How to Build an Aquarium Background With Styrofoam

The right background can set the tone for your aquarium, but it can be difficult to choose a background that fits your tank. While there are a number of commercial backgrounds available for aquarium owners, they can all appear similar after awhile. By making your own custom background, you can dress up your aquarium and save money at the same time.

Things You'll Need

  • Measuring tape
  • Styrofoam sheets
  • Exacto knife
  • Putty knife
  • Acrylic paint
  • Paint brushes
  • Plastic plants
  • Clear tape
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure the back of your aquarium using your measuring tape. Obtain the height by measuring the whole way down from the top of the tank to where the stand starts. Measure the entire width of the tank from end to end.

    • 2

      Trim your styrofoam sheet to the exact size you need using the Exacto knife. Choose a thick piece of styrofoam if you want to create the illusion of depth in your aquarium. Choose a thinner piece of styrofoam if you want more of a flat look.

    • 3

      Create gullies in your styrofoam with the putty knife. This will create a three dimensional look and make your aquarium look more interesting.

    • 4

      Apply the acrylic paint to your styrofoam with a paint brush. When painting your styrofoam background it is best to stick with natural colors like greens and browns. You can add a touch of blue if you want to create the illusion of blue skies and sunshine on the back of your aquarium.

    • 5

      Paint a design that is pleasing to the eye, or simply paint the background in solid colors. Use textured paint for a more natural look and feel.

    • 6

      Attach plastic plants to the styrofoam background, if you wish. These plants can create a unique look and make your aquarium look more natural.

    • 7

      Hold the styrofoam background against the back of your aquarium and make sure it is straight. Attach a small piece of clear tape to the back of the styrofoam background and use it to attach the background to the side of the tank. Look in the front of the tank to make sure the background looks good, then apply more tape to hold the background firmly in place.