3D Aquarium Backgrounds

In most aquariums, the background is little more than a laminated piece of paper that is taped onto the outside of the back of the aquarium. Gravel is sloped low in the front to thick in the back and decorations are added to create the illusion of depth. The laminated background does little other than to prevent looking through your aquarium and seeing dangling power cords and the wall.

If you are looking to spruce up your tank and add depth, texture and personality, you should consider 3d aquarium backgrounds.

Universal Rocks 48-Inch by 20-Inch Rocky Flexible Aquarium Background
Universal Rocks 36-Inch by 16-Inch Ledge Aquarium/Reptile Rigid Foam Background
Universal Rocks 48-Inch by 24-Inch Rocky Flexible Aquarium Background
Universal Rocks 48-Inch by 20-Inch Ledge Flexible Aquarium Background
Universal Rocks 24-Inch by 12-Inch Ledge Aquarium/Reptile Rigid Foam Background

Best 3D Aquarium Backgrounds

3D Aquarium Background Aesthetics

3d aquarium backgrounds are placed within the tank along the back wall. The 3d background sticks out several inches and is textured to add depth to aquarium. From a purely aesthetic standpoint, the 3d aquarium background is easily superior to the standard 2d backgrounds.

Replicating the Natural Environments of Fish

3d backgrounds are also preferred by many fish as it creates an environment that much more closely mimics their natural habitat.
For example, African Cichlids come from very rocky lakes and their aquariums should be decorated to resemble this. The 3d background for the aquarium will complement the rocky decorations to add much more than could be achieved through decoration alone. This can help to alleviate stress in your fish and prevent some aggression.

Buying Considerations

When you are buying a 3d aquarium background, there are many things to consider.

Size

When buying a standard 2d background, the most important dimension is the height as most fish stores stock them by the roll. There is a roll of many feet long by several common heights. When you ask the salesperson for help, they will cut the length for you as needed. More often than not, they will cut the length slightly longer for you and you can trim as you want to fit your tank. 3d aquariums cannot be cut and must be purchased at exactly the correct size.
3d backgrounds can also be installed to complement traditional 2d backgrounds. 3d backgrounds look beautiful as infill in corners. They help to reduce the “boxy” look of typical rectangular tank. These are should obviously be smaller than the tank length, but still should be the same height as your aquarium. In our experience, background lengths that span roughly ½ to ⅔ the length of the aquarium for the optimal look.

Loss of Space

One major consideration when deciding to use 3d aquarium backgrounds is the loss of space within the aquarium. 2d backgrounds go on the outside and have no impact on the inside, but 3d backgrounds are located within the water. This can reduce the effective volume of water that your fish can swim in. 3d aquarium backgrounds can reduce the effective water volume by up to 15%. Keep this in mind when you are making your decision.

Cost

Perhaps the largest issue to consider is that 3d aquarium backgrounds cost significantly more than 2d backgrounds. 2d backgrounds usually only cost a few bucks, but larger 3d backgrounds can run several hundred dollars.