Fish Tank Background Paper? What for it’s 2025 not 1850 When Peoples Fish Only Survived 2 Nights!

Fish Tank Background Paper is not the ideal product for creating a stunning aquarium. Paper doesn’t adhere to glass easily. Glue isn’t an option, sticky tape becomes unstuck very quickly.

In 1850 fish tank background paper may have been an option but not in 2025. To find out everything about fish tank and aquarium backgrounds, be sure to check the link. That article is the most extensive resource on backgrounds currently available.

We have created a table for you, comparing the qualities of a fish tank background paper and a all new static vinyl fish tank background. It will easily show you, what each type of background, is able to achieve for your tank.

Why Fish Tank Background Paper Is No Good As An Aquarium Background

A Good Background Should	Fish Tank Background Paper	Static Vinyl Fish Tank Background
Waterproof and Stay Fixed 12 months	no	yes
Creates a backdrop for the tank	yes	yes
Is easy to apply	no	yes
Clearly Visible from the front	no	yes
Is reusable	no	yes
Requires Adhesive	yes	no
Comes in 100s of designs	no	yes
Requires Cutting	yes	no
Score	1 out of 8	8 out of 8

1850 Fish Only Survived In Tanks a Couple of Days, Fish Tank Background Paper Would Have Worked For Them!

The aquariums of the 1850s had thick dusty type glass, nothing like glass of today. They had no filtration, didn’t know about temperature being important or ph and kg in their tanks. They mixed different species together that were totally incompatable. I’m not sure if sticky tape was invented then, and even if it was, a paper fish tank background still would have been a poor job then as it does now.

As you see from our table there is no comparison between a static vinyl fish tank background and a paper fish tank background.

See part 2 of our video on the first aquariums

This short video dives into the surprising history of early fishkeeping—when tanks were little more than glass boxes and aquarists had no idea how to cycle water or maintain healthy conditions.

Keeping fish in the 1850s was far different from today. Without filters, heaters, or any understanding of the nitrogen cycle, it was almost inevitable that fish would die within days.

Fast forward to now, and things couldn’t be more different. With a few modern tools—and the right decorative background—you can create a stunning, healthy aquarium that lasts for years.

👉 Want to see how to upgrade your own tank? Check out our vinyl background collection for instant designs that make your aquarium look professional and beautiful.

A Paper Fish Tank Background Incomparable To Static Vinyl

There you have it. We told you why you should steer clear of using a fish tank background paper, as a backdrop and why static vinyl is the best choice. We also showed you part 2 of our short video series on the first fish tanks in history, and one women who managed to keep coral alive for 3 years, using what would become the fish tank cycle, or nitrogen cycle. Go check out part 1 now. First aquariums in 1850’s

She did far better than a paper fish tank background would have achieved in those days balancing on the back of a tank. ( Well no tape or glue so a hammer and nail was not a choice, so balancing under a good maybe)

Please Subscribe For $10 Off

Thanks for having some fun with us today. Subscribe and get $10 off your first background for a limited time. Why not go back to this post here and check out part 1 of our short video. Thanks for dropping by. Sharon.