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Home > Goldfish > 6 Best Realistic Backgrounds for Goldfish Tanks in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

6 Best Realistic Backgrounds for Goldfish Tanks in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

lionhead goldfish swimming

Many aquarium backgrounds can appear fake and contain very brightly colored reefs and other non-aquatic plants that make it look unrealistic when used as a background in a goldfish aquarium, as they do not live in this type of environment. This can make a well-put-together goldfish aquarium look unsightly, so many goldfish keepers will search for an aquarium background that looks realistic and improves the overall appearance of the aquarium while blending in with the other decorations and substrate.

We have put together a list of the most realistic and natural-looking tank backgrounds complete with in-depth reviews that you can place in your goldfish aquarium.

divider-fishA Quick Look at Our Favorites in 2024

Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
Sporn Cling Aquarium Background Sporn Cling Aquarium Background
  • Comes in two different sizes
  • Easy to apply
  • Adds depth and texture to the aquarium
  • Best Value
    Second place
    Vepotek Double-Sided Aquarium Background Vepotek Double-Sided Aquarium Background
  • Constructed of anti-wrinkle material
  • Made of high-quality material
  • Two background options to choose from
  • Premium Choice
    Third place
    Sheens Aquarium Fish Tank Poster Sheens Aquarium Fish Tank Poster
  • Detailed HD affect
  • Durable
  • Easy application
  • The 6 Best Realistic Backgrounds for Goldfish Tanks

    1. Sporn Cling Aquarium Background – Best Overall

    Sporn Cling Aquarium Background

    Dimensions: 24 × 12 inches
    Application method: Static cling
    Features: Depth, plants
    Size options: Small and medium

    The best background overall is the realistic-looking Sporn Static Cling Tropical Aquarium Background. This background features a variety of natural plants that are green, black, and ruby in coloration. The plants have been arranged in such a way that it adds depth to the aquarium. It can easily be applied to the back of a goldfish aquarium by the static cling, so you do not need to use glue or tape to stick this background onto the aquarium properly.

    This background can help to hide clutter at the back of the aquarium, such as wires, and other electrical equipment, and can help to add texture to the aquarium by enhancing the colors and appearance of any live plants and decorations. 

    Pros
    • Comes in two different sizes
    • Easy to apply
    • Adds depth and texture to the aquarium
    • Natural-looking
    Cons
    • The static cling application may cause bubbles to form underneath

     


    2. Vepotek Double-Sided Aquarium Background – Best Value

    Vepotek Double-Sided Aquarium Background

    Dimensions: 60 × 23.6 inches
    Application method: Adhesive solution
    Features: Double-sided, open oceans, plants
    Size options: Small to 3X large

    The best background for the money is the Vepotek Double-Sided Fish Aquarium Background, Deep Sea & Water Plants background because it comes in various sizes and is made of durable material. This aquarium background allows you to choose from two different sections with a different view on each side. One side has a simple and plain blue ocean, while the other side has a depth of plants and substrate which can look striking in a planted goldfish aquarium.

    This background has been crafted from a high-quality durable film and it has 3-layers with triple-layered poly film as a printing technique to enhance the realism of this background piece. It should be applied with the Vepotek adhesive solution, which is sold separately, but any brand of aquarium background adhesive should work too.

    Pros
    • Constructed of anti-wrinkle material
    • Made of high-quality material
    • Two background options to choose from
    Cons
    • Needs an adhesive to be attached to the back of an aquarium

    3. Sheens Aquarium Fish Tank Poster– Premium Choice

    Sheens Water Grass Style Fish Tank Poster

    Dimensions: 83 × 16.14 inches
    Application method: Self-adhesive
    Features: Planted aquarium
    Size options:
    • Small to very large 

    Our premium choice is the Sheens Water Grass Style Aquarium Fish Tank Poster poster because it offers a highly realistic planted tank visual of exceptional quality. This aquarium background can enhance the overall view of your goldfish aquarium through the striking jungle-like plant arrangement. It is made from thickened PVC and it is waterproof, non-glare, and does not fade easily. This aquarium background can offer a natural look to goldfish tanks thanks to the detailed HD image printed for a realistic appearance.

    It can be applied to the tank by the self-adhesive cling material, which means that you do not have to use a specific glue or tape to stick this to the back of your goldfish aquarium. 

    Pros
    • Detailed HD affect
    • Durable
    • Easy application
    Cons
    • Air bubbles may form during application

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    4. AWERT River Bed & Lake Aquarium Background

    Awert Riverbed and Lake Aquarium Background

    Dimensions: 48 × 20 inches
    Application method: Glue
    Features: Plants and setting sun
    Size options: Small to 4X large

    The AWERT River Bed & Lake Aquarium Background is made from lightweight vinyl cloth, and it can easily be folded without getting damaged. It features vibrant colors with a detailed HD image that increases the visual depth inside an aquarium. This aquarium background comes in plenty of different sizes from small to very large so it can fit onto all types of different-sized goldfish aquariums.

    This durable and clear background image can be applied to the back of an aquarium using adhesive glue, but you can also use tape as the material will not stick to the glass or acrylic aquarium panels by itself.

    Pros
    • Detailed HD image
    • Comes in many different sizes
    • Durable and lightweight
    Cons
    • The application glue needs to be purchased separately

    5. Zerodis Aquarium Poster

    Zerodis Aquarium Poster (1)

    Dimensions: 24 × 15.7 inches
    Application method: Self-adhesive
    Features: 3D water grass image
    Size options: Small to large

    This is a realistic yet simple and efficient background design with a clear pattern. The Zerodis Aquarium Poster, Seafloor Water Grass is made of PVC material that is firm, does not stain, is durable, and long-lasting. The clear pattern looks attractive in planted goldfish aquariums, and it is easy to attach because it is self-adhesive, which means that you do not have to use glue or tape that could leave residue on the aquarium panel.

    The vivid colors from this aquarium background do not fade easily and are waterproof so you do not have to worry about water stains or sun rays damaging the quality of this aquarium background.

    Pros
    • A bright and clear pattern
    • Water-proof and durable
    • Resistant to sun damage
    Cons
    • Needs an adhesive glue

    6. donau Double Sided Aquarium Background

    Donau Double-Sided Aquarium Background

    Dimensions: 16 × 32 inches
    Application method: Tape
    Features: Double-sided
    Size options: Small to large

    The beautiful double-sided donau Double Sided Aquarium Background Poster is ideal for long aquariums. The two featured images are a rocky background with grass and on the opposite side is a simple underwater picture with stones at the bottom. It is not self-adhesive so you will need to use tape to stick this to the back of the goldfish aquarium. There are seven different size options so it can be used on a variety of different sized tanks.

    The image is crisp and clear and made of thick plastic-like material. This material is water-resistant and does not get damaged easily.   

    Pros
    • Water-resistant material
    • Clear image
    • Durable
    Cons
    • Needs tape to be able to stick to the back of an aquarium

    divider-fishbowl

    Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Realistic Background for Your Goldfish Tank

    Why choose a realistic background for your goldfish aquarium?

    Having a realistic background on your goldfish tank will help to enhance and improve the appearance of a plain goldfish tank. This can help to make the tank more modern without standing out too much and ruining the view of your aquarium with the goldfish and plants inside. Most aquarium keepers want a background that will match the aesthetics of the overall aquarium.

    Choosing a realistic background that has freshwater plants and imagery is more appealing to most goldfish owners than colorful reef and ocean backgrounds which are better suited for saltwater aquariums.

    What are the benefits of having a background in goldfish aquariums?

    • The background cover can hide wiring and other aquarium equipment that is usually hidden at the back and can easily be seen by clear-backed aquariums.
    • Aquarium backgrounds can enhance the overall look of the aquarium, especially if the aquarium matches the type of picture on the background cover.
    • They can add visual depth and texture to aquariums and make them look less plain.

    divider-fishConclusion

    Our top picks from the realistic aquarium backgrounds that we have reviewed are, first, the Sporn Static Cling Tropical Aquarium Background because it’s affordable, looks realistic, and is visually pleasing, while also being self-adhesive so you do not have to use tape or glue to stick this background to your goldfish aquarium. Second, our premium choice is the Sheens Water Grass Style Aquarium Fish Tank Poster poster because it has an HD picture that is waterproof and can easily be applied to the back of your goldfish aquarium to give it a natural look.


    Featured Image Credit By: Huy Thoai, Shutterstock

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