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How to Attach a Backdrop to an Aquarium

Backdrops add depth and beauty to an aquarium, and they also hide filters, tubing and power cords, which are unattractive when visible. Fish are comforted by a backdrop as they know there is one direction from which an enemy is not going to approach. Backdrops also help reduce algae growth by reducing the amount of sunlight in the aquarium. Installing a backdrop in your aquarium is easy if you follow a few simple steps.

Things You'll Need

Soap
Sponge
Towel
Backdrop
Utility knife
Clear water-resistant tape

Instructions

- 1
  Empty the tank of water and turn the aquarium upside down.
- 2
  Place the back side of the aquarium facing you and wash the outside of the glass with a sponge, soap and warm water, then dry it with a towel.
- 3
  Turn and align the backdrop so it faces the aquarium.
- 4
  Trim, with the utility knife, the top edge of the background to the size that lets it slip right under the rim at the top of the aquarium. Put a strip of clear, water-resistant tape across the top edge of the background to hold it in place, and create a tight seal to prevent water from leaking in between the background and aquarium.
- 5
  Use the utility knife to cut the sides of the background to fit the aquarium. Cut pieces of clear water-resistant tape to the length of the sides of the backdrop and tape them to the aquarium.
- 6
  Cut the bottom edge of the background to fit snuggly into the aquarium bottom rim. Cut a piece of clear water-resistant tape to the length of the bottom of the backdrop and tape it to the aquarium.
- 7
  Turn the aquarium upright and fill with water.

Animals & Science