Universal Rocks Background

Ridgerider · Post by **Ridgerider** » Sat Oct 12, 2024 7:31 pm

I've decided on a Universal Rocks background for my tank. I think they look great and it's a lot easier than stripping the paint off my 125. Plus, I can just slide it over the current black background. I've had that black background for years and I'm a bit nervous about the peppering, so a change sounds good. I'm going with the slim one - it's available in Grey, brown, and castle rock grey. The castle rock grey has a grey base with some brown and orange in it. I ordered their samples, but they were pretty small and didn't give me much to go on. I'll be using a thin layer of white sand substrate. I'd love to hear your thoughts on which color would work best with discus. I'm leaning towards blue strains, but there'll be some other colors mixed in too.

elixir · Post by **elixir** » Sat Oct 12, 2024 9:49 pm

Re: Universal Rocks Background

I think same-strain tanks have a certain appeal, but there's something about a color-based tank that really catches my eye. A mix of blue strains, for instance, can be stunning. Imagine a 125 with a mix of blue turqs, cobalts, blue diamonds, a silver pigeon, and a couple of blue snakeskins - it's a beautiful combination.

As for the 3D backgrounds, don't worry too much about peppering. Your substrate will play a bigger role in how they look, and to be honest, a bit of peppering can actually add to the overall aesthetic. The discus will still be the stars of the show, and they'll look amazing regardless.

I've recently ordered some standing logs from Aquadecor for an upcoming build, and I'll be sure to share my thoughts on them once I've had a chance to try them out.

lunar · Post by **lunar** » Sat Oct 12, 2024 10:11 pm

Re: Universal Rocks Background
I've also got black backgrounds in my discus tanks. Not sure if that's the cause of peppering, but my pigeons are definitely doing it. I'm curious to see how your new background turns out. Looking forward to some pics.

Ridgerider · Post by **Ridgerider** » Sat Oct 12, 2024 10:50 pm

Re: Universal Rocks Background

Thanks for the discus suggestions, sounds like a great mix.

Ridgerider · Post by **Ridgerider** » Sun Oct 13, 2024 12:58 am

Re: Universal Rocks Background

I'm leaning towards the grey or castle rock grey, I think it'll complement the blue strains nicely. I've got my heart set on a mix of colors, but blue will be the main focus. I'll be sure to share some pics once everything is set up and settled. Thanks again for the input.

silence · Post by **silence** » Sun Oct 13, 2024 2:38 am

Re: Universal Rocks Background

I've had experience with Universal Rocks backgrounds in the past, specifically with a group of discus. In my opinion, the substrate is more of a concern, so keep it light. The backgrounds themselves are fantastic, they look incredibly natural in person. I opted for a grayish color and it complemented my mixed discus strains nicely. I wouldn't hesitate to choose one again.

wilde · Post by **wilde** » Sun Oct 13, 2024 4:22 am

Originally posted by elixir

...But I feel the prettiest is a color based tank with multiple blue strains together. In a 125 something like 4 blue turqs, 3 cobalts, 3 blue diamonds, a silver pigeon, and maybe 2 blue snakeskins...

That sounds like an amazing setup.