About 3-D Aquarium Backgrounds

3-D aquarium backgrounds have gained increasing popularity in recent years and continue to crop up at specialty shops in greater frequency. Numerous fish forums and aquarium groups now offer tips and tricks on putting together your own aquarium background, each with its own distinct pros and cons. Overall, the decision to make or purchase a 3-D aquarium background should be undertaken only after evaluating the options.

  1. Benefits

    • 3-D aquarium backgrounds present a beautifully rich and textural alternative to traditional flat tank backgrounds. They are often much more natural and realistic-looking within the tank and provide fish with a greater sense of security than glass. Additionally, many 3-D background materials offer beneficial bacteria with another place to colonize, potentially increasing the overall health of the tank.

    Drawbacks

    • Very deep or heavily textured backgrounds can be difficult to clean, and some are almost impossible to remove from the tank once set up. In fact, many custom DIY 3-D backgrounds cannot be removed from the tank at all. Some backgrounds can also make it much harder to catch sick or injured fish, and to find adequate locations for filtration and heating equipment.

    Store-bought

    • Most store-bought 3-D aquarium backgrounds are made from high-impact foam with an aquarium-safe polyurethane coating. They are often highly detailed, and come in a wide assortment of colors and styles, from simple rock-scapes to dramatic "jungle temple" looks. They are very lightweight and easy to install, but are not generally available in custom sizes and are often very expensive.

    Concrete

    • DIY backgrounds made from carved Styrofoam and a layer of concrete are the most frequently seen on How-To forums, and are a much more cost-effective way of adding a 3-D background to your aquarium. They can generally be built at a very low cost, and are able to be completely customized---only limited by the creator's imagination. Any attempts to create a concrete background from scratch should only be done after thorough research, as concrete can cause deadly pH swings if not cured and aged properly.

    Stone

    • Considered by some to be the predecessor to more elaborate versions, some aquarists still use a simple combination of flat stones and aquarium silicone to create backgrounds for their tanks. These can range from a single layer of flagstone or slate to more detailed stacks of glued rocks. Aquarium silicone always needs to be thoroughly cured before the tank is filled to prevent chemical leaching.