Aquarium backgrounds
3D Backgrounds for Aquariums, Terrariums & Paludariums – Complete Guide
Add depth, hide equipment, and create a natural look in minutes. CeramicNature 3D backgrounds are colorfast, safe for animals, and suitable for aquariums, terrariums, and paludariums. They can be bonded with aquarium-safe silicone and cut to size quickly with a fine angle grinder disc. On this page you’ll find the key benefits, a step-by-step installation, sizing tips, maintenance guidance, and a troubleshooting section.
Benefits · Collections · Installation · Sizing & Fit · Compatibility · Maintenance · Troubleshooting · FAQ
Why choose a 3D background?
- Realistic relief: natural rock and root textures with true depth.
- Colorfast surface: pigments remain stable under water and in high humidity.
- Hides equipment: neatly routes cables, inlets/outlets, and heaters behind the panel for a clean front view.
- Safe & easy to clean: wipe or brush algae off the sealed surface.
- Multi-use: works in aquariums, terrariums, and paludariums (great grip for epiphytes and mosses).
Choose your CeramicNature 3D background
-
Standard (rock & wood blend) – versatile relief with subtle root accents.
View Standard -
Rock Grey – cooler stone palette, ideal for mountain/river biotopes.
View Rock Grey -
Root – pronounced tree-root look with warm tones.
View Root -
Rock (brown) – classic, deep rock relief with natural pockets and ledges.
View Rock
How to install (6 steps)
- Dry-fit – place the background, mark cut-outs for inlets, outlets, heater, and cable pathways.
- Cut to size – use an angle grinder with a fine disc to cut/shape; lightly sand edges and remove dust.
- Degrease – clean both glass and panel contact areas (dust-free, grease-free).
- Bond – apply aquarium-safe silicone in beads; press the panel firmly against the glass.
- Fix – tape/clamp while curing and respect the manufacturer’s cure time (typically 24–48 h).
- Fill & test – fill slowly, check circulation and equipment hidden behind the panel.
Sizing, thickness & fit
The backgrounds lightweight but heavier than water and rigid, so they sit flush against the glass.
| Aquarium size | How many parts? | Dept background | Silicone guidance* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60–120 cm | In 1 part | 4-5cm | ~1 cartridge |
| 120–200cm | in 2 parts | 4-5cm | ~1 cartridge |
*Indicative usage. Actual silicone required depends on bead thickness and contact area.
Compatibility
- Aquariums: glass and most acrylic tanks.
- Water types: freshwater.
- Terrarium & paludarium: high-humidity environments are fine; the relief surface provides grip for mosses and epiphytes.
Maintenance & care
- Brush algae with a soft brush or sponge. Avoid metal scrapers on textured relief.
- For terrariums/paludariums, rinse with water and wipe—no harsh chemicals.
- If you ever remove the panel: cut silicone with a thin blade/line; scrape residue from the glass carefully.
Troubleshooting
- Trimming looks rough after cutting: sand the edge lightly and touch up the cut with a fine pass on the grinder or add some silicone and add sand on top.
FAQ
Are CeramicNature 3D backgrounds colorfast?
Yes. Pigments are locked into the surface layer to keep a stable appearance under water and in high humidity.
Can I trim the background to size?
Yes. Use an angle grinder (fine disc), then lightly sand the edge and remove dust before bonding.
Does this work for terrariums or paludariums?
Absolutely. The relief is ideal for humidity and provides grip for plants and climbing species.
Quick links
Need help choosing?
Send us a photo of your tank and dimensions—our team will recommend the best background and cut-out plan for your setup.
Written by the CeramicNature team (est. 2017). Handmade décor made in Europe and the Netherlands.
