Best Aquarium Backgrounds
Aquarium backgrounds can really enhance the visual aesthetics of your tank. They come in a range of styles. The best aquarium background for you will depend on a number of factors including the size and shape of your tank, as well as the types of fish and plant life that you keep in your aquarium. Below we outline some of our favorite options.
3D Aquarium Background – Reviews
3D aquarium backgrounds can be a great addition to your fish tank. Below we review the best options on the market today:
Universal Rocks 48-Inch by 20-Inch Ledge Background
A Little Bit Fishy Score: 4.5/5
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This Universal Rocks 48-Inch by 20-Inch Ledge Flexible Aquarium Background is perhaps the most realistic 3D aquarium background available today. It is easy to install and has ledges that can be great for your fish or other aquatic animals to rest on.
The background looks great and is an amazing addition to most tanks of this size. One nice option is to also purchase matching rocks from the same provider to build out other parts of your tank.
InKach Aquarium Rock Background – 3D Foam
A Little Bit Fishy Score: 4/5
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This InKach Rock design is made of 3D foam. It measures 23.6” x 17.7” x 1.6” ( 60 x 45 x 4cm) in size. The material itself is a non-toxic foam. It is easy to install – best with using a silicone glue that is suitable for your aquarium.
The aquarium background can be installed by itself, although we feel that it would work very well in a planted tank too. Adding rocks of a similar color to other parts of the tank is also a good option.
Intense Rock – Detailed – 3D Look
A Little Bit Fishy Score: 3.5/5
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This aquarium background has a realistic rock feel. Unlike the other options discussed above, however, it is not 3D. Instead it should be applied to the outside of the aquarium using tape. A more economical option, and one that will not take up unnecessary space in your tank.
Natural Slate Stone 3 to 5 inch Rocks for Aquascaping Aquariums
A Little Bit Fishy Score: 4.5/5
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This natural slate is a high quality option for your aquarium. Instead of blanketing the aquarium background, these rocks can be used to build up various features in your tank. It can be piled up in order to hide aquarium accessories and improve the aesthetics of your tank. Alternatively it can be used to build ledges, walkways, arches and other shapes – both to enhance the look of your tank and to give the tank inhabitants something to play with!
If you would prefer a slightly darker appearance this can be done by applying a clear sealant. Alternatively these stones could be mixed with other types to give a varied appearance in your tank.
Caige Reptile Habitat 3D Aquarium Background
A Little Bit Fishy Score: 4/5
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If you don’t want to go the natural slate route then this 3D foam background could be a good option. It offers a realistic, rock shaped aquarium background. It is comprised of PU foam, colored with environmentally friendly materials.
The foam is 60 cm by 45cm (approx 24 inches by 18 inches). It can also be cut / adjusted to fit different shaped tanks.
Black Aquarium Background – Reviews
Black aquarium backgrounds can make for a stunning backdrop to your aquarium. Particularly if you have bright fish or coral that will be lit up. Below we review the best options on the market today.
Marina Precut, Blue/Black, 18 x 36
A Little Bit Fishy Score: 4/5
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This 36 by 18 inches aquarium background from Marina is simple to use. It is made from durable, water resistant material. It is also reversible, giving you the option between the two colors – and the ability to change your mind at a later date!
Also available in 24 inches by 12 inches.
Sea Blue and Night Deep Sea
A Little Bit Fishy Score: 4/5
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This aquarium background is approx 48 inches by 20 inches. It is two sided – giving you the option between sea blue and night deep sea colors. And the ability to change your mind at a later stage – the background is reversible.
Vepotek Aquarium Background Ocean Blue/Black Double Sides 36 by 24 Inch
A Little Bit Fishy Score: 4/5
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This aquarium background is approx 36 inches by 24 inches. It is two sided – giving you the option between ocean blue and black. And the ability to change your mind at a later stage – the background is reversible. The background is made from a waterproof film.
It is also available in 24×24, 24×48 and 24×60 sizes.
Other Options
Aside from 3D and black aquarium backgrounds there are a range of other options too. Here are some of the best options available.
2 Sided Driftwood/Floral Background Aquarium
A Little Bit Fishy Score: 4/5
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This double sided aquarium background is 19.5 x 48 inches in size, making it great for a 45 gallon long (if trimmed) or a 40 gallon long tank. It offers two detailed and interesting images that provide a great backdrop to many aquariums. Choose between the driftwood or floral views. It is easy to apply and can also be removed and / or reversed at a later date should you wish to do so.
Double-Sided Adhesive Wallpaper – Underwater Backdrop
A Little Bit Fishy Score: 4/5
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Another interesting background that is easy to attach. We find the starfish image to be too busy, but the second image is serene.
HD Stone Aquarium Background
A Little Bit Fishy Score: 4/5
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This stone background has a realistic feel. If you don’t want to add a 3D background to your tank, but still want the stone effect, this background might be for you!
Underwater Forest Aquarium Background
A Little Bit Fishy Score: 4/5
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This Underwater Forest Aquarium Background is easy to attach to your aquarium. It is approximately 36 inches by 20 inches in size. Many people regarded as being of good quality. Our only issue with it is the image itself – it feels a little too psychedelic / post-apocalyptic for our taste. Instead we prefer a lighter and more serene image such as the ocean floor or starfish options discussed below.
Ocean Floor Aquarium Background
A Little Bit Fishy Score: 4/5
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This ocean floor aquarium background has a serene feel. It does not require any tape or glue to apply – simply cut to size, spray glass with water and apply. and squeegee out any air bubbles.
Unlike other background, this one could look great applied to two or even 3 sides of the tank. This is especially true if your tank is in the corner of a room and you want to apply it to the two sides up against the wall.
Seashell Starfish Aquarium Background
A Little Bit Fishy Score: 5/5
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This Seashell Starfish Aquarium Background has a softer feel than many other options. With pastel and sandy colors it makes for a classy and discrete background for your aquarium. The 3D effect is incredibly effective. It is made of high quality PVC and is waterproof, durable and easy to clean.
One great feature is that the background is self adhesive – simply peel and stick onto your tank. It is available in a range of sizes.
Fantasy Star Aquarium Background – USA Flag
A Little Bit Fishy Score: 4/5
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This USA flag aquarium background provides something a little different. Measuring approx 16 inches by 24 inches it can either be applied across the width of the tank, or even to part of a larger tank.
Unlike many of the other options discussed above, this image is one sided only. It does, however, make for an interesting backdrop to your aquarium and looks great by itself or a part of a planted tank.
Other sizes available too.
Mangrove with Sunlight/Aquarium Background
A Little Bit Fishy Score: 4/5
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This Mangrove with Sunlight/Aquarium Background offers something out of the ordinary. The image makes for a great background and blends in well with other components in your tank. This model in particular is suitable for 55 gallon tanks.
Aquarium Backgrounds – Conclusion
Hopefully that helped you to identify some great aquarium background options for your tank. Once you’ve found one that works for your tank (and its inhabitants) a great background really can add a lot to the visual display of your tank.