Inexpensive Backgrounds for tanks

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Dec 11, 2004 2:08 am

I made a similar post about a year ago but thought I would put it out again for any of the new people who are pinched for money or just want to have some fun. It is an alternative way to get a nice background for your tank without paying the rediculous per inch charge the pet stores charge for theirs.I use wall paper to make different background for my tanks, you could even do seasonal of holiday backgrounds too. I bought a roll of wallpaper (light colored) that I got for $1.50 (clearance) and I measure the back of my tank and cut a piece that size then I just draw a picture on it and paint it. then tape it to the backside of the tank. If you aren't very artistic you could always download some beach picture or something and print them out then glue or tape them to the wallpaper. One lady told me she took different artificial leaves and glued them to the wallpaper to give it the jungle look. Or you can cut the wallpaper out and let your kids decorate it with finger paints or crayons great way to get some quality time and the kids will love that there masterpieces are displayed in such an important place. Then if you decide to make multiple ones so you can change them for the seasons or holidays just take the current on off (remove any tape) and roll it up and put it in a tube (a cut down wrapping paper tube works great)and it will be protected and out of the way until the next time you want to use it.If anyone can come up with some more ideas for decorating the wall paper please post them I would love to get a huge collection of ideas together.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Dec 14, 2004 5:24 am

That's an awesome idea! I bet it would look really cool with the fake plants glued on it! Or maybe a volcano drawn in the back. Hmm...(thinking of crazy new backgrounds to make)Thanks for the great idea!

CrabbyJ · Post by **CrabbyJ** » Tue Dec 14, 2004 6:05 am

You could also use shelf paper or material. I found a really pretty material at Wal-mart with starfish and a blue background.Nice of you to post this HRS!

GSnicklegrove · Post by **GSnicklegrove** » Tue Dec 14, 2004 7:19 am

After Gaby awhile back posted pics of her fabric backgrounds, I beelined it to Joanne's craft and fabric store, and bought lovely material for use as background and insulation for not only my crab tanks, but gecko tanks as well.I bought packs of heavy duty magnets at Lowe's for $1.52 (a pack of 6) making the changing of the background for seasonal purposes a cinch, as well as being able to launder the background as necessary easily. Somewhere on LHC I have seen another member use beautiful sarongs for tank backgrounds.The other beautiful thing about using magnets is, you can uncover the sides of the tank when you want to, but on a chilly, blustery night, you can close the cloth around the tank. Plus, each tank looks more original than one of those backgrounds with pictures of plastic plants. lol Gertie

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Dec 14, 2004 7:24 am

I use fabrics as well - on my fish tanks as well as for crabs and whatnot.It's *especially* nice to have on my saltwater tank - the salt creep drives me NUTS, and the akward (and pricey) plastic backgrounds are just annoying to clean. A chunk of fabric I can just toss in the washer

kuplakrabs · Post by **kuplakrabs** » Tue Dec 14, 2004 10:39 am

Gertie, great idea with the magnets! I love to sew, so I think I will add this to my project list Did you affix the magnets to the inside of the tank or do you just repostion the interior ones each time you put the new background up?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Dec 14, 2004 11:52 am

Adding to that anyone who is into quilting could make a nice quilt block for the back of the tank. It would be a great way to combine 2 different hobbies. Or keep it in mind if you have someone in your family who quilts when they ask you next year what you want for Xmas you can tell them you want a quilt made for your hermies and see how long it takes to register what you said LOL...I will try that on my Mom next time she asks.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Dec 14, 2004 1:15 pm

I use fabric from Joanne Fabrics as well for the main tank-viv i have bamboo fabric and then the smaller tanks i have underwater sea pic..