Aquarium back

[fishandcards]

I am setting up a new tank and was tryign to figure out what to do with the back - I know I can spray paint, but am worried if I do blue or black, that the tank would be too dark (I am using black substrate and dark rocks).

Any comments on making it a mirror?  I have found a way to do it (mirrored window tint film that I may even get for free).  I like the idea as it will give the appearance of a bigger tank, more fish, and help make sure it is not too dark (I am putting together my own light fixture so can cortol the amount of lighting pretty easily).

My question is, will this stress out the fish?  I am planning on stocking with Saulosi, Rusties, and Cyno Afra......

[Steve]

I've seen mirrored back tanks before and personally never cared for it. Too disco/70's looking for my taste  Plus I dunno if the fish will like the reflection of themselves or not, could stress them a bit maybe. If you are doing black sand and dark rocks then look into a medium gray paint for the background. That will lighten up and contrast nicely yet still give it a more natural setting.

[Ron]

I'd always figured it'd stress them out. They'd spend much of the day trying to fight their reflections. 

[Super Turtleman]

I would paint it blue. It looks great with black sand. Not too dark IMO.

[jcunningham0295]

I would paint it blue. It looks great with black sand. Not too dark IMO.

I agree.  I use deep blue and it looks great with dark sand.

[Helloitsme]

I use the non shiny side of Aluminum Foil.

[cranialdisturbance]

I use cake foil, also sold as florist's foil.  It is an embossed aluminum foil that is available in a number of different colors.  I was able to find it on amazon.  It is also quite inexpensive.