7 Best Aquarium Backgrounds in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

Aquarium backgrounds are an important addition to your tank for both the aesthetics and your fish’s well-being. The proper background can prevent your fish from seeing their reflection in the glass, which can cause stress. For you, an aquarium background hides cords and equipment that are necessary for your aquarium’s function.

There are several things to consider when choosing a background, including the color, design, ease of use, and the effect it will have on your fish.

Here are our picks for the seven best aquarium backgrounds based on reviews from aquarists like you.

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites

The 7 Best Aquarium Backgrounds

The Penn-Plax Double-Sided Aquarium Fish Background is the best overall choice for aquarium backgrounds. Instead of different sizes, the reversible background comes in a large roll that can be cut to fit 45-gallon to 120-gallon aquariums. You even have enough to wrap around the sides to give your fish more security.

The background features a tropical blue side and a shalescape side that can be switched as you please. Made of waterproof plastic, this background will last for years after installation. In addition to fish, this background can be used for aquatic reptiles and amphibians. It doesn’t have its own adhesive, however, and you will need to be comfortable cutting it to size on your own. There aren’t alternatives for the design, either.

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Seaview Aquascape Reversible Background Aquarium Accessory is the best aquarium background for the money. It comes in three sizes and seven background styles, including Seascape/Natural Mystic, Aquagarden/Bright Stone, River Rock/Sea of Green, Slateways/Aquawild, Coral Bliss/Luscia Reef, Blue/Black, and Greenspike/Amazonia. The combination of two reversible backgrounds makes it easy to disguise aquarium cords and equipment while adding depth and dimension to your tank.

The Seaview Aquascape Reversible Background Aquarium Accessory is simple to switch when you want a new aesthetic but note that you have to install the background with the Seaview Background Mounting Solution, which is sold separately. Not all aquarium designs are available in all sizes, either.

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The Vepotek Double-Sided Fish Aquarium Background is our best premium choice. It’s available in five sizes (small, medium, large, extra-large, and extra-extra-large) and three styles (ocean seabed and coral reef, deep seabed and coral rock, and deep sea and water plants), so you can find the perfect fit for your aquarium size and aesthetic.

The background is crafted from high-quality waterproof film that can be cut to fit your tank. The images are high definition on anti-wrinkle materials with triple-layer poly film printing for vibrant colors and easy application. The film self-adheres to your tank as well, so there’s no need for extra adhesive. Some reviewers said that it didn’t stick well and isn’t waterproof, so it will show water damage over time.

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The Sporn Static Cling Tropical Aquarium Background comes in two sizes to fit smaller aquariums and reduce background light. It hides your cords and equipment while providing a naturalistic environment for your fish and added security. Made of static cling wrap, you can easily install or remove the background on a whim or adjust to fit. This background design suits aquarium fish and aquatic reptiles or amphibians.

Reviewers did mention that the colors are not as sharp or vibrant on the aquarium as they are in the example image. Some people struggled to get the background smooth, especially after reapplying. It doesn’t come in many sizes or background designs.

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The ELEBOX Fish Tank Background features a two-sided riverbed and lake background with waterproof and non-glare PVC. With detailed HD images and a range of design options, you can find the perfect aesthetic for your aquarium without compromising your fish’s comfort. There are several sizes of background posters to suit most aquarium sizes as well.

It comes with adhesive tape for easy installation. You may need to trim the edges of the background to fit your tank. There are no sizes for large aquariums. The pattern isn’t repeating, so the design you receive may differ from the picture shown when ordering. Some reviewers said that the design doesn’t fit the whole piece, so you may have a white border.

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The New 9091 Fish Tank Background is a unique background for freshwater aquariums. It had two sides, one with a floral design and the other with driftwood. It’s easy to apply and remove if you want to change the aesthetic. Reviewers noted that the colors are bold and bright, so you can see the scene through the aquarium.

It does not include an adhesive backing, so you will need to tape or glue it yourself. Reviewers struggled with air bubbles and waves upon application. Though it can be cut for smaller aquariums, there are no large-size options for bigger aquariums.

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HITOP Double Sides Aquarium Background offers three different designs and double sides for numerous aesthetic options. It can be cut to fit most aquarium sizes and features a clear, crisp image that covers stains or cords while giving your fish security. This background doesn’t use glue, so you can use gummed paper or tractable glue to attach it and remove it without marks or residue.

You can choose from a beach scene with an oceanfront and seashells with an underwater forest on the back, an ocean wave with a coral garden on the back, and a forest tree base in two seasons. Reviewers said the pictures are high quality and bright with high detail, but some had issues with the material creased or tearing. There are no large sizes for bigger aquariums.

Buyer’s Guide: What to Consider When Buying Aquarium Backgrounds

Aquarium backgrounds aren’t just about aesthetics. Here’s what to consider when buying an aquarium background:

Sizing

Sizing is extremely important when you’re choosing a background. While you can choose a background that only fits the back, it may be best to give your fish more cover with a large enough background to wrap around one or both sides. With most aquarium backgrounds, you may need to trim the edges to get a better fit.

Installation

Some backgrounds are made of laminated photos that need to be glued or taped to the back of the aquarium, while others have self-adhesive backing or cling wrap for easier installation. Others have mounts you need to purchase separately. It can be difficult to work with backgrounds and get them smooth, so make sure you read the directions before installing them.

Be sure to consider the installation options before making a purchase. Note that virtually all backgrounds are designed to go outside of the tank, not inside.

Design

Your aquarium design is partly to give the fish hiding spots, security, and naturalistic space, but it can also give you the aesthetic you’re after. It makes sense to pair background designs with your fish’s natural habitat and the décor in your tank. For example, tropical fish species pair well with coral décor and a reef background scene, while freshwater fish will look best with a lake or river bed scene.

You should also consider the colors of your fish and how they contrast with the design. For example, if you have dark or muted fish, they may “disappear” in a dark or busy background. Conversely, colorful fish will stand out more if you have a darker background.

Conclusion

The Penn-Plax Double-Sided Aquarium Fish Background is the best overall aquarium background for its range of sizes and colors. Seaview Aquascape Reversible Background Aquarium Accessory is the best aquarium background for the money, as it comes in multiple reversible designs and size options. The Vepotek Double-Sided Fish Aquarium Background is the premium choice that offers a large roll to cut to size.

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Featured Image Credit: marios hadjineophytou, Shutterstock