DIY Black Background for Aquariums

An aquarium background dresses up your tank and gives it a neater look, but it serves a practical purpose as well. By blocking excess light from the rear of the tank, the background helps to reduce the growth of algae, making it easier to keep your aquarium clean. If you need a background for your aquarium, you can buy one at the pet store, but it is often more satisfying to make your own.

Things You'll Need

  • Measuring tape
  • Paint
  • Paint brushes
  • Glue
  • Packing tape
  • Scissors
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure the height and length of the back of the aquarium. Purchase enough black crinkle paper or construction paper to cover the back of the aquarium. It is best to buy more paper than you expect to need. This gives you room to experiment and still ensures you will have enough material for the aquarium background.

    • 2

      Lay out the paper and, if you bought crinkle paper, pull it tight. Sit heavy objects like rocks or boxes on the corners to keep the background as flat as possible.

    • 3

      Paint designs and decorations on the paper if you wish. Use non-toxic, water-based paints.

    • 4

      Glue pieces of plastic aquarium plants, rocks, seashells or other embellishments to the background.

    • 5

      Wait for the glue to dry, then trim the finished background and hold it up against the back of the tank. Secure one top corner of the background with a piece of clear packing tape, then do the same on the other top corner. Pull the background tight, then secure the other corners with packing tape.