How to Make a Fiberglass Fish Tank Backdrop

Fiberglass fish tank backdrops enhance the aesthetics of an aquarium and present another opportunity to theme the tank. A fiberglass backdrop easily hides unsightly pieces of aquarium equipment, such as heaters and internal filters. These backgrounds also have a calming effect on shy, nervous fish, by preventing the movement of curious people from both the front and back of the aquarium. Fish tank backdrops cut down on the amount of sunlight entering an aquarium and thereby prevent the growth of nuisance algae. Though fiberglass backdrops are commercially available, you can design and make one to suit your specific needs.

Things You'll Need

  • Aquarium
  • Measuring tape
  • 2 sheets of Styrofoam
  • Craft knife
  • 100 percent, non-toxic silicone sealer
  • Heat gun
  • Gloves
  • Respirator
  • Tin of marine epoxy resin
  • Numerous paint brushes
  • Fiberglass cloth
  • Aquarium-safe paint
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure the back pane of your aquarium and cut the Styrofoam sheet to the length and height of this piece of glass.

    • 2

      Cut this piece of Styrofoam into two sections, as you will not be able to place the full-length piece into an aquarium that has one or more braces connecting the front to the rear of the aquarium.

    • 3

      Use the knife to cut eight to 10 small, rock-like shapes from the second sheet of Styrofoam. Squeeze 1/4 teaspoon of non-toxic silicone sealer on the back of each piece and place them in natural positions on the two Styrofoam panels. Leave these panels to cure for 24 hours.

    • 4

      Use the sharp knife to further shape these small pieces and cut other rock shapes into the two large panels of Styrofoam.

    • 5

      Use the heat gun to remove any edges and to round off all the rock shapes.

    • 6

      Put on gloves and a respirator and paint a coat of marine epoxy resin over the surface of both Styrofoam panels.

    • 7

      Carefully cut a number of pieces of fiberglass cloth to fit over the various rock shapes on the Styrofoam and place these on the first pane.

    • 8

      Apply a coat of marine epoxy resin over the fiberglass cloth. Leave the resin to cure for at least four hours and repeat with the second Styrofoam panel.

    • 9

      Apply an extra two coats of resin and fiberglass cloth to each Styrofoam panel. Leave the resin to cure for at least four hours before applying the next pieces of cloth.

    • 10

      Use an aquarium-safe paint to paint the front section of both panels once the last coat of resin has cured. Leave the paint to dry for 24 hours.

    • 11

      Apply a layer of non-toxic silicone sealer to the entire back of the first panel. Place this panel against the inside rear glass pane of the aquarium and leave the silicone to cure for 24 hours. Place the second panel next to the first, but 3 inches to 4 inches away from the rear glass aquarium pane.

    • 12

      Place any unsightly filter pipes behind this panel.