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Best Aquarium Backgrounds: Our Top Picks 2024

If you’re looking for a good aquarium background to make your fish tank look just a little bit better, you’ve come to the right place. I’m about to show you the best aquarium backgrounds that the market has to offer, so let’s take a look. 

Best Aquarium Backgrounds

Top 5 Best Aquarium Backgrounds: Reviews

Here are some of my absolute favorite aquarium backgrounds, so let’s take a quick look.

1. Aquatic Plant River Bed & Lake Fish Tank Background: Our Top Pick

AWERT 48x18 inches Aquarium Background Aquatic Plant River Bed & Lake Fish Tank...
  • ❀ Size: 48(W)x18(H)inches/120(W)*45cm(H).
  • ❀ Material: Terrarium Background is made from Vinyl cloth, light weight, can be folded,...

Here is an extremely beautiful aquarium background that is suitable for freshwater tanks. It features a wide variety of greenery, rocks, and even small fish for you to look at. It’s one of the brightest, greenest, and most colorful aquarium backgrounds out there, which also happens to be suitable for terrarium backgrounds.

Keep in mind that it comes in very many different sizes, ranging anywhere from 24 by 12 inches all the way up to 72 by 24 inches. The material is made out of vinyl cloth, which is very lightweight, durable, and can easily be folded.

Being durable is of course very important here. Furthermore, the image itself is very detailed and in high definition, so it’s very easy to see, and it helps to increase the visual depth of the aquarium as well. Just like most other aquarium backgrounds, this one tapes to the outside of your tank, so it’s not actually inside of the water.

Pros

  • Durable design
  • Easy to mount
  • Nice for freshwater tanks
  • Very green and vibrant
  • Good price

Cons

  • Only comes in specific sizes

If you like a whole lot of aquatic plant life and greenery, this is a background I highly recommend.


2. Blue Black Fish Tank Background

ELEBOX Aquarium Background Blue Black Fish Tank Background Picture 2 Sides Fish...
  • 【High Quality 】Double-sided fish tank background is made from thickened PVC, it is waterproof,...
  • 【Easy trim】This aquarium wallpaper background has a variety of sizes for you to choose. You only...

Whereas the above aquarium background consisted of scenery, this one is just a solid color. Here, you got the blue and black, with the intention being for you to put the black on the bottom and both sides of the tank, with the blue going on the rear.

I personally really like this because it provides for a lot of contrast with my fish and plants, especially the black sides and bottom. I really like the look of it, and I really like the material too.

This is the type of material that should not rip, it does not cause a glare, and it is very easy to clean as well. The only downside with this material is that it is a bit hard to mount on the tank, and requires a bit of practice. If not done properly, you might be left with some unsightly bubbles.

Pros

  • Looks nice
  • Good contrast
  • Affordable
  • Good material

Cons

  • A bit difficult to mount

If you just want to create some stunning contrast, then this is a fantastic background to consider.


3. Foggy Rainforest Aquarium Background

AWERT Tropical Forest Terrarium Background Stream Green Huge Tree Reptile...
  • ❀ Size: 36(W)x18(H)inches/90(W)*45cm(H).
  • ❀ Material: Terrarium Background is made from polyester, it is soft , can be reused, non-glare,...

If you are planning on doing some aquascaping, then this is a background I definitely recommend. What we have here is a green forest background.

If you like the color green, then this is certainly for you. What you get here is a forest background complete with plenty of moss covered trees, a babbling brook, some mossy rocks, and more. This could technically also be used as a terrarium background, but it worked for aquariums just as well.

The defining feature is of course that you have to want a green background. I personally like how this is an HD image, because it makes it look much bigger and deeper, therefore increasing the visual depth of any fish tank. 

Just like with most other types of aquarium backgrounds, this one has to be stuck to the back of the tank from the outside, which is very easy to do. In fact, this is one of the easier to mount options out there.

Furthermore, it is made out of 100% reused polyester, which means that it is durable and easy to clean. It also comes in an extremely wide number of sizes to choose from, but this means that your aquarium does have to fit one of those specific sizes.

Pros

  • Great if you like green
  • Works great for aquascaping
  • Plenty of sizes to choose from
  • Easy to mount
  • Durable and easy to clean

Cons

  • Comes in specific sizes

If you like greenery, then this is a background that you’re going to love!


4. ZIIYAN Aquarium Background

ZIIYAN Aquarium Background, Double Sides Fish Tank Backdrop Decoration Paper...
  • This aquarium background is a PVC paper printed with a double-sided pattern, vibrant colors and...
  • Size: Small: 11.8"(H) x 24.5"(W)(30*62cm),Large: 15.8"(H) x 32.3"(W)(40*82cm). Please make...

What stands out about this particular aquarium background is that it features a double-sided pattern. One side features an extremely green and vibrant aquascape that is full of plant life and a few rocks. This is ideal for freshwater aquariums.

There is also the other side, which features corals and ocean life, therefore being ideal for marine fish tanks. It’s just really convenient, because you can flip it around as you see fit.

Just like with most of the other models on our list today, this background also features a great high-definition image, which helps to really make the tank look a lot bigger. Keep in mind however that this option comes in two specific sizes, one of which is 11.8 by 24.5 inches, and the other of which is 15.8 by 32.3 inches.

It is also very easy to stick to the back of your tank, because it features simple adhesive paper to attach to the exterior. Keep in mind however that it cannot be used in the water, and it is a single use product only. If you take it off the tank, it will not stick again.

Pros

  • Double sided
  • HD image
  • Makes fish tank look bigger
  • Easy cleaning
  • Rip resistant
  • Good price

Cons

  • Only a couple of sizes to choose from

If you like super colorful and vibrant aquarium backgrounds, this is one I recommend taking a closer look at.


5. Undersea Aquarium Background

AWERT Undersea Aquarium Background Sunshine Underwater Ocean Floor Fish Tank...
  • ❀ Size: 48(W)x20(H)inches/120(W)*50cm(H).
  • ❀ Material: Terrarium Background is made from polyester, it is soft , can be reused, non-glare,...

What we have here is a very simple undersea background. Technically speaking, most people would probably use this for a marine aquarium, but I personally very much like it for freshwater aquariums as well. 

It features a light blue watery landscape with rays of sun penetrating the surface of the water, complete with sandy white substrate at the bottom.

It’s a great option to go with if you just want something basic and neutral that will allow your brightly colored fish and plants to stick out. There are many sizes to choose from, ranging from 24 by 12 inches all the way up to 72 by 24 inches.

I do really like how this is a high-definition image, because it looks extremely clear, and it does a great job at making the aquarium look much bigger. Just like all of the other backgrounds on the list today, I’ve also chosen this one because you can just easily stick it right to the back of the tank.

Pros

  • Bright and blue
  • Easy to mount
  • Rip resistant fabric
  • Many sizes to choose from
  • Affordable price

Cons

  • Some people may not like it for freshwater tanks

If a beautiful blue background is what you want, then this is likely the best option for you!


Aquarium Backgrounds Buyers Guide: What To Look Out For

Before you choose any aquarium background, there are a few important factors you should pay attention to.

Size

One of the biggest issues with aquarium backgrounds is that they generally all come in very specific sizes, which means that you need to choose one that fits your aquarium. 

Angelfish aquarium fish in the green algae

Yes, these usually come in standard sizes, but there are so many different options to choose from, as well as many different sizes of aquariums, that getting them to match can be a problem. This is of course the most important thing for you to look out for.

The Style

This is obviously more a matter of personal preference than anything else. That said, you do want to carefully consider what aquarium background you want to get, because more likely than not, once you have it, you’ll be stuck with it. 

Therefore, carefully consider the aquarium background compared to the type of fish and plants that you want to put inside of the tank. They should fit nicely with each other.

The Material

Generally speaking, you want something that is made out of either polyester or vinyl, as both are very durable and easy to clean. Whatever the case, make sure that the material in question is at least water resistant.

Mounting

The vast majority of aquarium backgrounds have to be mounted to the rear of aquariums using either adhesive paper or tape. Different backgrounds have slightly different adhesion methods, so pay close attention and consider what would be the easiest for you.

Image Quality

The unfortunate reality is that there are plenty of cheap aquarium backgrounds out there that just don’t look very nice. Therefore, I always recommend going for a high definition image that is clear and crisp, and will help make your aquarium look a bit bigger.