How to Install a Background in a Fish Tank

A properly maintained fish tank can make a beautiful addition to any home, but power cords hanging down the back of the tank can be distracted and unsightly. To hide the assembly of power cords needed to keep your fish tank running and to enhance the appearance of your tank, install a background. This can be as simple as hanging an interchangeable plastic background or you can choose a more permanent option by painting the back of your tank.

Things You'll Need

  • Plastic aquarium background
  • Scissors
  • Clear water-resistant tape
  • Blue or black acrylic or latex paint (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure the length and height of your fish tank to determine what size background you need. Pet stores generally offer a selection of interchangeable aquarium backgrounds to accommodate most of the standard tank sizes.

    • 2

      Visit your local pet supply retailer or browse online for interchangeable aquarium backgrounds. Interchangeable aquarium backgrounds are often sheets of plastic on which a photo or decorative pattern has been printed. If you would like to create the illusion of a densely-planted tank, select a background depicting a variety of aquatic plants. If you are not picky, you can choose a simple colored background.

    • 3

      Have the aquarium background cut to the size you need for your aquarium. Most pet stores sell aquarium backgrounds by the inch but you may also be able to find pre-cut backgrounds sized for certain types of fish tanks.

    • 4

      Hold the aquarium background up against the back of your fish tank, aligning the edges with all four sides of the tank. If your aquarium background is double-sided, be sure the side you want to show is the side pressed against the glass. Have someone hold the background in place while you step back and look through the tank to be sure it covers the back of the tank completely.

    • 5

      Trim the edges of the background with scissors, if necessary, and secure it in place with a few pieces of clear water-resistant tape. Use one piece of tape to secure each corner of the background and place at least one more piece lengthwise about halfway between each of the corners.

    • 6

      Paint the back of your aquarium using blue or black acrylic or latex paint in order to create a more permanent background. Apply the paint to the outside of the tank on the back side and allow it to dry completely before filling the tank.