A question

[Barbzie]

I just acquired a cute pet, a bearded dragon, who lives in an aquarium. I want to paint my own backdrop to attach to the back of the aquarium. Does anyone have any ideas of what kind of canvas I could use??? and also, how I could attach it to the glass aquarium??? I first thought foamboard, until I read that it warps, etc. I would appreciate any ideas!!! thank you.

[colin]

why not do a reverse-glass painting ? just paint backwards on the other side of the glass . It makes a neat effect , a little like stained glass, and was a very popular hobby type thing for Victorian ladies to do back in the 1800's .

If you do a conventional painting couldnt ya just tape the canvas neatly to the back side ? that way it wouldnt warp or buckle.

[mick11]

Hi Barbzie,

Anything painted on the back, or attached to the back of an aquarium looks awful. Try and find pictures of the natural habitat of your new pet and reproduce this in the aquarium , using natural stone, foliage etc. You can use silicon glue to stick things together.
Not only a framer, but have a pet snake. I used to keep, breed and show exotic fish, and painted backgrounds were an absolute no-no.
If you need more information on this you can email me

[jtholden]

I have had both backdrops on mine - one 55 gal aquarium that was painted white (hid the cords etc) and frankly, it looked great. Never had a problem with it. If plain jane white looked ok - I would think a jazzed up version would be 'greater'!!!I now have a newer aquarium and did not have the time to do much with it. I could not stand the hokey super fake backdrops they had at the fish store. SO I went out on a limb (sarcasm) and found a black premade backdrop. It looks great... I cas see perhaps that sort of thing may not be professional but if your new friend will not be venturing to shows -- just staying around the home... well, why not? Maybe Mick can shed some additional light on this....

[mick11]

Hi,
You can basically have any type of backdrop you like, it just looks so much better if you can reproduce in miniature, the natural habitat of the pet. Think of the difference between plastic plants and the real thing and you will get the general Idea. You can use a painted backdrop as the background, then cover as much as possible with natural material on the inside.

[jtholden]

thanks!!