Covering aquarium sides, what do you use?

[M249saw]

Since I'm pulling the substrate in my 20g long I figured I would redo the outside as well. I'm currently using black construction paper on the back and sides, from the bottom all the way to the top.

Does anyone have any better ideas and would you recommend covering the whole front as well or just high enough so it's just a little over my hatchling's head?

Thanks,
Kyle

 

[Yvonne G]

Hi Kyle:

You can use whatever pleases you. We've used newspaper, butcher paper, felt, shelf liner. I only cover a few inches. Just where he can't see out.

 

[ZEROPILOT]

I haven't found that I've ever needed to do so. My baby R/F have never had issues with clear sides.

 

[M249saw]

My Eastern Box would keep trying to push his way out of the glass. He hasn't since I've covered the sides.

 

[oscar]

If you are heating the inside of tank I would suggest insulating your tank by getting a sheet of 1/2 inch styrofoam cutting it to fit outside of tank and over your construction paper and use rubberbands hooked together to make one long one and use it to hold the styrofoam against tank. I use a sheet of styrofoam under my tank as well and helps to hold heat in and my CHE which is attached to a heat controller does not cycle thru as often. Disregard if heating your tank is not necessary for you.

 

[leopard777]

black sticker or window film

 

[oscar]

The styrofoam I use is white in color and can buy it at Home Depot, lowes or other home improvement stores you can get a 4'x8' sheet or buy a pack of 2' x3' . It is the same material that styrofoam cups are made out of.. It cuts
Easily using a razor knife and straight edge.

 

[M249saw]

I seem to able to regulate temps pretty well as I'm in central Florida and my house doesn't get below 70 degrees.

 

[Michael in MO]

I've used the aquarium landscape paper that's designed for the backs of fishtanks (cut down to about 4 inches high). Not sure if they make it anymore but it sure beats boring construction paper or newsprint