to make the onetime investment wisely and not purchase 20 units of one brand and wish I had done more research and gone with a different one.

Have you noticed major "differences" between brands? What brand(s) do you prefer? As a rule of thumb, what is the most "appropriate" magnet size for tank size?
There I assume is a "formula" to be most "appropriate" for a tank size. While the largest may always be the "quickest" it probably is "inappropriate" to use in a 5 gallon tank.

I love these things! I have a 44" deep tank and it's a PITA cleaning it. The magnet I got was $120 and worth every cent! It's called Shark something lol and it's so strong I need to store the magnets separated or I need a screw driver to pry them apart.