My 55 Gallon

haha nice tank but miss your rtc

 

Looks like you could use some plants.

 

I'd say to add some plants and change the background,, The gravel can always come out well

 

I'd swap the background, add some driftwood (pleco will benefit from it), and put some nice plants in (swords) and that should perk up the looks of the tank
Depending on the type of Pleco your probably going to have to go with artificial on the plants though (that is a pleco I am seeing to the left?).
Endless affordable possibilities!

 

I'd go a light blue (If your buying from lfs they normally have on that is a lighter blue and the other side is black)...and I know Oceanvisions has a superb looking blue!
If your looking for the cheap way out you can use just about anything (aluminum foil, shower curtain/shower curtain lininig, tablecloth..solid plastic ones like the $1.00 ones you get at the party store or $1 tree work great & they're only a buck...so if you don't like them they're cheap to swap out, project poster board <the foam stuff that kids use to display science projects that opens into 3 sections>, ...i'm sure you get the idea)

Typically I like black because it hides your equipment, but with the black in the angelfish & the darkness color of the pleco I think it may hide them also. Lol!

 

Yeah, I like the black too and have thought about recommending it but you are right, the angels will probably be hidden.

 

Your welcome! The main thing is that it is something you like.
Plus, like I said IF you go the cheap route and get the shower curtains or party tablecloths you can swap them out and test multiples for a few bucks.

 

And just to add, if you go cheap and find the color you like.... paint is always a great option! It looks MUCH better than plastic BUT it is rather permanent (it can be changed... just not easy). I suggest if you go that route, you find the perfect color.

 

Yep, I've heard nothing but good things about Krylon Fusion spray paint. Granted, theirs others out there too. In the past I cut shower board (melamine) to the size of my tank and taped the background onto it..that way it was easy to change out when I got bored with a background. Plus, you can even paint directly onto it which is also nice...and if you buy plain ole' cheap white at somewhere like homedepot or lowes it alone provides a very bright background.

 

ps. I have read that many even use it on their intakes to make them match/blend in with the background once one is found that is acceptable. I myself am wary of that idea, but as I've stated I have read NUMEROUS blogs where others have. Whatever you do, just make sure it's something YOU like...that's the most important part.