Which Is The Best Fish Tank Background On The UK Market?
A good fish tank background should appear as if there’s actual coral reef inside the aquarium. Look for a background with a high definition image that appears highly realistic when viewed through the aquarium.
You can also get a plain black background blocks external light, making your fish, plants and other features stand out more. Another option is a plain white background that enhances the aquarium’s lighting and adds some nice shadows.
An aquarium background sticker is also a handy way to hide things you don’t want seen like cords, tubes and equipment on the side of your tank.
Fish tank backgrounds are not just good for aesthetics. They can help certain fish relax by providing a more natural-looking environment and blocking them from seeing their own reflection (some fish get stressed or aggressive when they see their reflection on the side of the tank).
In this buying guide, we recommend the best fish tank backgrounds on the UK market and give you some tips on how to choose the best one for your aquarium.
Here is a quick summary if you don’t want to read all the details reviews below.
Best Fish Tank Backgrounds (UK Market)
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Our Top Pick
| Wave Double Background Wonder Blister, 45 X 100 cm
| 9.2
| Check Price On Amazon |
Vivid Colours
| Coral Reef Décor Aquarium Background Poster, 61 x 41cm
| 9.1
| Check Price On Amazon |
Easy To Install
| Wave Double Background Mystic Blister, 45 X 100 cm
| 8.9
| Check Price On Amazon |
Value For Money
| Wave Double Background Amazonia Blister, 45 X 100 cm
| 8.8
| Check Price On Amazon |
Cut To Size
| Pistachio Pet – Double-Sided Background Aquarium Poster, 45 x 100 cm
| 8.7
| Check Price On Amazon |
Features to Consider When Choosing a Fish Tank Background
A. Image vs. Plain Background
The first thing you need to decide is whether you want a plain background or an image background.
Backgrounds with images are the most popular. Most have images from under the sea depicting coral reefs, aquatic plants and other sea life.
An image background is ideal if your fish tank is looking a bit wan and you are looking for an inexpensive way to make it pop.
A plain background is ideal if you want to enhance the inside of your fish tank by blocking ambient light and adding depth to the aquarium.
If you already like how your aquarium looks, a plain black or white background will make it even prettier.
B. Size
Get a background sticker that’s the same size as the side of the fish tank you plan to stick it on.
If you cannot get an exact match, get one that’s as close as possible in size but bigger than side of the fish tank. You can then trim it to the right size.
C. Image Quality
If you plan to buy an image background, image quality is a big deal. A high-resolution image will look more realistic and add depth to the aquarium.
D. Double Sided
Most fish tanks backgrounds are printed on both sides. You essentially get two stickers in one. You can flip to either side depending on what you want to see. Just make sure the sticker has different backgrounds on each side.
Even plain fish tank backgrounds tend to be double sided: black on one side and white on the other.
E. Ease of Installation
Get a fish tank background that easy to install without leaving bubbles and other defects that are easily noticeable.
Self-adhesive backgrounds are the easiest to install since you don’t need any glue or tape.
If you buy a background that requires glue, get one of those specialised adhesives formulated for fish tank posters/stickers. Two popular adhesives are Seaview and Juwel Poster Fix It.
Using the right adhesive makes installation much easier, reduces formation of air bubbles and it ensures the background lasts long before it begins to detach from the side of the tank.
- Note: Unless otherwise specified, fish tank background stickers always go on the outside of the tank, not the inside. Use a credit card or ruler to smooth out bubbles once you attach the sticker.
F. Paint Background
Lately, some aquarium owners have been ditching background stickers for a more permanent alternative – paint.
Any paint that’s made for the material your fish tank is made of – glass or acrylic – will work. Use 2-3 coats to get a completely opaque background.
A paint background suitable if your main aim is to block external light and prevent fish reflections.
Of course, a paint background takes more time to apply and is messy. It’s also hard to remove. With sticker backgrounds, you can easily change the look of your fish tank by flipping the sticker or replacing it with another one.
But if you prefer a permanent background that you are sure will be opaque, paint is the best option.
Top 5 Reviews
1. Wave Double Background Wonder Blister, 45 X 100 cm
This double-sided poster features two different under-sea images on each side, so you can flip it to change how your fish tank looks.
Installing the poster is easy. The only challenging part is flattening it. It comes rolled up and you need to get it flat before sticking it.
We highly recommend using specialised fish tank adhesive for easy installation. Note that the glue is not included.
Image quality is great. The high-resolution images look very realistic and add a nice 3D depth effect to the aquarium.
2. Coral Reef Décor Aquarium Background Poster, 61 x 41cm
What we love most about this poster are the vivid colours. If you are looking to brighten your fish tank, this is a great background.
The high definition coral reef image look highly realistic. Unfortunately, this is a one-sided poster, so you cannot flip it.
The poster is made from canvas. This makes it durable, waterproof and easy to clean.
It is self-adhesive, so you don’t need to buy tape or glue to install it. A credit card works great for removing bubbles trapped under the poster.
3. Wave Double Background Mystic Blister, 45 X 100 cm
The Wave fish tank Double Background gives you a choice between a view of blue ocean waves or the dark world under the sea.
The significant contrast between the two images lets you drastically change the appearance of your fish tank simply by flipping the poster.
The blue waves side creates a relaxing and tranquil effect that perfectly complements fish and plants in the tank. The other side creates a darker background that adds dramatic depth to the fish tank and enhances the fish and plants inside.
You can attach the poster to your fish tank using ordinary tape. But to get the most out of the images, use specialized fish tank adhesive. It’ll stick the poster to the tank more securely and make the poster appear brighter and clearer.
4. Wave Double Background Amazonia Blister, 45 X 100 cm
If you are looking for a fish tank background with lots of green, get this double-sided Wave poster. Both images feature a scene from under the water rocks, plants and tiny fish swimming.
Image quality is great and installation is easy. You can use tape to attach the poster, but a fish tank poster adhesive works best.
The only complaint from customers is that the poster arrives tightly rolled up. Getting the poster flat takes a bit of work.
5. Pistachio Pet – Double-Sided Background Aquarium Poster, 45 x 100cm
The Pistachio Pet aquarium background contrasts between a green plant life image on one side and a colourful coral image on the other. Try both sides to see which effect goes best with your fish tank.
Both images look great and add a nice depth to the aquarium.
As with other aquarium posters, this one comes rolled up. Once you get it flat, it’s easy to install it. You can use tape or glue.
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Jack Bennett
My name is Jack Bennett. I'm husband, father and aquarist enthusiast. I hope you will learn more about fish keeping with me.
